Kids and Pets (Part I)

Children and pets just seem to go together. Indeed, pet ownership can benefit a child's development in many ways. Studies have shown that children with pets develop more nurturing, caring attitudes, higher self-esteem, and improved social skills. There is also evidence that pet ownership helps develop non-verbal communication. Pets can provide a child with love and companionship that is unqualified and non-judgmental. In some instances, unfortunately, pets can instead bring out fear in a child, or even cruelty. Research has shown a link between adult criminal behavior and abuse of animals as a child. A good relationship between children and pets may not happen automatically. Parents must take the responsibility to teach both their children and their pets acceptable behavior toward each other.

Teaching Children About Pets:

Children must be taught first of all that animals have feelings and that these feelings need to be respected. They must also be taught that animals have basic physical needs, such as food and water, shelter, and exercise. A good approach might be to discuss with a child some of the things he needs to be healthy and happy - food, a home, care when he's sick, love - and then point out that his pet needs many of the same things. It is important to note here that, while a young child can certainly participate in the care of a pet, it would be unfair to both the child and the pet to place the entire responsibility on the child's shoulders. Care of a pet is best shared by the entire family.

Children And Dogs:

It is especially important to teach a child to behave properly around dogs, since the risk of injury to the child is greater than with other pets. This holds true even if the child's family does not own a dog. It is just as important to teach a dog how to behave around children. Socialization and obedience training are absolutely necessary for any dog who will be spending time around children. Many young dogs are brought to shelters because they bit a child or repeatedly knocked over a toddler by jumping on him. Playful nipping and jumping are normal puppy behaviors, but behaviors that can easily be discouraged with proper training. Once again, however, the burden of responsibility for this training falls on the parents because it is difficult for young children to practice the consistent, controlled responses necessary for this type of behavior modification. In fact, in families with children under the age of six, an older dog is often a better choice. Adult dogs require less time and attention, and it is easier to gauge how well the dog responds to children. Two sites with excellent articles about children and dogs are Dog Owner's Guide and Denver Dumb Friends League.

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