Families need not get rid of their pets when they have a baby. As long as care is taken, it is very possible to raise a family with pets. Through careful training and a watchful eye, children will grow up loving their furry friends, and will learn a special sense of responsibility as they take over the care of a cat or dog.
Preparing the Family Pet for a New Baby
The first step in raising children with family pets is to prepare the pet for the introduction of the new baby. Do not keep the family pet out of the baby's nursery. Instead, invite the pet in, and allow him to smell the new baby items that will be used by the newest member of the family pack. Taking care to include the family pet in the baby's life will help to prevent unwanted behaviors such as marking.
Before baby comes home, have a family member bring home a baby blanket from the hospital. Putting the blanket with the scent of the new baby in an area where the pet sleeps will, in a way, introduce him to the new baby. When bringing baby home, have someone else carry the baby in the house. The mom has been away from home for several days giving birth, and the family pet needs to know that she is okay. Then under a watchful eye, introduce the pet to the new arrival.
The Necessity of Training for the Family Pet
The family pet needs to be carefully trained in order to be a safe playmate for children. Cats needs to be litter trained and healthy. Cats are not a big behavior concern, as they will be instinctively gentler with a child, and will spend their existence attempting to get away from him. Every human in the home needs to be a pack leader, or in charge of the dog. Dogs may need some help from a private trainer to ensure that there are no problem behaviors such as biting, marking or any other aggressive behaviors.
Children and Pets in the Same Home
Children and pets can peacefully coexist in the home. Whenever the family pet and children are in the same room, they should be closely monitored. A dog that tends to any aggressive behaviors at all should not be allowed to be near a child without an adult within arms reach to prevent any problems.
Aggressive behavior to watch for in a dog includes growling, snarling and nipping. These behaviors should never be tolerated. Correct the dog immediately, and remove him from the situation. Barking and growling that is connected to playtime and not meant as a warning can be okay, but again, a watchful eye is essential for the safety of the child.
Although many pets are given up when children come into the family, this does not need to always happen. Through careful preparation, consistent training and a watchful eye, children can enjoy the company of a family pet.
Learn more about keeping kids safe around dogs.
You may also be interested in methods for training your dog.
Learn how to clip a cat's nails.
 |
