Activities that dogs and children can do together
8 ideas for puppies and little ones to entertain themselves and strengthen their bond
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOGS AND CHILDREN
Approximate reading time: 7 minutes
Their energy, their curiosity, their desire to try new things... Children and dogs have many things in common, and that is why the relationship that is created between them is very special. Both benefit greatly from spending time together. For children, having a dog in the family is an excellent opportunity to learn about loyalty, respect, responsibility and limits. Furthermore, according to several scientific studies, children who live with dogs are less likely to feel alone, feel safer and more protected, and have better self-esteem.
The furry ones, for their part, usually really enjoy the company of children, since they always want to play and pamper them. Although, depending on the age or temperament of the dog, children's enthusiasm and energy can stress them out. That is why it is very important to teach the little ones in the house to respect the needs of pets, treat them well and, why not, involve them in their education. In short, children and dogs are excellent companions, and together they can motivate each other to exercise, stimulate each other, accompany each other and give each other a lot of love.
Table of contents
1- Create unforgettable moments between your children and your dog
2- What dog breeds are best to play with children?
Create unforgettable moments between your children and your dog
If you had a dog in your childhood, you surely remember it with a lot of love and nostalgia. And there are so many happy moments that a child can experience with their pet... Not to mention the values they learn from dogs, such as loyalty, and the responsibility they acquire by learning to care for and educate them.
In this article we give you some ideas so that your little ones and your furry friends can spend quality time together doing fun and enriching activities for both of them. You'll see how much fun they have! Of course, first of all, you must educate your child about appropriate behavior towards the animal: do not hit, yell, pull the tail or ears, do not touch their food and pay attention to their warning signals, such as showing its teeth or growling). Furthermore, we recommend that these activities are always carried out under the supervision of an adult, especially the first times or if the child is still learning to treat the animal correctly.
Play hide and seek
It is one of the most classic games to play with children, but did you know that you can also teach your furry friend to participate in this activity? First, try to get him to learn the dynamics. Once you have worked on the “search” signal, show him a ball or a toy that he really likes, let him sniff it and, while another person entertains him, hide it somewhere not too difficult so that your dog can find it, since Otherwise, the game will be frustrating for him. Once you are clear about how it works, explain the steps to your little one and let him hide the object, give him the signal to search and go after the dog while he tries to locate it. This game of hide and seek is very exciting for both children and dogs. Your pet will practice obedience and feel challenged and stimulated, while your little one will develop their intelligence and have a lot of fun. Remember to teach your child that, when the dog finds the object, they will have to reward it with petting or snacks.
Walks together
Walking is an essential activity in any dog's routine, and what better way to take advantage than to have your little one accompany you so they can enjoy the outdoors and a little exercise. In the age of digital entertainment in which we live, your dog can become a stimulus to make a family plan outside. During the walk with your pet, you can teach your child how to use the leash without pulling, that you have to pick up the poop and that you should let the animal sniff and walk wherever it wants. If the child is small or the dog does not know how to walk calmly next to you, we do not recommend that he wear the leash in an open space, as they could accidentally let go of it. However, you can let your little one practice using the leash in a safe area, such as a garden or even around the house. Walking together will strengthen the bond between your child and your pet, and sharing this daily routine together can be highly beneficial for the mental and physical health of both.
Share a bathroom
Is there anything more relaxing than a good bath? If your little one is one of those who never wants to get into the bathtub, they may need extra motivation, such as bathing in the company of his best friend. For this activity, we recommend that you brush your furry friend first to remove any dirt that may be stuck to them and avoid knots in the coat if it is one of those with long coats. Your little one can help you with this task. Then, fill the bathtub with water that is not too hot and let your two loves splash around and enjoy the water. Be careful about using products that are not suitable for your dog.
Play with balls
A ball, a toy, a rubber bone... Choose the object that your dog likes the most and teach your child to throw it so that they can bring it back, always in a safe and quiet area. This exercise is very simple and is very stimulating for dogs if we do it properly. Plus, your child will have a great time watching their pet run and jump. The most important thing is to convey to your child that they must ask the dog to sit before throwing the ball and that they must reward with petting or treats when they bring it back. We recommend that you combine this game with other activities to avoid developing an obsession with the ball in your dog.
Set up an obstacle course
If you have a garden or a large terrace, organizing an obstacle course or gymkhana for your dog is easier than you think. Some old boxes, some toys as “bait”, a broomstick on two chairs to pass under or a tower of books for the high jump. Use your imagination and, working with your little one, create your personalized agility circuit. The process will be very fun, and your furry friend will also have a great time facing the different obstacles. This type of activity is very beneficial for dogs, both physically and mentally. It can help your child develop their creativity while devising the different parts of the gymkhana. In addition to keeping it entertaining and super fun. Oh, and don't forget the awards to congratulate them for how well they do it. Do you like the idea?
Blow bubbles
If you are looking for a more relaxed activity for dogs and children, you just have to buy several kits to make soap bubbles. The image of the bubbles shooting through the air in all directions is magical and fun for children, especially if they are the ones blowing them, something they can do if they are not too small. Your dog will also have a great time trying to catch the bubbles, exercising and jumping non-stop.
Activities with water
If it's hot, it's best to cool down with a little water. A simple hose can turn a boring summer afternoon into a super fun time with your pet and your little one. Sprinklers are also useful if you have them in your garden, or for the luckier ones, a good swim in the pool. Always remember to supervise dogs and children and be attentive to any signs of discomfort in both of them.
Training sessions
Rainy afternoon at home? What's better than spending time teaching your dog some tricks, a process in which, of course, children can participate. Explain how signals and positive reinforcement work and train your dog to do any tricks in which the child participates, as long as it does not pose a risk to them. Getting children involved in dog training is highly beneficial for strengthening their bond. In addition, it will help them learn more about canine behaviour, which will greatly improve their relationship and coexistence at home.
What dog breeds are best for playing with children?
The truth is that the good relationship between children and dogs not only depends on the breeds of these animals, but also on a correct socialization process being carried out in the puppy stage. It is advisable to take advantage of the first months of the dog's life to expose them to all types of situations and people, including children, who, due to their behavior, tend to be a more intense stimulus for them. In this way, they will become a much more flexible adult dog and can easily become a great friend for the little ones. Of course, some dog breeds, due to their character and vitality, are perfect for playing with children. The Australian Cobberdog has a very affectionate, playful and adaptable temperament, which makes them the ideal companion for a child, in addition to having a hypoallergenic coat that does not shed hair. The Labrador and the golden.