The Barking Lot owner DeeAnna Osborne’s passion for being around and working with dogs naturally transferred to her daughter, Taya. From a young age, Taya wanted to be around dogs and DeeAnna knew she had to learn to do so safely. “This meant teaching her how to read a dog's temperament, how to be confident and stern in her voice, and it also grew into her tagging along for training sessions,” shares DeeAnna.
As Taya learned more about interacting with dogs, DeeAnna noticed that she grew in other ways. “Taya is an amazing kid who is neurodivergent and we’ve tried everything to give her the tools to succeed,” DeeAnna says. “But it wasn't until she started coming along and really engaging in the training sessions and playing in play yards with me that she finally started growing into her own confident self.”
Taya’s growth and development, as well as her special connection to Sadie the Boxer, mirror what DeeAnna sees in children who have dogs and care for them. “Daily tasks like feeding, walking, grooming, and playing give children concrete responsibilities and a daily routine,” she explains. “Caring for a dog teaches empathy and kids learn to notice hunger, fear, and discomfort and respond appropriately. Training and play require calm, repeated effort, teaching patience and delayed gratification when a child helps a dog learn a new skill. It builds confidence, social skills, and a sense of accomplishment.”
Interacting with dogs also plays an important role in a child’s emotional development. “Dogs provide unconditional companionship and a nonjudgmental presence that supports emotional regulation and reduces loneliness and anxiety,” says DeeAnna. “They help children practice social skills, read body language, and use gentle touch. Regular walks and play also promote activity and can lower stress hormones.”
For interactions to go well, kids need to know how to approach and treat dogs. “Adults should always supervise interactions, especially with young children,” she says. “Teach children to ask permission before petting a dog and gently pet the sides or shoulders rather than the face or tail.” She also encourages avoiding eye contact and having respect for a dog’s safe spaces such as a crate or bed.
DeeAnna recommends that families choose a dog that fits their lifestyle and that dogs be well trained and socialized to keep interactions positive. Dogs who have the opportunity to expend energy in a fun, safe environment such as The Barking Lot often exhibit positive behavior which creates a happier family dynamic. By providing dogs with structure, enrichment, and opportunities to socialize, families can help create a stronger bond and a more rewarding experience for both pets and owners.
The Barking Lot offers training, daycare, boarding, and grooming services designed to keep dogs happily in their forever homes. Their team is passionate about providing a safe, welcoming environment where dogs can learn, play, and thrive while giving pet owners peace of mind. A trusted favorite in Arvada year after year. For more information, visit thebarkinglot-arvada.com, call 303-420-5388, and follow @arvadabarkinglot on Facebook.