5 Things Pet Owners Wish Parents Knew

On a sunny Christmas morning when I was about 4 years old, my dad took my 2-year-old brother and me for a post-present stroll. As we dashed ahead, a neighbor’s front door swung open, and out bounded a giant Irish Setter. The exuberant pup dashed toward my brother, who fell to the ground in a panic. The dog, blissfully unaware of my brother’s fear, began licking his face and sniffing him, probably hoping he’d stop screaming and throw a ball. I still remember the terror I felt as I watched my dad separate them, and to this day, my brother isn’t the biggest fan of unfamiliar dogs.

Because of my brother’s childhood fear, I was determined that my kids wouldn’t have the same anxieties. I wanted them to feel at ease around pets and to know how to safely interact with unfamiliar animals they might meet. I often sought the help of friends with pets to teach my kids what to do and what not to do around animals, prioritizing safety for both the kids and the pets. We also waited until our children were a bit older before bringing a pet into our home, ensuring they understood the significant responsibility that comes with caring for an animal.

When we rescued a 2-year-old Shih Tzu last spring, I quickly realized that the responsibilities of pet ownership were more intense than I had anticipated. The learning curve has been steep! As we’ve gotten to know our new pup and her quirks, I’ve become all too aware that it’s my duty as a pet owner to ensure she’s well-trained and that we make responsible choices during walks and interactions with neighborhood kids. Here are a few ways pet owners and parents can collaborate to create a safe environment for everyone involved.

1. Let’s Teach Kids How to Safely Approach Dogs.

Our Shih Tzu is a social butterfly who loves attention, but not all dogs share her enthusiasm. It’s important for parents to remind their kids that while dogs are adorable, some can be fearful or react aggressively if approached too quickly. If your child wants to pet a dog, they should always ask the owner first, and if the owner declines, that’s a hard no. I promise to keep my dog out of places where she might feel overstimulated or anxious. It’s a partnership!

2. I’m Happy to Share My Dog, but Let’s Work Together.

Just like humans, dogs don’t appreciate surprises. Approaching from behind can scare them, leading to a fear response. If your child has the go-ahead to pet my dog, teach them to do so from the side and to avoid shoving their hand in the dog’s face. Allow the dog to sniff at its own pace and encourage gentle petting where the owner suggests. I love it when kids play with our pup, but I absolutely adore when parents help facilitate safe interactions.

3. Let’s All Take Breaks Sometimes.

Even our furry friends need a breather! If an animal retreats to its bed or a quiet spot, teach your kids to respect that space. Animals signal when they need downtime, and it’s essential for their well-being. If your child is visiting during a hectic playdate, encourage them to let our dog chill while they have fun. If I ask your child to give my dog a moment, it’s not meanness; it’s about ensuring our pup gets the peace she needs.

4. My Dog Loves Food Just Like Everyone Else.

When I’m hungry, nothing gets between me and my meal! Similarly, pets often stick to a feeding schedule and can be protective of their food. Teach your kids that it’s never okay to disturb an animal while it’s eating or drinking. Remind them that patience is key; the dog will be ready to play once it’s finished. If you happen to visit during mealtime, I’ll make sure to have some tasty snacks for the kids to enjoy while our pup chows down.

5. Every Animal Can Be a Bit of a Wild Card.

Regardless of how well-trained a dog may be, parents should always be cautious. Teach your children to respect a pet’s boundaries and feelings. No animal is perfect, no matter how cute its puppy dog eyes or wagging tail may seem. Since adopting our Shih Tzu, we’ve invested a lot of time in training and consistency to minimize any risk of her lashing out. I’m always eager to help kids learn how to approach our dog safely, as I know the joy she brings to our family. But I also appreciate parents who recognize that our dog is an integral part of our family and deserves respect.

If you’re curious about more parenting tips or want to dive deeper into topics like home insemination, check out this post on our blog. For authoritative insights on fertility journeys, visit this resource. Additionally, News Medical is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination information.

In summary, collaboration between pet owners and parents is vital for creating a safe and enjoyable environment for both kids and animals. Teaching children how to interact with pets respectfully enhances their experiences and helps foster a love for animals while ensuring everyone’s safety.