A Comparative Development Between a Pet and a Child

The development of a small animal has much in common with that of the infant. A notable difference, however is that the baby sees and hears before walking while the puppy's senses grow more in sync with its capacity for movement.

As a general rule a kitten of five weeks is capable to run after a bird, a puppy can climb a staircase This is one general rule: the kitten of 5 short weeks after the bird, a puppy of two months can climb a staircase, a robin can steal in a few weeks and a baby dolphin can swim from birth.

Neonatal period

The neonatal period in dogs is between 0 and 2 weeks while in children is between 0 and 5 weeks. During this period, the puppy and the newborn child depend on the mother for food and care. There is no transitional period in a child as opposed to that of a puppy in which between 2 and 4 weeks it will be developing its sensory and motor skills at a very fast pace.

Socialization period

The primary socialization period extends from 4 to 12 weeks in dogs and 5 weeks to 7 months in infants. External emotions are evident in a smiling baby and the wagging of the tail in a puppy. The puppy and baby have the same need of warmth and communication and show as much enthusiasm to discover their surroundings and show the same enthusiasm to fun. Both express their distress by crying. The joyful cooing of a baby is the wriggling of the tail in puppies. A critical period of socialization begins around 2 months in infants while in a puppy it starts at 4 weeks. The fear of strangers appears from 8 to 9 months in children while in dogs it starts at 8 weeks.

Transition period

There are two periods of transition in a child, periods that do not exist in dogs. The first period of transition is between the ages of 9 and 15 months when he begins to walk and eat as an adult. The second transition period is the acquisition of language and vocabulary by the child. The juvenile and sexual maturity period in dogs is 12 weeks while in children it is between 15 and 25 months.

Discern stages of development

Parents, adults and teachers must learn to discern the various stages of development of their child. It is imperative that they also possess a good knowledge of changes in relations between their child and the animal, changes determined by this development. The animal also has its own expressions; adults have the opportunity to acquire knowledge in order to face any eventuality.

Avoid putting a fragile young animal (puppy, kitten, chicken, rabbit ...) in the hands of a child under 2 or 3 years, whose clumsy gestures can be dangerous or prejudicial to any happy relationship.

Sources:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/selecting_the_right_pet_for_your_family_and_making_the_introduction.html