How to Teach Your Children to Be Responsible Pet Owners

Pet ownership is a big responsibility and teaching children how to look after their pets is a good place to start! When children reach school age this is usually a good time to introduce them to the joy and responsibilities of owning and caring for a pet. Very young children and pets are not always a good mix. Poking prodding fingers can make for very annoyed and irritated animals that may retaliate with a bite or scratch. Having a pet around the house can be lots of fun for older children. They can take on responsibilities such as grooming, feeding, exercising, entertaining and teaching their pet.

These responsibilities help children to understand the commitment needed to be a pet owner.Parents need to model appropriate care of animals too- so children can follow and learn what they need to do. Teach children how to be gentle with their pet by showing them how and where to pat animals. Generally not near an animal's face is a good idea. Children should also be taught to recognise the signs that their pet is hungry, angry, scared or tired and how to respond accordingly. For example-A dog shows he is happy by wagging his tail but will lay his ears back with his tail between his legs when he is angry or uptight. Teach children not to tease or taunt pets and to approach them gently.

In particular discourage children from approaching animals that are asleep, sick or eating. It is advisable to teach children to call their pets name when approaching them and to hold out their hand so pets can smell their scent. Have regular feeding times for pets so children can get into a routine. A chart is a great visual way of listing all of the pet jobs and whose responsibility each one is. Jobs such as filling up the pet's bowl with fresh water or cleaning out a litter box are simple everyday jobs that children can manage and can be responsible for. Take your child shopping to shop for pet items. Help them to clean out your pet's home and explain the importance of keeping their pet and its home clean and vermin-free. Talk to them about how important it is to take their pets to the vet for checkups and vaccinations, just as we visit the doctor. Explain that animals need exercise just as we do.

Finally all pets need lots of attention and love. Teaching your child about sensible pet ownership is a necessity and will hopefully ensure many years of happy pet relationships!

Christine S has been a Pre School teacher for 28 years and has a great deal of expertise in early childhood education. To find out more about pets please visit http://www.mycatiscoolerthanyou.com