How to Teach Children to Handle Pets

Most children love animals and are eager to have a pet. The problem is that children do not automatically know how to handle animals. Children tend to try and show an animal affection by hugging and squeezing. The animal may interpret the child's actions as aggression. Most pets will try to get away but the child holds on even tighter. If the animal manages to squirm free the child may pull it back by its tail. Such inappropriate handling may result in the child being bitten or scratched. The child doesn't understand what he did wrong nor does the animal. It is important to teach children how to handle pets properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take the child's hand in your own and gently guide him/her in stroking the animal's head or back. Teach the child how to pet the animal before attempting to pick the animal up or otherwise interact with the pet. It is important to gain the animal's trust so that it feels comfortable around the child.

2. Lift a small or medium-sized pet onto your child's lap and help your child to pet the animal gently. If your child wants to cuddle with the animal make sure the pet is comfortable. Check to see that your child is not holding the animal too tightly.

3. Tell your child to let go of the animal when the animal shows signs of restlessness.

4. Instruct your child not to run toward animals yelling or making loud noises. Behaving in such a manner will only frighten the animal and cause it to run away.

5. Caution children against roughhousing with pets. Even though children often play rowdy with the family dog other pets may not be so mild mannered. Children may attempt to play with other animals in the same way which could result in injuries.

6. Do not allow children to hit, kick or mistreat animals in any way. Animal bites often result from abuse. Reprimand children for such behavior and teach them respect for all life.