Many pets that are companion animals (pets) can enjoy a good relationship with children. Many families with children have been able to welcome companion animals into their homes successfully. However, it requires some planning and thoughtful consideration to ensure that the process is smooth, that children are aware of the appropriate behavior for pets, and that children and pets are able to live in harmony.

Choosing a pet

Before you decide to purchase a pet animal, you must carefully examine your lifestyle, finances, current living conditions (i.e., whether you reside in a house or an apartment with a huge backyard? ), and the present and future composition that your household is comprised of. These factors should determine what species you pick and other things, such as the size, breed, and character of your pet.

Parents may decide to adopt an animal as a method to teach their children about the responsibilities of pet ownership. If this is an issue for you, be aware that adult accountability and supervision are crucial regardless of whether the day-to-day maintenance of the pet will be shared with the child.

If you’re planning to bring pets into a home with children and adopting from a shelter such as the RSPCA offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the animals that are available before you decide to adopt by bringing your children along to meet them and assess which is the most suitable for your family. RSPCA staff will help you determine which species are the most ideal for your family and also what animals have had to live with children prior to. Certain animals are not eligible to be kept with children; regardless of the situation, the shelter staff will be able to advise you in the event that this is the case.

The basic concepts of pets and children

Pets must watch children as companions. Be sure that your pets and cats can be out of the way (or adults or any other pets!) If they’d like to, your pet needs an area they can take refuge in if they’re feeling overwhelmed and need to take some time away from their child.

Pets are an excellent way to teach children about compassion, empathy, and how to take care of the pet (such as exercise and feeding), in addition to the basic principles of animal behavior. For instance, you could instruct your kids that pets shouldn’t be to their own devices when asleep, eating, or enthusiastic. You could also teach your children to recognize the signs of fear or stress in animals. This includes not only the ones that adults can remember, such as grunting or hissing. However, there are less well-known signs like blinking and yawning frequently in dogs or swiping the tail of cats.

The teaching of children how to safely handle pets and handle them, showing respect and gentleness will create an environment of trust and help everyone be able to live happily and in peace.

A puppy or dog

Announcing a new pet or puppy into your household is a memorable and thrilling moment, but it can be overwhelming for both humans as well as canines.

When it’s time for your children to greet the dog, ensure that your children are sitting calmly and in a quiet place and that the dog is likely to explore out of curiosity. Encourage children to talk slowly and softly and to gently rub the dog’s head with their shoulders, not just on their head or the tail. Reward your dog for calm behavior by giving them a food reward (by the adult in charge). This will help the dog associate the children with something positive. Following this, you can take the focus off the dog by offering children a different activity.

Alongside maintaining direct supervision of dogs with children and dogs, it is best to avoid forcing any interaction. Let the dog learn to get to know kids at their own pace. If the children or dogs are agitated, you should keep the interactions to a minimum, particularly in the early stages of interactions. They are likely to be more effective in the event that both are at peace. Learn more on how to introduce puppies and dogs to children on the Knowledgebase.

Making efforts to get the right introductions can help set your kids and pets up for a successful connection.