go through: brandon butlerguest writer

Have your kids been begging for a pet? As a parent, you have to make some big decisions, such as which pet is best for your family and how to help your children be hands-on when raising a new pet.We consulted with the San Francisco-based Certified dog trainer and behaviorist Beverly Ulbrich Tips on how to find the perfect animal companion for your family, and encourage your kids to be part of the training process!

lifestyle factors

Before you embark on bringing your pet home, you need to honestly evaluate your current living situation and how much time you and your child will have to spend with your new furry friend.

“People don’t realize that dogs are closer to babies than humans, and cats or gerbils don’t need as much attention,” Ulbrich said. “Like kids, dogs need enough physical exercise, mental exercise, and know the rules and boundaries. If you don’t tire them out, they’re going to get in trouble.”

Do you have a large suburban house with a large backyard? A dog or rabbit Might be great for your family.you live in a small apartment in a city?consider getting one cat or guinea pig。 All of these pets generally get along well with children, so you have a variety of options to suit your lifestyle.If you decide to get a dog, and Considering what kind of dog to getit must fit your lifestyle and be perfect for your child.

“If you’re a runner, get a dog with higher energy that you can run with,” advises Ulbrich. “If you’re a nerd, don’t have a dog that only needs three hours of exercise.”

major decision

Once you figure out which pets are really a good fit for your family, consider which animals require more responsibility. Older children may be mature enough to help with the training a kitten or puppy needs.

“It depends on your child’s level of interest—you have to know your own kids and their abilities,” Ulbrich said.

If you know your child doesn’t have the time or ability to work with a lively puppy or kitten, an older dog or cat from a shelter may be a better choice. If you have very young children who can’t really help you with pet care, go for low-maintenance ones like fish, hamsters, or lizards.

safety warning

Before you bring your new pet home, you need Anti pet your home and help prepare your children by teaching them some key safety tips for interacting with animals.national advice tell your kids Avoid playing with your pet when they are trying to eat, teasing or irritating your pet may result in scratches or bites.Mealtime Training Is Crucial, Ulbrich Says Well-Trained Dogs Should not react when their food is taken away.

“Here’s a catch 22: You should train your dog to do nothing but get your kids to eat or treat,” Ulbrich explains. “You have to make sure your kids don’t do that to someone else’s dog because that dog might not be trained and hurt them.”

As far as your pet’s safety is concerned, you should make sure your yard is safe, especially if you adopt a dog.examine poisonous plant Keep lawn and garden tools out of reach. It’s also a good idea to install a fence if you don’t already have one.Add wooden fence in San Diego Means almost $2,500It pays to keep your new puppy safe.

“It’s also important to train your dog to be safe on leashes and at dog parks,” says Ulbrich. “It’s very important to train your dog to be friendly and to greet appropriately when on and off the leash so you know Universal Dog Body Language And your own dog’s body language. ”

training and networking

Your kids will be so excited when you bring your pet home, they’ll probably want to spend a lot of time playing with their new friend. What’s the best way to involve your child in pet care responsibilities? It all depends on their age and interests.

“I’ve seen five-year-olds be better at taming dogs than their parents,” Ulbrich said. “Make sure there’s a real interest there. If your kids aren’t interested, they’re not going to be good at it.”

Pupils can often help you when you’re teaching your pet new tricks, and you can have them hand out treats for positive reinforcement.family Education recommend Have an older child take your dog for a walk or clean out the cat’s litter box. Overall, the best way to teach children how to treat pets is to lead by example. If you’re a careful pet owner, your kids will learn by watching your behavior!

“You have to be a top-notch dog trainer and make sure you don’t make mistakes so your kids don’t—make sure you play by the rules,” advises Ulbrich.

the bottom line

Having a pet is a big step for your family. But kids are naturally attracted to animals, and yours might be happier, healthier with a furry friend in their life. By carefully considering which species and breed is right for your family, and encouraging your child to help train and socialize your pet, you can ensure your child and your new pet form a loving bond.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional training or advice.