Are you thinking about welcoming a new pet into the family? If so, then it’s essential to prepare your kids the right way. Here are some of the steps that you should take.

Space
Animals like space, just like you do. If you invade a creature’s space then they are well within their right to attack you. This could be something minor such as a hamster nip, however, it could also be a huge dog. Teach your children the importance of space when it comes to animals and pets. A great technique for this is telling them to imagine a big bubble, two bubbles can’t touch otherwise they will pop.
Temperament
We must teach our children that not all pets are friendly or kind. Similar to humans, not all animals have the same temperament. Take dogs, for instance; you never know if they will rip your arm off. It is common for children to simply walk up to them and stroke them. You wouldn’t like someone doing that to you, so don’t automatically assume that the dog will want it. If you see the owner of the pet then be sure to ask before any touching takes place.
If you are researching animals with the best temperament, then you may find that the top answer each time is the Labrador Retriever. There have been very few cases of these pooches attacking anyone, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen.
Going Away
Next, you should make sure that your kids are aware of how things may change in terms of going away when you have a pet. It’s possible that your pet may have an issue with attachment or separation anxiety. If this is the case, then it’s going to be difficult to leave your pup alone even if you find the best kennels for them.
You might need to take them with you and find dog-friendly places to stay or visit. The good news is that there are lots of options like this, regardless of where you are headed. You can also get accessories and items which will greatly improve the experience that your pet has while on a trip with you. For instance, you might want to get them a dog hammock so that they will remain comfortable in the back of the car.
Cost Involved
Finally, you might want to teach your kids about the costs that will usually be associated with a pet. If they are an older child, you may wish to encourage them to take responsibility for some of the costs. Or, simply understand the expenses that come with bringing a new pet into the home.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key things that you do need to teach your kids about pets. Doing so can help you sidestep some of the common issues and growing pains you can have when bringing a new animal into your home. It can also ensure that they get more from this experience and will be able to take on some of the responsibilities that are connected to having a pet.
One thought on “What We Need To Teach Our Kids About Pets”