How to Teach Your Child to Interact With Pets

I grew up in a home that always had a dog. So fortunately for me, my parents instilled in me a healthy respect for the treatment of animals at a very early age. But I can still remember driving my collie crazy when I was about 4-years-old because I just knew I could ride her like a pony. Lucky for me, my dog loved me more than she was aggravated by me, and I got off with a simple 'love' growl with no biting involved. Having been a dog owner for most of my life, it's hard to imagine that there are actually people who may be experiencing the love of a good pet for the first time. Even more critical, these same people may be introducing their young children to companion animals for the first time as well. With that in mind, the Humane Society of America has compiled some key behavioral traits of dogs and cats to teach your children. This information is sure to take you and your kids a long way to understanding our four-legged friends.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention. This is especially true when they are eating, playing with their toys (or each other) and resting.

2. Pets may become upset by too much petting and stimulation (such as trying to ride them like a pony). Teach your children to watch for the warning signs such as hissing, lip curling, retreating from the child and growling. These are indicators that their animal friend wants to be left alone. Ensure your child that it's nothing personal if they don't want to play anymore.

3. Some dogs get excited and may even become aggressive when children scream and run. each your children appropriate behaviors around dogs, this is even more true around stranger dogs.

4. Other people's pets may display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them. Again, explain to your child that it's nothing personal and that some animals are very attached to their owners and don't like new friends. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered or even hugged. Before petting another persons pet, instruct your child to ask permission from an adult (or the owner) before touching the animal. A responsible owner will know their pet and should tell you if that pet is not child-friendly.

5. Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult for help.

6. Dogs contained in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached. Teach your child to understand that when they bark, they are being protective of their home; additionally, tell your child not to tease the dog or get too close to the fence/yard.