My four kids have been begging us to get a dog for many, many years. Every time they asked, I had a slew of very valid reasons why the answer was always, “No.”
Dogs are expensive, they bark, they bring dirt into the home, and they need supervision. I already have four kids, so did I really want another baby in the house? I didn’t think so.
This changed one day when a sweet pup named Tweed came up in my social media feed. The post from a local shelter caught my eye. I’m not sure why, but I had to meet him. We headed to the shelter — all 6 of us — to meet him the next day. Much to my kids’ dismay, he wasn’t for us because he was a major shedder, and several of us suffer from allergies. But the door was now open, and it was clear that I might be changing my mind about getting a new pet.
Meeting Tweed set in motion a dog-rescuing and adopting journey we never expected. Within 18 months, our family went from no dogs to four, three doodles, and one poodle. They all came from local shelters or rescues.
As adamant as I was, with my long list of reasons why having a family pet wasn’t for us, I can admit now I was very, very wrong. Bringing our dogs home has been incredibly beneficial for our family in multiple ways.
Our dogs soothe anxiety and depression
Doodles and poodles are known to be breeds that can read the emotions of their human family members and respond appropriately, no psychology degree needed.
Within our family of six, several of us have an anxiety disorder diagnosis. Our dogs, because they are rescues, tend to be anxious themselves. It’s beautiful to see one of my family members come home from a hard day, immediately seek a furry friend, and curl up for much-needed cuddles and silence, offering a chance to help regulate their feelings. The dogs are like weighted blankets — but alive, with the most adoring, inquisitive eyes.
Our dogs are teaching responsibility
Every pet owner or hopeful pet owner knows that dogs are a major responsibility. Our dogs have to be fed, groomed, taken outside to go potty (plus potty clean up!), scheduled for vet visits, walked, and entertained. They are much like toddlers in that they can get fussy and dysregulated if they don’t have their snacks, naps, potty breaks, and exercise.
Our kids have been amazing at assisting with all dog tasks. Taking a dog for a quick walk outside or preparing a peanut-butter smeared lick mat for them are the only few chores my kids don’t seem to dread. I think this is probably because dogs tend to bond with the ones who care for them most, so there is a reward in choosing to do a pet-oriented chore.
Our dogs have further taught our kids about empathy and reading social cues
Social skills are important in day-to-day life, as well as in future endeavors like a job. Our kids have learned to read “dog language.” A curious doodle tilts their head to one side while locking eyes. An anxious doodle may back up and walk away. A playful doodle puts their front legs flat on the ground with their bottom up in the air, in “play bow” fashion.
The kids have learned to interpret the wants and needs of each dog and act accordingly. We’ve already learned the likes and quirks of each dog, too. Our poodle loves to play fetch, first thing in the morning. While our youngest and biggest dog, we’ve learned, his love language is wrestling and “hugging.”
Our dogs have forced us to be more physically active
Under-exercised dogs tend to misbehave; just ask any dog owner on a rainy spring day (or week). With four pups, there is always one or more who need to move their bodies.
After school, when everyone is fussy and letting down their guards from a day of learning, the perfect remedy is to leash one of the dogs and go for a walk. Truly, this is a win-win. The kids’ moods become more regulated with the movement of walking, and the dog gets their energy out. That after-walk nap-crash is the best!
It’s true that some of my pre-dog concerns are still cons to pet ownership. Vet and grooming appointments can be expensive, dogs can be quite messy at times, and my younger two dogs tend to find the most obscure items to attempt to gobble up. But these dogs certainly keep us on our toes, in the best ways, with the pros far outweighing the cons.
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