On a sunny holiday morning when I was around four, my dad took my two-year-old sister and me for a stroll after opening presents. As we eagerly skipped ahead, a neighbor’s exuberant Irish Setter burst out of their home, racing toward us. The dog, overflowing with energy and enthusiasm, accidentally knocked my sister down. While the pup thought it was playtime and showered her with affectionate licks, she was terrified. My father quickly intervened, and even now, my sister prefers to keep her distance from unfamiliar dogs.
Because of her fear, I was determined that my own children would feel at ease around pets. I wanted them to be comfortable visiting homes with dogs and cats, and to know how to interact safely with unfamiliar animals they might encounter in our yard. I often sought guidance from friends who owned pets to help me educate my kids on the essential rules of pet interaction—not just for their safety but also for the well-being of the animals. We waited until our children were older before bringing a pet into our home, ensuring they understood the significant responsibility that comes with caring for an animal.
When we adopted a two-year-old Shih Tzu last spring, the reality of pet ownership hit me harder than I anticipated, and the learning curve has been quite steep. As I became familiar with our pup’s unique behaviors, I realized it’s crucial to not only train her properly but also to make responsible choices when introducing her to our neighborhood and its children. Here’s how pet owners and parents can collaborate to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved.
1. Teach Kids How to Approach Dogs Safely
While our dog adores attention and welcomes belly rubs from just about anyone, not all dogs share this temperament. It’s essential for parents to educate their children on the importance of asking a dog’s owner for permission before approaching. If the owner declines, it’s important to respect that decision. Likewise, I promise to avoid taking my dog to overly stimulating environments that might make her anxious.
2. Work Together When Interacting with Dogs
Similar to how humans dislike being startled, dogs can react negatively to unexpected approaches. If your child has permission to pet a dog, encourage them to do so from the side rather than from behind. Teach them to let the dog come to them at its own pace, avoiding direct hand movements toward the dog’s face. I appreciate it when parents assist in ensuring that both their kids and our dog have a safe interaction.
3. Recognize When Animals Need Space
Even dogs and cats require downtime, so it’s important to teach children to give pets space when they retreat to their cozy spots. If your child visits a home with a pet, encourage them to engage in activities with their friends while allowing the dog some quiet time. If I ever ask your child to give our dog a break, it’s not out of unkindness; it’s to ensure our pup can recharge amidst the excitement.
4. Respect Feeding Time
Just as people get cranky when hungry, pets can be protective of their food. Teach your child that it’s never appropriate to disturb a dog while it’s eating or drinking. Encourage patience—our dog will be ready to play once her meal is finished. If you happen to visit during her feeding time, I’ll make sure to have some tasty snacks available for the kids.
5. Understand That All Animals Can Be Unpredictable
Regardless of a dog’s training, there’s always a possibility of an unexpected reaction. Teach your children to respect a pet’s boundaries and feelings, recognizing that no pet is infallible. Since our Shih Tzu joined our family, we’ve dedicated countless hours to training her, but even the most well-behaved dog can have off moments. I’m more than willing to instruct kids on how to approach our pup respectfully, as I want everyone to experience the joy she brings to our lives.
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In summary, fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for both pets and children requires communication and understanding from everyone involved. By working together, we can create harmonious interactions that benefit all parties.