So you’ve decided to buy a pet and bring it into a household where you’re raising a toddler. You think it might be just so cute to see them play and cuddle together, a pet may teach your kid love and appreciation for animals and in turn your kid will be a perfect companion for the lovely furry. Right?
Well, in fact, unless you already have a pet, bringing one into your home and your toddler’s life might not be such a swell idea.
Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention and love, sometimes more than your toddler. Your task is not only to raise them, but to raise them right, and that might be impossible provided your household has a lively energetic toddler!
“Every family is different,” acknowledges Shelagh MacDonald, program director for the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, “but I don’t think getting a dog is usually the best decision at that point. Toddlers require so much time, and puppies can be almost as demanding as children. And the early stages of a puppy are so important – the time and effort you put into the first two years in training and shaping their behaviour pays off years down the road. It would be a real challenge to train and socialize a puppy at the same time as having a toddler.”
But let’s say you’re in a situation where you actually own a pet and that pet coexists in the same house with your little one. How do you make it work?
First of all, it’s helpful to know that both, the child and the pet may get hurt. Toddlers are curious and unaware of certain signals dogs or cats may give out, while cats or dogs are often taken aback by clumsy gestures and sudden grabbing. So here’s a few things you should take into attention in order to install peace:
Rule 1: Supervise
Whatever it is they do, always watch them play or interact.
Rule 2: Seek professional assistance
If your dog is impatient and demonstrates aggression towards your child, hire a dog trainer
Rule 3: Educate
Teach your toddler to be nice to the doggie or kittie, show them how to be gentle and how to pat a dog or cat the right way.
Rule 4: Praise
Praise your dog and cat for being patient and your child – for following the rules
Rule 5: Do cat manicures
If you own a cat, try to make sure you trim their claws once in a while to minimize the damage (they do occasionally scratch, it’s in their nature)
Rule 6:Ensure healthy living
Vaccinate your pets regularly