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Originally Posted by tinalove  We grew up with dogs. I can understand anyone's concern about handling a small animal but I feel children should be taught to handle and respect any size pet. They also need to be taught that sometimes a pet needs rest and space. A family pet will not feel like being held all the time. I think a young child should be watched while handling a pet but it is the same with their holding a younger brother or sister. You wouldn't leave a 2 or 3 year child alone with an infant. We can't watch children every minute but I think some adults should do better watching and training their children. I taught my children that our pets had feelings and to handle them with care. I also taught them just like they have moods, our pets have moods too. Having a family pet can be a great learning experience. It taught my teenage daughter about caring for a puppy and she realizes that caring for a human baby would be even harder (glad she knows this  ). |
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great post!!
We got our toy poodle when my youngest was only 3. She was less than a pound when we got her. My kids were taught how to behave around animals, and were NOT allowed to hold her with out sitting on the floor and me right there with them. They were also taught to leave the animals alone while they were napping, eating, in thier kennels etc.
Children can learn and be taught how to be careful, kind, loving and resposnible when it comes to animals. Not all kids are unruly..
