Avoiding Harm: Teach Your Children the Proper Ways to Handle and Interact with Pets

As a society we have come to cherish having pets in our homes. Pets enrich our lives, providing unconditional love and companionship. It is our responsibility as their caregivers to ensure that they are kept safe and secure in their surroundings. Teaching our children to be kind and respectful to our animal friends is an important part of being a pet owner.

Kids and dogs can be a great combination. They share a similar zest for life. In order to keep a fun healthy relationship between these two groups we must set guidelines. First, kids and dogs both need daily exercise. Without the proper physical workout this combination can become explosive. So to avoid harmful situations make sure that your kids and dogs are getting a thorough workout. One great way is by a family walk. This presents a wonderful opportunity for the children and dogs to bond.

Dogs are typically natural followers. So instruct your children to be confident leaders. Have your child walk with the dog on leash, making sure that the dog is not in front of, or pulling, the child. The child should be the leader not the dog. If the child is not yet physically strong enough to hold the leash alone, you can attach a second leash to the dog’s collar and walk next to the child. This will help the child to build confidence leading the dog, as well as teaching the dog the proper behavior when on leash.

The second guideline is that all interaction between kids and dogs inside the home should be relaxed. This means no over-exciting games, like tug-o-war, ball throwing, etc. These will only lead to something or someone getting broken. Indoors should be a place for relaxation. Set boundaries and be consistent.

Third, make sure that the child and dog respect one another. Do not allow the child to bother the dog if it is sleeping or eating. Likewise, do not allow the dog to encroach on the child’s personal space. Be firm, not mean.

Cats are also great pets to have with kids. Cats also need daily exercise, although a less amount than dogs. A magnificent way for kids to bond with cats is for the child to help the cat get a daily workout. Teach your child some games to play with the cat, like chase the laser light or the ball of string. Games are a fabulous way to get kids and cats together.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when kids and cats live together. First, cats need their personal space and quiet time. Make sure that your cat has an area that it can go if he/she needs to relax. Teach your kids to let the cat have time alone if he/she wants it.

Second, since cats are generally small, kids love to pick them up. To avoid scratches, bites, or feline injury be sure to show your child the proper way to hold a cat. Make sure that they support the bottom of the cat, so that there is not undo pressure put on the spine. Also make sure they know not to squeeze the cat. If the child is small it is best for them not to carry the cat but to sit in a chair where the cat can sit safely on a lap.

Cats and dogs are the most common pets, but not the only ones. Whether you have hamsters, snakes, rabbits, horses, ducks, or anything else, make sure that you teach your children to handle the pets with love and respect. It is always better to prevent harm than it is to react to it.


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