#Middlebury #Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My toddlers will not stop tormenting our pets! They chase the cat and pull his tail; they dive-bomb the dog and scare her every time she lays (sic) down for a nap. I’m tired of chasing after them and trying to stop them. What else can I do? Lock the pets in another room? – Susanna Y., Ogden, Utah
DEAR SUSANNA: Let me ask you this: Why should the pets be punished every time your toddlers misbehave? Your dog should be able to nap peacefully in her own doggie bed, and the cat should be able to sit quietly at the window.
That’s the ideal, anyway. I know it’s difficult, especially since all of us are cooped up right now. But, consider that toddlers tend to react just as well to a punishment/reward system as most dogs (and some cats) do, if not more so.
Make it clear that your kids are not to torment the pets – and that if they do, there will be consequences. As to the consequences: What are their favorite things to do? Play with specific toys? Watch certain Netflix Kids cartoons? Eat candy?
They may be very young, but threatening to (temporarily) remove one of their favorite activities or snacks can be effective. And of course, there’s always the tried-and-true time out.
I wish I had more advice to give you. Chasing around toddlers is truly exhausting. Just try to be firm and make it clear that it’s wrong for them to torment the pets. We’ll all be able to get out of the house soon.
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