Teach children the proper way to treat family pets

Many of us have fond memories of our childhood dogs. Our family's first dog was a collie-shepherd mix named Happy. He did everything with us, even going on family car vacations.

He loved to play ball, on land or in the water. Happy would lay beside my sister's buggy when she was outside, not leaving until Mom said it was "OK." He was loving, gentle, huggable and always, always came when he was called.

My parents even had a formal portrait done of him and my brother. Happy was an important member of our family.

The Humane Society of the United States describes the family pet as a child's "best friend, a companion who provides unconditional love and teaches them about friendship, loyalty and empathy."

The HSUS also suggests several things to consider before adopting a new pet and making him a member of the family.

One decision a family has to make is whether to bring home a young animal or an older one. Families with young children may believe a puppy or kitten is safer, easier to train and more adaptable than older, larger pets. But puppies and kittens are fragile, require extra time and care, and are prone to play-related scratching and biting. They may not be appropriate for a household with young children.

Adopting a calm, friendly, adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be a better choice.

Another consideration is how children in the family will interact with their new dog, cat or other new pet. To protect both child and pet, it's critical that an adult supervise all pet-child interactions. It's also important to help the child see the world through the pet's eyes.

Ask the child how he would feel if someone poked at his eyes or pulled his ears. Explain all animals must be treated with caution and respect.

In order to do that, the HSUS and growingupwithpets.com suggest parents help children in the family understand the following:

• Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys or resting. Remember, dogs get tired too. If he is sleeping, leave him alone.

• Pets may become upset by too much petting or stimulation. Teach children to heed warning signs, such as lip curling, retreating and growling, that indicate the dog wants to be left alone.

• Other people's pets may feel and display discomfort if a child touches or approaches them. Children should be told to get permission from an adult before touching someone else's pet. Parents should also explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered or hugged.

• Some dogs get excited when children scream and run. Teach children appropriate behaviors around dogs, including talking to the dog in a normal voice, no yelling or screaming at him. Approach the dog quietly. Make a fist and let him sniff you before you touch him. Pet the dog gently on the back, from head to tail.

• Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach children to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.

In order to teach children how to take good care of their new pets, rules regarding proper pet care should be set up and enforced as soon as the pet is brought into the family. For example, children should be told never to pull the animal's tail, ears or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit or chase the pet.

Teach children how to properly pick up, hold and pet the animal. The best way for a child to learn to be a good caregiver is to model the behavior of their parents.

How the new pet will feel also needs to be considered. Bringing a new pet into the family means helping that pet feel safe. Pets need time to adjust to new surrounding and circumstances, and need opportunities for "down time."

Pets should be given a place of their own where they can retreat from children. Pets should never be put in situations where they may feel threatened.

The HSUS notes the key to creating a true family pet - one who is gentle, loyal and loving to both animals and people - is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide him with the training and care he needs.

"It's not enough to get a pet for the kids. A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults."

Our family pets not only give us unconditional love, but teach us how to treat each other. And they give us memories that last a lifetime.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.