Pets teach children to be responsible

Dogs and cats can serve as great teachers to educate children about responsibility and unconditional love! However, wait until your children are at least 5 years old before acquiring a new pet. Younger children, some of who might just be starting to crawl or walk, stand a greater chance of being accidentally hurt or scratched by a housepet than do older children. On the contrary, older children are better equipped to learn about and/or undertake responsibilities associated with pet ownership, and can become active participants in the care of the new family member.

When selecting a pet for a child, choose one with an outgoing personality, one that can stand up to the rigors of ownership by a child . Shy, introverted puppies and kittens rarely satisfy the energy requirements of children. Such pets might be difficult to socialize and could turn aggressive if mentally traumatized by an overzealous child.

With dogs, medium to medium-large breeds are preferred for children. Small dogs and toy breeds, because of their small stature, are more susceptible to accidental injury at the hands and feet of young ones. They are also more likely to become aggressive if mishandled. On the other hand, while one of the giant breeds can be gentle as a lamb, such a pet could still pose a significant health threat to your child because of its sheer mass.

Personality features to look for in dogs include low aggressiveness, high tolerance, and low excitability. Golden retrievers are a favorite among parents, owing to their reputation for gentleness with children. Basset hounds, Labrador retrievers, and collies are also popular picks for children. Finally, when purchasing a puppy or kitten, limit your selection to one that is between 8 and 12 weeks old. Because socialization naturally occurs during this time, a greater bond will form between it
and your child.