Is it time for a furry new addition to the family? A pet can be an excellent way for children to grow their understanding of nature through stages of development, life, and forming a bond with an animal. That first introduction can be a defining moment for a child’s perception of an animal. This is why it is essential to take the time to think it through before they even come into contact with each other.
How To Introduce Kids and Pets
With these four steps, you can introduce kids and pets in the safest way for both of them. At Carithers Pediatric Group, we recognize the importance of growing a child’s experience with new additions such as pets. There is no need to rush this!
Give The Pet A Chance To Approach The Child
The animal in question is just as unsure of the child as the child is uncertain of the animal. Letting the pet approach the child first can prevent it from feeling cornered. When an animal feels cornered, it can display more aggressive behaviors than are typical.
According to The Animal Clinic, the pet should be able to leave whenever it wants. There is no reason to restrain it or allow the child to do so. This freedom to go is important for the animal to adjust to its surroundings easier. Animals like to explore and get to know new spaces, so they do not want to be confined, especially with a child that they have not met before.
Keep The Pet On A Leash
By keeping the pet on a leash when it is introduced to the child, you can maintain a safe distance between the two. This also allows you to know when the animal is trying to distance themselves or make a move to exit the room they are in.
Use A Calm Environment
When you first introduce kids and pets, set up the experience in a calm environment. This way, there is no sudden reason that either the pet or the child will get spooked. If there is too much going on around them, it is more difficult for the two to pay attention to each other.
According to ASPCA, dogs can develop anxiousness in more hectic situations. That is why it is important to socialize with them, but starting that process in a calm space. This is even more important when it is with a child because they are not as aware of what is going on either.
Monitor The Situation
For the first interaction, you must be there monitoring the situation as a parent. If you begin to notice that your child is a little too much for the animal, you can take the necessary action to separate them before a problem occurs. Your child will be looking to you for guidance on how to proceed, and this is the perfect situation to try that out. It can even test their listening skills and ensure that they know it is a serious situation.
Bringing a pet into your family is such a joyful experience. By keeping these tips in mind, you can begin to foster a great relationship between your child and your pet. A well-done initial experience can set the tone for the years to come. Are you interested in bringing a pet into the home and are worried about the effect on your child? The doctors at Carithers Pediatric Group are here to talk you through these life changes and provide you with resources to help. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.