Growing evidence shows that pets, particularly dogs, can provide numerous advantages to children1. While this evidence helps convince their parents of this claim, forming a lasting positive bond between both animal and child doesn’t always happen instantly – adults must do everything possible to encourage a harmonious relationship and maximize its other advantages for both parties involved.

Benefits of Owning Pets for Children
According to a poll from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, approximately two-thirds of families own at least one pet, such as dogs (76%); cats (41%); fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians (24%), as well as small mammals like rabbits or guinea pigs (9). Sixty three percent of parents said their child got their pet as companionship while 57% said it taught responsibility – two advantages many other benefits aside from just companionship that pets bring! 2

Responsibility can lead to improved emotional, psychological and physical health as well as greater relationship satisfaction in relationships, including companionship, respect and loyalty – the bedrocks of love, empathy and compassion.
How to Introduce a Pet to a Child Any time you introduce a pet to a child, make sure that an adult is constantly watching how the interaction transpires. Very young children should never be left alone with a pet until you know both will be safe – this is especially important because many pets may accidentally scratch or bite a child while children may act too rough without supervision, injuring the animal themselves.

Ask your child to sit quietly on a chair or couch, inviting the pet over for them to interact with and pet, then have your child offer food or treats to the animal either thrown onto the floor or handed gently from their hand to positively reinforce its experience. Observe how both child and animal interact; if either acts aggressively, work through interactions as needed.

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