506892340-550?v=1

Pet Etiquette for Kids

Six Tips for Helping Your Little Ones Learn to Safely Engage with Animals

1. Always ask. One of the simplest rules that parents can teach children from a very young age is to always ask a pet owner for permission to interact. Encourage kids to keep a safe distance from animals they don't know.

2. Talk about personalities. It's important for kids to learn that every dog/cat/bunny/bird/hamster is an individual with its own likes and dislikes. Help little ones understand that just because the cat at home enjoys belly rubs, doesn't mean that all cats enjoy them.

3. Respect boundaries. During encounters with others' pets outdoors, try to make interactions short and sweet in an effort to show respect for both the owner and the dog. It's also much easier to keep short experiences consistently positive.

4. Try the 'one finger' trick. If your toddler is having a tough time learning to be gentle with animals, instruct them to start touching the family pet with one finger. This can satisfy their curiosity while limiting the potential for harm. 

5. Teach body language. Older kids are especially capable of recognizing the physical signs of a pet that wants to be left alone. Help children learn what it means when a cat puffs its tail, when a dog shies away, etc.

6. Get kids involved. Children who take part in the daily care of family pets can better understand how to appropriately interact with them. Keep a checklist with items such as refilling the water bowl, brushing or bathing, giving treats, and other simple tasks for kids to complete.

Related Businesses

Rajeunir Med Spa - Overland Park

Massage

Rajeunir Med Spa - Overland Park

Overland Park, KS

With over 20 years in business, Rajeunir Medical Spa provides the most advanced, minimally invasive, results-oriented medical...

Bennett Eye Institute

Optometrists

Bennett Eye Institute

Kailua Kona, HI

Our mission is to help you enjoy life to the fullest by protecting, preserving and restoring the most precious gift-the gift...

East Valley Dermatology Center

Dermatologists

East Valley Dermatology Center

Chandler, AZ

Dermatology specialists located in the heart of one of the sunniest and fastest growing regions in the country.

See More

Related Articles

See More