At what age is it better for a child to get a dog - psychologist

He whines and roars, sadly watcheseach shaggy beast on a leash ... Any child, sooner or later, ignites a desire to have a pet. Most often, the object of dreams is just a dog, which can become not only a partner in games, but also a true devoted friend. Take this request seriously. Perhaps these are not empty words, but a real need, behind which loneliness, lack of parental love, or a desire to be needed by someone are hidden. Indeed, even in the most seemingly prosperous families a child can be alone. But how to distinguish a whim from a real need? About this Woman’s Day told Natalia Barlozhetskaya, an independent child psychologist and TV presenter.The usual whim passes pretty quickly. It is enough for parents to list the duties that will need to be undertaken in caring for the animal. Walking, training and feeding a dog are pleasant chores, but not every child is ready to clean heaps and puddles behind a puppy, vacuum the sofa and doggy place from the wool, wash the bowls. If the kid is persistent in his desire and is ready for any sacrifice for the dog, invite him to take a small test.Photo: Getty Images There is such a questionnaire: "I can and do." First explain to your child that taking care of a pet begins with the ability to do the simplest things. For example, take care of yourself and your loved ones. And ask him to answer "yes" or "no" to the questions: 1. I can wash the floors myself.2. I wash the floor or help my parents do it every day. I can vacuum myself.4. I clean the dust or help my parents do it every day.5. I can wash dishes. I wash the dishes or help my parents do it every day. I independently get up every morning. I bathe myself and perform all the necessary hygienic procedures without reminding the parents.9. I walk on the street in any weather. I myself take care of my shoes. I wipe it with a dry cloth. And now we evaluate the results. Answer “Yes” to 9–10 questions: you are independent and can take care of others. You can rely on and entrust real responsibility. Answer “Yes” to 7–8 questions: you are independent enough, but taking care of others is not your strength yet. It is a little effort, and you will achieve success. The answer is “Yes” to 6 or less questions: the level of your independence is still insufficient. Patience and work will help achieve the desired.Photo:provided by the project "1" Af "class" In addition, to make sure that your child sincerely wants to have a dog, invite your child to learn more about what it means to become the owner of a four-legged friend. Books, magazines, articles on the Internet, educational videos and communication with other dog owners will be very useful. There is even an educational project developed specifically for children - "1" Af "class". This is an online course in which children are told where dogs come from, introduced to different breeds, talk about the health of pets, nutrition, features of keeping, discipline and training. And the theory must be supplemented with practice. After all, a child may not fully understand how important and responsible this occupation is - to be a dog owner. It is important to let the child try his hand at it. Washing floors, bowls and paws, vacuuming, getting up early in the morning, going for a walk in any weather - a real test for a child. If he does or is ready to do all this, it is no longer a whim, but a real need.