How to Teach Children to Handle Pets

By Darlene Zagata

Instructions

Step 1:
Take the child's hand in your own and gently guide him/her in stroking the animal's head or back. Teach the child how to pet the animal before attempting to pick the animal up or otherwise interact with the pet. It is important to gain the animal's trust so that it feels comfortable around the child.
Step 2:
Lift a small or medium-sized pet onto your child's lap and help your child to pet the animal gently. If your child wants to cuddle with the animal make sure the pet is comfortable. Check to see that your child is not holding the animal too tightly.
Step 3:
Tell your child to let go of the animal when the animal shows signs of restlessness.
Step 4:
Instruct your child not to run toward animals yelling or making loud noises. Behaving in such a manner will only frighten the animal and cause it to run away.
Step 5:
Caution children against roughhousing with pets. Even though children often play rowdy with the family dog other pets may not be so mild mannered. Children may attempt to play with other animals in the same way which could result in injuries.
Step 6:
Do not allow children to hit, kick or mistreat animals in any way. Animal bites often result from abuse. Reprimand children for such behavior and teach them respect for all life.

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