There’s no substitute for the companionship and loyalty of a dog for little boys. The right pet can provide hours of active play and many nights of comfort.

It’s helpful for bonding if the dog is still young when introduced to the household, but not a good idea of the parents don’t have the time and patience to train a puppy.

Children should be taught to be respectful of animals and be cautious when approaching an unfamiliar dog on the street.

Having a pet in the house teaches responsibility and respect for animals. I wish every boy could have a dog – or a cat, if dogs aren’t practical for the living conditions.