Dogs and kids

Joey and Jack

This is my grandson Joey playing with one of our dogs, Jack!  They LOVE to play ball together. Jack is patient and caring with Joey and Joey is learning to be patient and caring with Jack.  Dogs seem to be born with these qualities; kids sometimes not so much.  However, one of the things that is so great about having kids and dogs is that the dogs are great teachers if we let them be.  And dogs are great examples!

Dogs always love someone, even when they are left behind or ignored.  They will sacrifice their own comfort for the people they love.  And they are always happy to see their people when they return. 

Adult supervision is necessary because the dogs will allow the kids to do things that can be hurtful, simply because of the love they have for their kids.  Or, if the dog has no other way to protect itself, it could cross a line and cause harm as well in the wrong circumstances.

Kids are often oblivious to what is going on outside their own little circle.  They can learn to stretch that circle and be loving and caring human beings if they are encourage to be.  That's where dogs come in.  The encouragement the kids get from their best friends helps them to build skills and qualities that will last a lifetime.