In Spain, there are 6,654,130 children under fourteen years of age and 9,280,821 dogs, which means that there are almost 1.5 dogs for every child. This close relationship between dogs and children underlines the importance of educating the little ones about respect and dog body language. This teaching not only encourages peaceful coexistence, but can also prevent trauma and the appearance of cynophobia (fear of dogs), a problem that is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population.
A children’s story titled ‘Can I touch your dog?’ has just gone on sale. in which, with the help of María Muñoz López-Cerón (Apuleyo editions), veterinarian, teacher and mother, teaches children in a simple way to interact safely and respectfully with dogs. As the author assures in this way, “encourage respect for animals from an early age.”
The story tells the adventures of Mercedes, a four-year-old girl in which readers will discover the importance of asking permission before approaching a dog. At the same time they will learn to recognize the body language of dogs and that they have their feelings and not all of them can be petted «no matter how much permission is asked“You have to know how to understand that not all dogs can be touched,” María Muñoz López-Cerón explains in her book. Furthermore, this story – illustrated by Romina Camoranesi – is the perfect tool for both parents and educators who wish to promote a harmonious coexistence between children and dogs.
Children and pets: responsibility step by step
Involve the little ones —at a certain age— in caring for a pet makes them more responsible and emotionally healthy. The first thing that children have to keep in mind is that pets are not a toy and that it is not a sporadic whim. Adopting an animal requires deep reflection in which the entire family must be involved, including the little ones. Taking care of a pet contributes to the educational and social development of children and forces them to assume responsibilities.
Although the main care of the pet corresponds to adults, you can start by asking them collaboration in different daily taskswhich can range from changing the water to cleaning the sand or accompanying them on their walks through the park. Most children have a pet on their list of preferences, but as we say, it is a decision that must be made calmly and in which all family members must be involved, since it is important to take into account The lifestyle of each house takes into account, the space the animal will have, the economic conditions of the family and the time required for care.
The company of a pet contributes to the educational developmentemotional and social of children (for example, they help those children with attention deficit and hyperactivity to focus their attention); It forces them to assume responsibilities, facilitates their communication and learn values such as respect for others. The first thing to explain to the child is that a pet is a living being and you have to respect its space and personality and, above all, the moments of rest and food.
Degree of responsibility
It must be clear that pet care cannot be completely delegated to the little ones in the house; The adult is responsible. However, depending on their age, they can gradually assume some responsibilities. You can start by asking them to collaborate with certain daily tasks, such as provide them with foodchange their water, brush their hair and, in the case of cats, they can also help clean their litter box, always with adult supervision.
The latter can also be very helpful in explaining to the little ones the importance of taking care of the environment. In short, there is no doubt that the relationship with a pet will only bring benefits for children if it is established correctly. This is achieved by explaining and reminding them of essential issues, such as responsibility and respect for all living beings.
In this way, the little one will grow up happy with his furry friend, who will surely also become a great ally for his games and some other pranks.
By age and personality of the child
If our child asks for a pet, we must think carefully and act accordingly. You don’t have to give in to your whim If you think that later you will not be treated as it should be. That is one of the premises that many pets end up abandoned… and in this case we are not only referring to dogs or cats; but also small rodents, turtles and even birds.
Here we put some recommendations regarding the age at which our child can start having a pet, I repeat with responsibility and always with the adult supervision.
From the age of five you can take care of those pets that do not require too much attention such as: a turtle, a fish, a hamster, a rabbit or a guinea pig. They will be able to take care of their own food and drinks (the adult should remind them until they make it a habit). You can also participate in the cleaning the cage, fish tank or terrarium. Of course, they should also know that animals need peace of mind and you don’t have to be holding them all the time. They have their privacy.
Between six and seven years old, a cat can also be an appropriate pet, but in the case of dogs it is better to wait at least until they are 10 years old, since in addition to feeding them and playing with them, They will also have to take them for a walk. In this case, the size of the dog must also be taken into account, which must be proportional to the child’s strength so that he or she is able to control it at all times.
Also and very important to take into account, in addition to age, we must think about the personality, character and responsibility of the child. Not all 10-year-olds are mature enough. to take care of a dog or a cat. In the case of a dog, we must accompany it during the first walks until we are sure that it can do it alone.
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