Teach children how to interact with pets

Tails Are Not for Pulling shows young children how to treat pets with kindness and respect. Kids ages 4–7 learn that pets have feelings and boundaries, just like people do. This book encourages children to have empathy for how pets feel when we yank fur or feathers, chase, or tease them. They learn about animal behaviors like growling, hissing, and hiding, which are signals to back off. Readers also discover that they can help pets feel safe and loved by treating them with care.

With simple text and bright, inclusive illustrations, this book helps children make positive choices around their furry, feathery, and scaly friends. Part of the award-winning Best Behavior® series, this title helps children learn how to behave with animals; skills they can carry with them for life.

• Shows how to speak an animal’s “language” and treat pets with care


• Teaches children not to touch strangers’ pets without permission


• Pairs simple text with bright, inclusive images of children in everyday situations


• Expands on the themes in the board book with the same title

Tails Are Not for Pulling is a helpful resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors who want to teach respectful treatment of animals. The book can be read before bringing home a new pet or to open conversations about animal interactions. A special section for adults offers practical strategies for guiding kids toward safe, empathetic relating to all kinds of pets. Great for children who read the board book edition and need an expanded reminder when behaviors resurface.