Pet interactions: Respecting their choices

Using your activity sheet, think about what makes an interaction with a pet safe. This might include thinking about where you should avoid touching certain pets, when to give them space, and how to interact with them appropriately.

Remember: Every pet is different. Some pets may enjoy being touched in areas that others do not. Always let the pet choose and watch their body language.

Then, think about how we can act towards our pets.

Use your activity sheet to explore which choices help pets feel safe, happy and comfortable, and which choices might make them scared or uncomfortable. For example, is it kind to hug a dog tightly or stroke them gently?

We can tell people when we don't like something; we can say no. 

Sometimes, pets don’t like things, but they can't use words to tell us what they want. They use their body language and behaviour to communicate with us.

Use your activity sheet to practise spotting what pets might be trying to tell you.

Try it out! Can you show an adult how to interact with a toy (like a stuffed dog) in a kind and safe way? Ask the adult to show you different ways to use the toy. Can you spot which ones would be kind and safe for a real pet and which ones might make them uncomfortable?