Sending your child to walk the family dog may seem like just another everyday things. You may feel that it is a great way to burn off some energy in both your child and dog while providing great exercise. However, not all children are ready for this type of responsibility. There is no “right” age to when it is okay for your child to take on the responsibility of walking the dog but there are some factors you can take into consideration before sending your child and dog out on the streets.
Consider the neighborhood you live in. Is it a quiet neighborhood or a heavily traffic area. If it has heavy traffic there are the dangers of accidents and stranger danger. If your child is not stranger danger savvy, no matter what type of neighborhood you live in, it is best you walk with your child while walking the dog.
Some other things to consider are:
- Are there adequate sidewalks in your neighborhood and will your child and dog have to cross any busy roads in their walk?
- Does your child know how to properly clean up after your dog?
- Does your child have the strength to steer the dog away from neighbors gardens and yards?
- Does your child have the strength to control your dog should it bolt after another dog or animal?
- Is your dog well trained and obey commands from your child consistently?
The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.
We would also love to have you connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Doggie-Corral on Facebook
Doggie-Corral on Twitter
I have another tip to add to your list. Make sure your child weighs more than the dog he's supposed to be walking. The neighbors let their 3 year old walk their lab. He's a full grown dog and usually well behaved. Even though they were with the child, they didn't reach him before the dog bolted because of a firecracker that was lit very near where they were at. The child was pulled, effortlessly I might add, and sustained some serious injuries that resulted in a trip to the ER to get some stitches. Come on people, that's why they call them accidents!
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. My dog obeys commands from me immediately, not from the kids. If they want to walk the dog, they come with me and hold onto the lead while I hold on to the strap. Maybe when they are older, maybe mid to late teens. Things can happen without warning and they wouldn't know how to react.
ReplyDeleteI've always let my kids come with me when I walk our dog. I turn the reins over to them and help with commands and control techniques. I think my 2 boys are quite capable of walking the dog by themselves. I'm still working with my daughter. She is younger and smaller and the dog doesn't respond to her as well, but I'm sure she will get better at it with time.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the dog and on the child. Obviously the child should out weigh the dog and be old enough to handle a surprise situation like the presence of an aggressive dog or your dog wanting to chase another animal or car. Small children should not be walking a dog, no matter how small the dog is. I think this is a common sense call.
ReplyDelete