At what age is it better to have a dog for a child - a 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 caring for a pet begins with doing the simplest things. For example, take care of yourself and your loved ones. And invite him to answer "yes" or "no" to the questions: 1. I can wash floors myself. 2. I wash the floors or help my parents do it every day. 3. I can vacuum myself. 4. I dust or help my parents do it every day 5. I can wash dishes. 6. I wash the dishes or help my parents do it every day. 7. I get up on my own every morning. 8. I bathe on my own and do all the necessary hygiene procedures without my parents' reminders. 9. I walk outside in any weather. 10. I take care of my shoes myself. I wash it and wipe it with a dry cloth. And now we evaluate the results. The answer is "Yes" to 9-10 questions: you are independent and know how to take care of others. You can be relied upon and entrusted with real responsibility. The answer is "Yes" to 7-8 questions: you are quite independent, but caring for others is not yet your strong point. A little effort, and you will achieve success. The answer is "Yes" to 6 or less questions: your level of independence is still insufficient. Patience and work will help you achieve what you want.A photo: provided by the project "1" AF "class" In addition, to be sure of the child’s sincere desire to have a dog, invite the 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 breeders will be very useful. There is even an educational project designed specifically for children - "1" AF "class". This is an online course in which children are told where the dogs came from, get acquainted with different breeds, talk about the health of pets, nutrition, content, discipline and training. And the theory must be supplemented with practice. After all, a child may not fully understand how important and responsible an occupation is to be a dog owner. It is important to give the child to try their hand at work. Washing floors, bowls and paws, vacuuming, getting up early in the morning, going for a walk in any weather is 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.