LOVE OR HATE

PETS AND ANIMALS

When there are pets and animals in a home, mutual respect must be taught as soon as possible. Children love to hold animals but are inclined to grip which may hurt them and pull their hair resulting in a snap, scratch or bite. When we teach to stroke using a toy, we need to keep in mind the toy is a dead thing and the pet is not...so we must be present when teaching a young child to hold, stroke and handle a pet. If it is a first child and the dog or cat was the child in the house, there may be jealousy on behalf of the pet.... and they may not be too happy with the newcomer and push them aside, even manipulate, snap, lay on their heads, etc.....the pet will not like the intruder, so slow introduction may be necessary. As a child we need to learn how to be gentle and not hold them too tight or drag them around, hurting them and causing unnecessary problems. Pets are as much part of a family and need to be treated with love and respect. I have seen some little children picking up some dogs by the legs and throwing them over their shoulders like a ragdoll causing the dog to cry put in pain. .  this is not on, and should be avoided at all costs. A child should be taught to sit down and the pet placed on their laps and shown how to softly and gently stroke them without griping legs or necks or trying to hold the animal down....an animal has a will of its own and when held down may scratch or bite to escape, not to harm the child, but simply to escape from the grip. We can learn with a toy and then the real thing.... always under supervision. Most pets love to be stroked and will sit there the whole day providing they do not feel threatened or aren't hurt in the process. To avoid animal hatred in children and child hatred in animals both need to be introduced to each with kindness and gentleness so they learn to love each other. There are few greater friends for a child than an animal, it is great company when they grow together and have a mutual respect for each other.  Pets should never be used to express our anger on, they are there as company and should be loved at all times. ©