Working With Animals for Kids

Pets are often a fantastic addition to any family. Having a dog or cat in the home can be a source of affection, love, laughter and responsibility. But, when pets are introduced to a family with children, a different set of concerns arises. A child's overall safety and health becomes paramount, in part because small children are not able to defend themselves against an aggressive or misbehaving animal. Using dogs as a primary example, be clear on how best to work with animals that will live with your children.

  1. The Hidden Dangers a Dog Brings into the Life of a Child

    • Many children nowadays are born with significant allergies. Often those allergies are triggered by pet hair and dander. When thinking about bringing a dog home, conscientious parents must first consider the potential allergens the breed and pet might introduce to the household. Parents may also have their child allergy tested by a licensed allergist before deciding on a particular breed. While such tests are not at all pleasant for the child, they are certainly preferable to what could transpire if the chemistry between dog and child is toxic.

    Food Related Accidents

    • Before a dog is brought home or left in proximity of a small child, it is imperative the animal is trained to stay away from human food and from those bearing it. It is equally important that parents keep any food in the child's reach and control completely out of reach of the dog. When a child has food, it is always possible that even a well-trained dog will smell it, be drawn to it, and lunge for it. A small child is not prepared for such a scary and potentially aggressive moment. Dogs often act instinctively without regard for the age or size of the food-bearing human. Despite whatever dog training has taken place, err on the side of caution by keeping the eating child both in a high chair and in a completely different room from the dog as the only reliable and safe option.

    A Child's Attempt to Initiate Play with a Dog

    • It is not only the dog that needs to be trained; small children need to be trained as well. Parents must consistently teach their child never to approach a dog from behind, never to pull a dog's tail, and never to place his face close to the dog's face. Additionally, small children must be taught never to sneak up on or surprise a dog with a sudden touch, or even a loud voice. The word "gentle" is one that should be ingrained in the vocabulary of any youngster who shares space with a canine.

    Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

    • The expression "let sleeping dogs lie" is an enduring adage for a reason. When a dog is sleeping, there is no telling what it is thinking. Like humans, dogs have a subconscious and are equally capable of dreaming. If a dog is in the midst of a dream and is jerked awake by a child, that dog may strike, bite, or attack the child. The damage is done before the dog even knows what has happened. Children must be aware that a sleeping dog is a dangerous dog, and that waking up a dog should always be done from a distance and with one's voice rather than one's body.