7 Things You Absolutely Must Do When You Have Both Kids & A Dog

Sure, it’s possible to have a perfectly happy family without a dog. But why would you want to?? From their silly antics, to their fuzzy snuggles, to their unwavering loyalty, dog-loving parents have a million reasons why we want our kids to grow up with a dog.

Having a dog has tons of benefits for everyone in your home. But it also means ensuring that both our human children and our adorable doggos get the best, most responsible care. Here are 7 ways to make sure you’re raising healthy pets and happy humans.

1. Teach your pup some basic commands.

Just like everyone else in the family, dogs need to learn good manners. They can actually learn hundreds of commands, but even the basics go a long way toward friendly, safe coexistence with humans and other dogs. It may be worth signing your fluff ball up for a dog-training class. But if you prefer to homeschool, start with simple commands like sit, stay, leave it, come, and off, always reinforcing their good behavior with low calorie, nutrient rich treats like Jinx.

2. Make good nutrition simple.

Nutrition is the absolute foundation of dog health and wellness. Did you know healthy dogs live an average of 2.5 years longer? And who doesn’t want more time with your pup? The great thing is that making sure your dog eats well doesn’t have to mean extra time, money, or work (because, honestly, aren’t we all busy enough?)

Good nutrition can be as simple as Jinx. There’s balanced nutrition in every bite so your dog gets the right ingredients in the right proportions for a healthy lifestyle. Dogs love it because real ingredients taste great. Pantry-friendly, easy-to-feed Jinx is made with premium ingredients, including lean proteins like organic chicken and real salmon; sweet potato, pumpkin and carrots; and a patented probiotic, all expertly crafted to help your dog thrive.

When you’re a busy parent who wants their dog to have the best nutrition, Jinx makes it deliciously simple. You can find it at Walmart, Chewy.com, and Petco.com, or you can visit ThinkJinx.com for easy subscriptions and delivery right to your door.

3. Set clear boundaries.

Just like dogs need a little training to be their best selves, so do kids. Luckily, even the youngest kids can be taught how to be gentle with your family dog and how to respect their personal space.

Sometimes noses, tails, and fur can be difficult for kids to resist. But they can learn early on that it’s not OK to treat their pal like a toy. Also make sure they understand that some things are off limits, like approaching a dog while they’re eating or chewing on a bone, or approaching a mama dog with her puppies. Gentle hands help everyone get along better.

4. Reward your good boys and girls.

You probably do your best to make sure to let your kids know when you see positive behavior with siblings, friends, and other people. It’s also a good idea to let them know when you notice their kindness, compassion, and affection toward your dog.

And don’t forget to praise your good boy (or girl!) for their good behavior, too. High-protein chicken and salmon treats — slow-smoked for maximum flavor — are the perfect way to say, “Thanks, buddy!”

5. Let kids help with daily dog care.

Kids love jobs (well, fun jobs) and helping to care for your family’s dog helps them feel like they’re an important part of the team. From washing food bowls, to baking treats, to helping prepare for bath time, allowing your children to help nurture your doggo fosters mutual respect. It also teaches kids the satisfaction of caring for another living being.

6. Talk about whose toys are whose.

Imagine being a dog. How in the world are you supposed to know the difference between a toy for you and a toy for the human kid in your house? It’s not like you can read the label. In your dog brain, balls want to be chased and stuffies want to be chewed. Without some guidance, your kids’ toys can prove irresistible for dogs. This is where those basic commands really come in handy. Be sure to redirect your pup to her own toys when you see her going for the blocks as chew toys!

7. Take it outside.

One of the biggest benefits of having a pet in the family is that — just like kids — they need lots of fresh air and outdoor play. To provide the energy healthy pets need to play all day, make sure your pupper has better nutrition in every bite, with Jinx.

On those crazy days as a parent, there’s something really satisfying in knowing you’re giving your human kids and your fur kids the very best nutrition you can. Healthy pets, happy humans!