Small children often hurt pets. Not out of malice, of course, from misunderstanding. Sometimes this results in very unpleasant situations when the child begins to torture animals on purpose.
There are many stories about how children grow up side by side with their pets: they become best friends, everyone is touched by a couple “do not spill water.” And there are others – a child torments animals. Chases cats, drags dogs by the ears. The opposite situation also happens: the kid squeezes the dog out of great love, she snaps, and – hello, trauma. How to explain to a child that dogs are also family members? How to teach to love and care for our smaller brothers? There are four simple rules.
1. Explain that animals are not toys.
Sounds like the truth from the captain Obvious. However, it must be remembered that children have difficulties with empathy. They do not yet know how to sympathize and empathize. Often times, children are absolutely genuinely convinced that a dog is just a fun thing to play with. And not very carefully.
The task of the parents is to explain that the dog is not a toy. Mom and Dad must convey to the child that your pet is also a living, breathing creature. When children understand that dogs have feelings like themselves, rude behavior usually fades away. This also works for cats, hamsters, and other pets.
2. Don’t think that animals like what you like.
Photographing a child riding a dog or pulling a cat by its fat cheeks is cute and fun. But don’t think that your pet is as having fun as you are. Animals try their best to patiently endure all your cute experiments. Moreover, dogs are more patient than cats: they still defend their independence.
But if a child pulls the dog by the ears, by the tail, or simply hugs the dog too much, all this can provoke even the most patient animal to aggression. And if you are touched by how obediently your pet takes down any games, then this may indicate that the animal simply fell into depression. Bad sign.
3. Better to keep out
Always be careful when handling the animal. Even if you are one hundred percent sure that your cute Yorkie will never offend a child in his life. If the baby sees a pet for the first time, or cuddles him for days on end, teach the baby to be gentle. The fact is that all animals are different: someone needs more personal space, someone less. Therefore, teach your child not to do anything that can annoy your pet. “Look, he has his ears flattened / tail between his legs. He doesn’t like what you are doing, ”and the baby should listen to the feelings of a dog or a cat.
4. The four-footed person also has a bad mood
According to statistics, in most cases, when a child is bitten by a dog, this dog is just a pet. Do not think that if the baby and the dog have known each other for a long time, then the dog will never offend the child. Cats are out of the question: they defend their personal space regardless of who violates it.
A dog can be the sweetest, funniest, loyal and adorable creature. But there are days when she is in a bad mood. A sure sign is when the dog is not looking at you, but somewhere in space. And if it starts to tremble, then this is a signal “Leave, please.” You better listen.