There are so many items to consider before introducing a new cat or dog into the home. One of the most important being how they are going to interact with children in the household. Unfortunately, many pets each year are relinquished to shelters due to unfortunate injuries to a child caused by the family dog or cat.

When choosing a dog for your family it is very important to do research on the breed. Some breeds may be territorial and aggressive. Good family dogs include the Labrador and Golden Retriever, Boston terriers, Beagles, and the Poodle. It is also important to understand the body language that your pet is exhibiting. Your pet may only exhibit slight changes in their body language when they are stressed. Paying close attention is key, behavior can escalate quickly in any given situation. Some of the changes include: ears flattened and back,, a stiff stance, a wide-eyed stare in which you can see the whites of their eyes, tail tucked between their legs, avoidance of the child by turning their face away, slight lip curl, hair standing up on the back, yawning, panting, or licking, and any noises such as grumbling, growling, or groaning. Cats will exhibit very similar signs plus a puffing tail or hissing. If you notice your dog or cat exhibiting any of these signs, give your dog an immediate break from the child.

It is so important to make sure your children understand how to interact with your pets. Pets need their space. Feed your pets away from where your children are. Some pets can be food aggressive especially if startled by your child while eating. Do not allow your children to approach your pet while sleeping. This can startle them and cause them to act out of fear. Children can be very stressful for a pet. Make sure they have a place to escape to. A bedroom or crate may be needed on occasion for your pet in order to take a break from your children. Make sure they have all the necessities they need in the room or crate to allow them to safely relax and pass the time. Close observance is key for the optimal relationship of children and pets in a household. Make the time between your pets and children a positive one, and not one that ends with the pet leaving the household that it was brought into.