A couple of weeks ago one of my sons, who lives in a nearby Boston suburb, called to tell me that they had just purchased a puppy. This was at the insistence of my eight-year-old granddaughter Lily. I was pleased at this because of my own and my wife’s love of dogs (we have a thirteen year-old miniature Dachshund that we have had since he was a pup) and because the research shows that having a pet can have long lasting benefits for children. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, having a pet can contribute to a child’s sense of self esteem and self confidence. In addition a positive relationship with a pet can be extended to positive relationships with other children and adults. Moreover, a pet can teach a child to respond to non-verbal communication (e.g., tail wagging as opposed to tail between the legs.) Last but not least, having a pet can teach responsibility and respect for living things.

But there are cautions and responsibilities that go along with dog (I limit this blog to dogs for reasons of space) ownership. Young children, under the age of 3 or 4, should not be left alone with a dog, because they may be, unwittingly, too aggressive and invite a nasty response. Likewise children under the age of nine or ten are not really able to care for a large dog. In addition, parents have to monitor the care of the pet, because it takes time for children to learn that care has to be consistent. Young children particularly need to be taught to be gentle with a pet. Fortunately, Lily has learned responsibility and gentleness because her mother raises chickens and Lily has learned to feed them and play gently with the young chicks.

Children learn best by example so it is important for us as adults to provide a positive model of pet ownership. This means training the dog to obey commands, to do his or her business while on a walk or on a training pad, and to make sure the dog has required shots and medication. It is also important to avoid the temptation to over feed the dog and to place feeding on a very regular schedule. When you bring a dog home it becomes part of the family and should be petted, played with, and exercised on a very regular basis.

Dogs, and other pets, give us so much more than they receive. If we treat them well, they love us unconditionally and forgive us our sins. For children owning a well cared for dog is a true blessing.