Kids love pets, and studies show that owning a pet creates plenty of benefits such as encouraging respect for living things, and even improved academic performance (when a pet is kept in the classroom).

Owning a pet can also foster a sense of responsibility in kids — but only if mum doesn’t end up doing all the work to feed, wash and tidy up after the family pet. Here’s how to hand back the pooper scooper and make your kids responsible for their furry friends.

Pet care tip one: Create a pet feeding and walking roster

Make a schedule detailing who’s walking, feeding and cleaning up after your pet, then write out a roster and pin it to the fridge. It will be more effective if you keep the days and times as regular as possible, so your child can remember what they need to be doing and when. For example, make Sunday afternoons rabbit hutch cleaning time, so it becomes a regular after-lunch weekend chore.

• Try Kidspot’s printable dog care reward chart to form your roster.
• Try Kidspot’s printable cat care reward chart to form your roster.

Pet care tip two: Motivate them

Praise your child every time they undertake a pet-related chore, especially if you don’t even ask them to do it, then add a star to their cat reward chart , dog reward chart or general reward chart. Praise and reward your child immediately after the job has been done – if you use a happy tone of voice, your dog might even show signs of excitement, helping keep your child motivated. Hey, and don’t forget to keep YOURSELF on track by refusing to do the pet tasks yourself because it’s quicker and easier! Remember, you are being a better parent by teaching your child the responsibility of looking after their animal.

Pet care tip three: Involve the kids in dog training

Take your kids to dog training classes. These are not just for puppies – even adult dogs can benefit from training. The dog will get used to youngsters giving commands, and your children will learn more about their pet’s behaviour and how to behave appropriately around them. Some dogs try to assume authority or “pack leadership” over small kids in the family, so teaching your child how to train and command the pet is important.

Pet care tip four: Let your kids pick their pet

A great way to encourage a child’s long-term love for an animal is to let them pick out their new friend. If the child is old enough, they may be able to help choose a cat or dog breed. Even small children can pick a fish, along with some aquarium accessories – then let them know that cleaning the fish bowl is their job, too. Likewise, if you are planning on getting your kids a pet rabbit, guinea pig or mouse. Take your child with you to the pet store to chose their pet and learn about all the care products that come with their new furry friend. The sales person will also give your kids a few care instructions. Remind them to listen carefully to these as they will be carrying them out.

Pet care tip five: Allocate water and feeding duties

Even a 3-year-old child can begin to be responsible for a pet. While they might not be able to fill a bowl with fresh water, they can let you know when the water is dirty. At feeding time, show a young child how to measure food and let them pour the food in the bowl. At around ten years of age, it is entirely age-appropriate for a child to be completely responsible for feeding and watering their pet.

Pet care tip six: Turn dog walking into a game

Encourage kids to take their dog out for a walk by combining sporty games with pooch walking. Running, catching and chasing games in the park will keep both canine and kids more amused than a pavement stroll, while ‘fetch frisbee’ will burn off energy for kids and give your dog extra exercise by jumping in the air.

Pet care tip seven: Teach kids to treat their pet

If your children like cooking, get them to help you make the recipe below for dog biscuits and treat the family dog. Showing love for an animal is part of caring for a pet. Your kids will enjoy getting their hands messy, you’ll save money going to the supermarket or pet shop and your dog will absolutely love the biccies.

Bonus: Homemade dog biscuit recipe

Indulge your fur baby with these crunchy homemade biscuits for a treat. Beef stock makes them full of flavour while seeds give your dog nutrients. Makes 20 large biscuits or 40 small biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 2/3 cup semolina or cornmeal
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1tbsp powdered beef stock
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• Flour extra, canola spray

How to make the dog biscuits:

• Preheat oven to 200°C
• Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl
• Mix with a spoon until it becomes a dough – you may need to add a little more flour/semolina to make into pliable dough
• Roll out onto a floured surface and cut into shapes with a knife or cookie cutter
• Place on baking trays sprayed with canola oil. When the biscuits are laid out, spray canola oil across the top of each
• Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes then cool on bench/wire rack
• Store in an airtight container for one week or in the freezer for two months

Notes:

• This recipe is so easy that I am now wondering why I have been wasting money at the pet shop and supermarket?
• This is a great recipe to make with the kids – after all, your dog won’t care in the least how many little hands have gone into the dough before it’s baked!
• This recipe was created by Melissa Klemke for Kidspot, Australia’s best recipe finder.

This article was written by Joanna Bounds.

See more:

• Best dog breeds for families
• 6 top family pets
• Make a cat collar