Young Children and the Family Pet

Animals can make wonderful friends for children. Here are some important things to remember when you have a young child in the home with a family pet

Always supervise children and pets. Infants and toddlers under the age of four should not be left alone with an animal. Even the most mild-mannered dog or cat can become aggressive if provoked or under stress.  

Demonstrate appropriate interactions with your pet. Treat your cat and dog with respect and love and your child will do the same.

Young children often want to pet the dog or cat. Demonstrate to your child how to pet animals with gentle strokes and to pet with the fur, not against it. Show them where the animal likes to be touched. Many animals dislike being patted on top of their heads or may be sensitive to having certain body parts touched. Very small children will be particularly drawn to outstanding or unique body parts, such as a curly tail or floppy ears and may try to grab them. Firmly tell your child “No,” and explain simply that the animal doesn’t like that. 

Children may come to regard the family pet as playmate, so it is important to monitor any play interaction and ensure it is safe for both your child and pet. Do not allow any rough play, since it can get out of hand quickly. If your child tries to jump on the animal’s back, stop him or her immediately with a firm “No!” and a short explanation. If playtime becomes too overwhelming for either your child or your pet, it is important to give a time out to cool down. Redirect their behavior to an activity that is more pleasant for the animals, such as fetch or hide-the-treats.

Animals can become aggressive if they feel someone is trying to take away their food. Keep your dog’s toys separate from your child’s toys. Dogs can be very possessive of their toys, especially high-value chew toys, such as rawhides, pig’s ears, or bones. Give your dog chew toys only when your child is sleeping, or when your dog is in his or her crate or in a separate room. Monitor feeding times and do not allow children to approach food bowls when animals are eating.  

No one likes to be woken up out of a deep sleep, including your pet. If a child tries to awaken a sleeping animal, it will most likely startle the animal and can provoke aggression.

Teach children about responsible pet ownership. By providing your child with small, age-appropriate tasks, such as filling the water bowl or accompanying you on a walk, children will develop the sense of responsibility that comes with having a pet.

Elena Bicker is the executive director of Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. She has been with the organization since 1993, serving first as a volunteer then as marketing director. She resides in Danville with her husband Bill and her rescue dogs Sadie and Mia.