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Nothing compares to the unconditional love between a child and his pet. If you experienced it yourself, you’re probably eager for your own children to know the joy that a pet can bring. If you follow a few guidelines, your pet can become a trusted companion for your children.
Choosing a Pet
Choosing the best pet for a young child requires a little forethought. Part of this forethought includes the fact that the pet will be part of your life, not just your child’s. One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a family pet is not to prepare themselves for a lifetime commitment. Pets don’t remain adorable puppies and kittens forever. Are you prepared to make the commitment to be a responsible pet owner for the next 10-20 years? If you want the pet for you children, are you willing to care for the pet once the kids lose interest? Animal shelters
are full of pets that were purchased with only the child in mind.
You should also evaluate your living conditions. Do you have appropriate space inside and outside your house to accommodate a new pet? Although you will be taking your dog outside to walk him, a two-bedroom ranch is probably not the best home for a Great Dane. Is the street where you live safe for your child and pet, or is there heavy
traffic? An indoor cat may make the most sense in a high-traffic area.
Will someone be home during the day to walk the dog and give him some companionship? Puppies should not be left at home alone for longer than four hours, while older dogs can be left for up to nine hours. If your job keeps you out of the house beyond these limits, you should look into a dog-sitting service to break up the day. And if your family
is rarely home, an indoor cat is a more suitable choice.
Does your child have allergies? Don’t despair-Some breeds of dogs, such as
Peek-A-Poo Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog, do not shed and are non-allergenic.
The age of your child is another consideration. The ideal age for children to receive a pet is between five and six years old. At that age they are mature enough to handle jobs such as feeding, brushing, and playing with the animal. They also are better able to control impulses, such as trying to ride the dog or pulling the cat’s tail.
For younger children, you might consider starting out with a smaller pet that doesn’t require as much work. Fish, frogs, hamsters, gerbils, and parakeets are reasonably low maintenance pets, but they still provide the young child the joy and responsibility of pet ownership.
Cats require more care but at the same time are very self-sufficient. A five-year old would be capable of feeding brushing, and learning to clean the litter box.
Dog’s remain a very popular choice for children, despite the relatively large amount of work involved. There are many variables when it comes to choosing a dog, but temperament is key. Breeds with great temperaments for a family environment include Golden Retriever (you can’t give that breed enough love), Yellow Lab, Black Lab,
Peek-a-Poo, Basset Hound, and Jack Russell Terrier. Understand that the size of the pet is very important. If you’re expecting your six year-old to walk the dog, a large energetic dog may not be the best choice.
And, although adopting an older animal can be both altruistic and rewarding, you need to be especially careful to learn about the animal’s history. Some older animals at shelters have experienced trauma and are not suitable for
homes with children. Make sure the pet you choose will fit into your family’s lifestyle.
Introducing Your Pet to Your New
Baby
Sometimes it’s the pet who was part of the family before the baby appeared on the scene. While pets can sense that this new small being is important to you, it’s also true that dogs and even cats can feel threatened by and resentful of the little intruder.
Start addressing the problem of Fido’s jealously before it arises. Before the baby arrives, you should be aware of any aggressive or skittish behavior your pet exhibits. If it unsettles you, contact a reputable trainer or behaviorist
Although you want your pet to be a part of your new baby’s life on a daily basis, making a special area for the pet to be comfortable is helpful. A small room or area in the house with your pet’s bed, favorite toys, and food can provide comfort for your pet and peace of mind for you during this transition. Getting your pet used to this area as his own is important, so start using it long before your baby’s arrival. When you need your dog or cat to “go to his room”
when you are very busy with the new baby, he won’t think he’s being punished.
While your baby is still in the hospital, have dad or another family member bring home a blanket or other item that carries the newborn’s scent. Getting your pet used to the scent ahead of time may make the actual introduction a little less threatening.
After you bring your baby home, spend some time each day “introducing” the baby to you pet Let your dog or cat sniff and get familiar with the baby’s scent.
Although your pet has his own room, don’t banish him there for long periods of time. And be sure to give daily attention and extra raise to your pet in a one-on-one setting.
Until you are completely comfortable, do not leave your pet alone with your infant in the same room. Cat owners need to be aware that cats like to curl up in the warmth of a sleeping child. Make sure your cat is not in the same room when the baby sleeps, as your cat may accidentally block your baby’s airway.
Taking time to give your pet extra love and reassurance both before and after the new arrival will make for a smooth transition. Once your pet has the confidence that he is still loved and the new addition is not a threat, you will be one big happy family.
Teaching Children How to Act Around Animals
No matter what age your child is, no matter who was in the house first, no matter if it’s your own pet or another animal your child needs to know some basic rules about how to behave around animals. First teach your child to ask permission before touching an animal. It’s a good idea to practice this at home with your own pet when your child is still young and impulsive. The question “Mommy, can I pet Socks?” gives you an opportunity to supervise and gives your child a lesson in respecting an animal’s boundaries.
Second, children should not bound up to animals. Teach them to approach calmly, with a hand extended for the animal to sniff.
Finally, teach your child to keep his or her face away from any animal-dog or cat, own pet or a stranger’s. Even the most trusted family pet can be unpredictable if it feels cornered, harassed, or threatened. And good habits practiced at home will serve your child well when he or she encounters a strange animal on the street.
With some planning and practice, your child can enjoy the rewards of pet ownership for years to come.
Paula Delaney is the owner of Pet-ercise Pet Sitting Service, serving Needham, Dedham, Dover, Medfield, Norwood, Westwood, and Wellesley
For more information, call 781-326-3085
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