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If you have children, you need this video. Internationally known expert on pet behavior Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, D.V.M., offers children clear, step-by-step instructions on safely interacting with dogs and cats. The 27-minute video opens with two young children, Jessica and Scott, bringing in their dog and cat for a checkup and shots. As he examines the animals, Dr. Hunthausen describes how animals "talk" with sound and body language. This is one doctor who makes house calls--he then visits the children's house to elaborate on how to be safe with animals. The whole premise of Jessica and Scott sitting with their pets and interacting one on one with Dr. Hunthausen keeps kids interested and focused through what might otherwise be an uninteresting lecture. Topics covered are how animals communicate through vocalizing and body language, danger signs for both dogs and cats, how to handle and play with animals, how to interact with other people's pets, and techniques for staying safe when meeting animals outside. Especially impressive is the footage of animals displaying various warning signs--kids will know exactly what an angry dog or a scared cat looks like. Also noteworthy is Dr. Hunthausen's discussion of how to respond when confronted by a loose dog. Even if you don't have pets of your own, your children should watch this video to learn how to interact safely with other people's cats and dogs. (Ages 3 to 8) --Tami Horiuchi
Customer Review: I recommend it to anyone with kids
This video is great for teaching kids to respect animals without fear and how to avoid problems when approached by a dog. My 4yo quotes the video at me all the time and asked to watch it 3-4 times a day when we checked it out of the library. I am considering buying it for my home library so it's available to show kids visiting my home and pets. The acting isn't the best from an adult standpoint so prepare to roll your eyes a bit but adults aren't the target audience anyway. Kids love it and kids learn from it so I definitely recommend it.
Customer Review: Dogs, Cats & Kids
I can't speak highly enough about "Dogs, Cats & Kids". I teach 'dog bite prevention' in the Georgia School system and after bringing our program, 'Bear's World' to more than 10,000 Pre-school thru 4th grade students, I am still in awe when 2 and 3 year children stand to imitate standing still like a 'tree' while the video is playing or get all the questions right during the 'quiz' at the end of the video. I have watched children that were terrified of dogs come up to me and 'Bear' (the 2 year old Golden Retriever in our program) and tell me they are not afraid of dogs anymore and ask to watch the 'movie' again. I love the way the video teaches children how to tell when dogs and cats are happy, sad, angry or just want to be left alone in a FUN and non threatening manner. One of the most important lessons the children learn from the video is what to do if they are approached by a stray dog while outside. Standing still like a 'tree' or if on the ground curling up like a 'rock' is another one of the kids 'favorite parts' and they ask to do it again and again. "Dogs, Cats & Kids" is the 'centerpiece' of our program and I believe this video should be viewed by ALL families with children whether they have a companion animal in their home or not.


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