5 Reasons Your Child Needs a Hunting Dog

It should come as no surprise that we’d encourage everyone to have a dog. They’re somewhat the foundation of everything we do, and we adore it. Most of us have had dogs since we were children. Many of us would tell you that our dog was one of the best parts of childhood. That’s not just because our dogs were our finest hunting partners in the field or best mates at home, though granted that’s a significant part of it. Dogs teach children a great deal about life and the world. How?

1. Responsibility – This is probably the main reason anyone could cite for getting a dog for your child...and it's likely the top reason they're saying you should get them a dog. We've all heard it: 'I'll clean up after him,' 'I'll feed her,' and 'He or she will be my sole responsibility.' Is that true? No. Dogs are a responsibility for the entire household and with school, sports, and extracurricular activities, the chances are your child won't be the 'only' one doing everything. Sometimes you'll even have to remind them to do anything, but that's part of the process. Your child will learn that it's important for them to do 'their job' or the dog they adore so much is going to suffer the consequences.

2. Compassion – Dogs understand people. They can sense when we're happy, sad, ill, and well and they react to those signals. That's an excellent example for a child to learn those signals. The reward of their dog giving a face lick when they're upset or bounding with joy when they come racing through the door with exciting news from school reinforces the rewards of compassion for children.

3. Forgiveness – This can be a concept that’s hard for adolescents to truly embrace. When hormones are high grudges can be long lasting. But you know who you can’t stay mad at? Your dog. Your mom, dad, sister, best friend…most pre and early teens can go days being livid at any one of those, but not that dog they’ve had since they were too young to even remember. Rover may make them angry in a moment and they may react, but that anger fades quickly when those puppy-dog eyes come out…and vice-versa. A teen is going to misplace some angst onto their dog (and everyone else) and their dog is going to let it Kids and Dogsgo as soon as an honest apology in the form of a belly rub or head pat is issued.

4. Fitness – That old saying 'if your dog's overweight then you're not exercising enough'...well that's pretty true. Dogs won't let your child be a couch potato. There will be walks, training, hunting, games of fetch and more to keep your child active. Heck, even just keeping them fed and watered involves getting off the sofa. In a time when 66% of American school children are overweight, this is a pretty huge benefit for a child.

5. Hunting – You probably knew this one was coming. After all, hunting and dogs are rather our thing, so it's hardly surprising this makes the list, but that doesn't make it any less true. Hunting is a brilliant activity for children. It keeps your child outdoors, appreciating nature and wildlife rather than valuing some less-wholesome activities. Hunting is enjoyable, but it's even more so with a dog. Not only is it just marvellous to spend that time with your best four-legged friend, it's incredible to watch the hard work and training you've invested in him or her come to fruition. It's one of the most rewarding experiences your child can have to see their hunting dog in action.