Pet Health Articles 
Pet Health & Behavior
Child Pet Relationships
“This Could Be the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship”
For those of us who remember the television series “Lassie,” Timmy and his beloved collie recall the ideal relationship between children and their pets, based on love, respect, and loyalty. In real life, however, the relationship is sometimes less than ideal, often to the detriment of both the child and the animal. Cultivating healthy child/pet relations requires patient, consistent efforts from adults.
Although each child and each pet is unique, some general guidelines apply. Adults must set the rules for pet/child interaction, and those rules must consider the safety of both. Initially, adults should carefully monitor all interaction, beginning with teaching the child how to hold the pet. If the animal is too big or too squirmy to be held safely and comfortably, the child can be taught to sit on the floor and gently stroke the animal or entertain it with an interactive toy. After this introductory stage, adults can determine when and if the child and pet can be left unsupervised. This critical step depends on the child’s clear understanding that using a toy to play with a pet is different from using the pet as a toy.
Some dogs and cats can handle a lot of touching, while others cannot. Adult intervention based on understanding the needs of the pet will prevent overstimulation or stress, and will help the child learn to respect the animal’s needs. Here again, a few common sense rules are essential. The child must understand that poking the animal, pulling on its tail or ears, roughhousing, or any form of teasing are strictly forbidden. To reduce the risk of accidental injury, it’s a good idea to make sure that the pet’s claws are clipped (special veterinary clippers are available at pet supply stores). No matter how tolerant an animal is, every pet has a limit, which it communicates through sounds and/or body language. If the child cannot read the signals, it’s up to the adult to intervene.
A pet provides an excellent opportunity for a child to learn responsibility. Simple chores, such as filling the water bowl, giving treats, etc. can teach the value of caring and can also provide tremendous satisfaction as the child watches the pet drink the water or enjoy the treat. Of course, older children can be given more challenging tasks, such as grooming the pet, which creates an excellent opportunity for bonding.
With patience, consistency, and common sense, adults can establish practical guidelines to ensure that both their two-legged and four-legged family members live comfortably and happily together. Isn’t that what having pets is all about?
