Cedar Valley Dog March/April 2013 Issue #2 | Page 3

CHOOSING THE PERFECT PET FOR YOUR CHILDREN By: Karen Anderson - PetAgreed Canine Academy 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 the training and care he deserves. 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. interactions. It’s also important to help your child see the world through your pet’s eyes. Ask your child how she would feel if someone poked at her eyes or pulled her ears. Explain that even the most docile pet has limits, and that all animals must be treated with caution and respect. Help your child understand that pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, resting or sleeping. How can I make my pet feel safe? Pets need time to adjust to new surroundings, like we do. They need time to themselves to be calm and take it all in. You should provide your pet with his own “bedroom” such as a crate; wire How old should my child be before we get a pet? crates should have a blanket or crate cover over it. You are the best judge of your child’s maturity. Set your dog up to succeed and don’t put your pet Your child should exhibit self control and in situations where they feel threatened. Dogs left understand (and obey) the word “no.” Try alone in yards can be accidentally or intentionally introducing your child your friends’ well-behaved teased by neighborhood children. Being in the pets so you can observe your child’s behavior back yard alone for long periods of time can also around them. lead to “out of control” behavior and boredom. Pets live longer, healthier and safer lives when How old should the pet be? kept indoors with the family. Puppies and kittens are fragile, they require extra time and care, and are prone to playWhat ways can the kids help with pet care? related scratching and biting, which may not be Always use age appropriate tasks for your child. appropriate for a family with young children. Set your child up to succeed as well as your dog. Adopting a friendly, calm adult animal who has Let your child feed your dog at meal times, let a known history of getting along with young her carry a dog food can or treats. Let your kids children may be the best choice for your family. help pick out the dog’s collar or harness, bed, toys Before making a choice, talk it over with a etc. Find a certified dog trainer that includes the professional dog trainer to assist you in your pet whole family. We recommend local certified dog selection. Here at PetAgreed, we offer this as a trainer with PetAgreed Canine Academy, Karen complementary service. Anderson What kind of dog is be st with children? All dogs have the potential to bite, and a dog’s breed is only one of many factors that affect temperament and behavior. The best dogs for children are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined. How should my child interact with pets? To protect both your child and your pet, it’s critical that an adult supervise all pet-child How can I teach children to care for pets? Crate Exercise: 1. While holding onto your dog’s leash open the crate door. 2. Toss 2-3 treats in the crate with one hand while holding onto your dog’s leash with the other hand. (don’t pull or yank on your dog’s leash) 3. Your dog should try to run in after the treats; keep holding him by the leash. After your dog stops pulling to get in, release your dog while saying “kennel up.” 4. When he runs in to eat the treats make sure you say “good” while closing the kennel door (don’t lock it, hold it closed with your hand). 5. When your dog is done eating the treats he should be right back at the front of the kennel. 6. Open the kennel up while saying “free” and release your dog from the kennel. 7. Repeat 10 times in a row for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day. If your dog whines or shows any signs of stress you might be going too fast. Instead, let him be unleashed. Take off the kennel’s front door and let him wander in there while you’re standing far enough away. When you see him in the crate, make sure to praise lavishly with attention and treats. By being a responsible care giver yourself. Set up realistic expectations from the beginning. Take steps to pick out the right pet for your family at the right time. Involve your kids in pet training activities. This will teach them how to communicate more effectively and teach them about humane treatment. All training is done for your family’s future relationship with your pet. A wellmannered pet will enjoy life more. 6109 Chancellor Drive Cedar Falls | 319-277-7320 | [email protected] | www.petagreed.co