Pet Pointers: Encouraging Children to be Responsible Pet Owners

Every parent has heard the words "I want a dog!" from their kids, to which parents reply with "you have to feed it, walk it and play with it." Although parents may believe getting a pet will help instill responsibility into their children, it is imperative to properly prepare both yourself and your children for the responsibilities that come with having a family pet.

To help prepare families and children everywhere, Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, the nation's largest pet care franchise, has provided helpful tips on how to educate children to become responsible pet owners.

• Proper Feedings: Dogs need food, too! Dogs need to be fed two times per day. If dogs aren't fed, they get hungry and can become ill. This means that you will have to wake up in the morning to make sure they have breakfast and feed them dinner before you take them on an evening walk.

• Exercise: Dogs need walks! It is best for dogs to be walked twice a day, for at least 30 minutes per walk. There are days that it will be rainy and yucky, but you still have to take your pup for a stroll. You might be tired after school, but you are still going to have to take your dog out and get them exercise.

• Dog Waste: Dogs need to go potty, and you'll need to clean it up. Just like humans, dogs go "poop." If you are on a walk, you will need to carry bags to pick it up after they go. If the dog goes potty in the yard, you will have to make sure you pick it up and throw it away. Although it is not a fun job, it is a basic part of being a responsible pet "parent."

• Cleaning & Grooming: Just like you need to take a shower or bath because you get dirty and stinky, so do dogs. You will need to make sure that your dog gets a bath regularly, that you clip their nails so they don't get long, and that you comb or brush them regularly. If they get in mud, dirt or something else, you will need to give them a bath right away. You can't wait until your favorite TV show is over or until you are ready to.

• Training is Essential: Are you ready to take your dog to training once a week? Dogs have brains just like humans do, and they need to be given time to do some thinking. From proper sitting, petting and behavior around children and guests training your dog, or bringing them to a professional trainer will allow them to become a well behaved pet that you can bring around others.