The Animal Humane Society urges parents to teach children how to touch animals with respect. Many children naturally love animals, and that enthusiasm may compel them to be a little overexcited in their initial interactions with their new pet. In such instances, pets may feel threatened, even by small children, which could lead them to bark, growl or lunge at youngsters. So it’s important for parents to teach children how to approach and touch their new pets prior to brining the animal into the home.