A companion animal is a wonderful playmate and confidence builder for a child. While "loving" the animal may be second nature to a child, parents need to remember that they the parents have to teach the child that loving a dog or cat means properly handling and caring for that animal.
Raising a companion animal should be a family affair; sharing the affection of an animal builds togetherness, increased cooperation and communication among family members. Learning to relate to a dog or cat helps to teach a child the finer points of relationships with people as well.How can parents teach their children to treat an animal properly? Here are some tips from animal trainer Brian Kilcommans, who frequently trains children and parents to train their companion animals.
1 - Parental supervision is important. Parents should be present when young children are handling animals until they are confident of the child's abilities to hold and play with an animal in a reasonable and responsible way.
2 - Involve children in the feeding, walking, grooming and training of the animal. Do these activities together at first, and gradually assign the child to be responsible for some of the daily duties. This gives the child a chance to develop a fulfilling, symbiotic relationship with the pet.
It also offers the child a chance to master and control the pet - in essence, to be a responsible "parent." Remember, many children express a desire to have a companion and always promise personalized care and attention, but having a companion is like being a parent, and parenting is an adult responsibility.
Children are, in general, not able to take full responsibility for the needs of the animal and need an adult to show them the way. Responsibility for the welfare of the animal should be shared, and children should never be completely responsible for a companion animal.
3 - Teach the child that fast movements, loud noises and yelling scare an animal. Don't allow this kind of behavior in your household. Further, children should never be allowed to push, pull or poke a pet. Discourage "roughhouse" play and any aggressive behavior. This rule applies to activities with any living creature.
4 - Instruct children to leave animals alone when they are sleeping. Confine the animal to its sleeping area, a crate, corner, bed or box, so that children understand when not to bother or play with the animal.
5 - As soon as a new puppy or adult dog or any other type of animal is brought into the home, a child needs to learn how to handle the animal by modeling after the parents. Two hands should always be used to support a pet comfortably. An animal should never be lifted by the neck or ears. If an animal is too big for the child to carry properly, then the child should not be allowed to carry it.
Also, teach children to slowly and gently pet and stroke dogs and cats. This sounds simple, but many children don't pet, they pat - and pats can turn into uncomfortable slaps and hits. When pushed too far, even the most lovable and amiable family companion will snap or growl if people cause it pain and discomfort.
6 - Before touching a strange animal, a child should always have the owner's permission to do so and an adult should supervise the interaction. Never assume that because your animal is friendly and used to children that all animals are.
With the understanding of these few simple rules for dealing with a pet a child will be rewarded with years of love and companionship from its furry friend. The respect for living things that children learn early on will help them cultivate satisfying relationships with peers and adults throughout their lives.
For more information and a free booklet, "Raising Better Children, How a Pet Can Help," contact Leslie at Salt Lake County Animal Services Education Program, 264-2247.
If you have a question about health, behavior problems, laws, etc., regarding wild or domestic animals, please write Humane Education Department, Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 W. 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123 or call 264-2247.