Best Pets as Christmas Presents for Children

Puppies and kittens are the most popular pets for parents to get their children. Who doesn’t love the sweet affection of an adorable puppy or the playfulness of a frisky kitten? If you use the positive reinforcement of a clicker to paper and obedience train when you first bring it home, you and your pet will have a head start on a long and happy relationship.

Some children are allergic to dogs and cats, so consider other pets that your child may not be allergic to. The following are some of the most popular pets for children…all of which can be clicker trained with clickers:

Rabbits. Loving, quiet, and easy to take care of, bunnies are a favorite pet for older, calm children any time of year. Use clicker training to help your bunny feel safe when being lifted and held. You can also clicker train it to do tricks like hopping over jumps and running through tunnels.

Birds. Parakeets, canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds and small parrots make wonderful pets for children and thrive with constant affection. For best results, look for hand-tamed babies from a reputable breeder.

Guinea pigs. These little furry friends are gentle and good-natured, in many ways a perfect pet for children of all ages. Guinea pigs are a little skittish around people at first and need to be clicker trained to trust you when being held and carried.

Rats. Believe it or not, rats are fastidiously clean, intelligent, and love to be handled. Your child can clicker train a rat to come when called, kiss, beg, and many other tricks.

Children at least six years of age can be taught to clicker train their pets. Clicker training teaches kids to not tug or yell at pets, which could cause the pet to react dangerously. If you’re planning to give your child a pet for Christmas, find a pet that’s right for your child’s age and personality, and help your child become more confident in handling pets.