How to Teach Respect for Animals

By eHow Parenting Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Show kindness to your pets. Gently remove your cat from the table instead of swatting her down or get up and find out why the dog is barking instead of yelling at him to quiet down.
Step 2:
Correct your children when they are too rough with animals. Children do not understand when they are being too rough so they must be taught how to gently touch animals.
Step 3:
Reward your children with hugs when they gently touch your pets and point out how happy your animals are. Explain why the cat purrs when you pet her or why the dog rolls on his back for a belly rub.
Step 4:
Include your children in your daily feeding and grooming routines. They can help pour the cat food or brush the dog.
Step 5:
Bring your children to the veterinarian's office for yearly check ups. You can explain how animals need check ups just like they do and let them help calm your dog or cat if possible.
Step 6:
Report any kind of animal abuse. Let your children know it is all right to come to you if they witness animal cruelty and teach them how to help the affected animal by contacting the authorities.

Tips & Warnings

Always teach your children to avoid animals they don't know, even if they seem friendly.

Resources

Log on with your children to aspcaeducation.org for fun ways to learn about animals and how to treat them with care.

More Puppy Pages

How to Teach Children Humane Education

Instructions Step 1: Go over the basic needs of animals such as food, water, shelter, companionship and health/nutrition. For instance, when discussing companionship, explain why tethering or chaining pets is not a good idea. Step 2: Explain that...

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...

How to Use a Pet to Teach Responsibility

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Pet Pet supplies Rules about pet Choosing a Pet Step 1: Choose the appropriate pet. What sort of pet do you think you and your child can handle? Are pets allowed where you live? What is your budget like? Are you...

Instructions Step 1: Respect all living things and treat them as you would want to be treated. For example, plant a tree and nurture its growth, engage in active play with your new puppy or kitten at least several times a day, and go out of your way to...

How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Family

Instructions Step 1: Determine how much space you have. If you live in a cramped apartment, you probably won't want a large dog. A bird, fish or hamster might be your best choice. However, if your home is on sprawling land, you might consider a dog or...