How do i teach my two year old to be nice to our animals?

Question

my two year old is always grabbing our dog's neck, or throwing the dog toys at the dog. She also grabs the cat and pulls on her. I tell her to stop, and put her in time-out for it, but she doesn't get it. She has been bit by the cat before, but she still does it. What else can i do?

Answer 1

How long have you been teaching him?  I have taught my son from about the time he could sit up to "be nice" and "gentle" to the cat and how to pet my cat.

I now have no problems.

I would continue with your discipline.  It takes kids a long time to change a behavior and get it into those little brains.  Be consistent and firm!  

Answer 2

with my daughter I always made sure I told her that the cat didn't like having his tail pulled and he would bite her. Then as he protested I would say "see he doesn't like it don't do it" She got scratched on the hand and wailed...and I just kept on repeating that he scratched you because you pulled his tail. He doesn't like it so don't do it.

I really had to make the connection that the cat didn't like it and if the cat didn't like it she would get hurt.....so don't do it.  

Answer 3

I am anxiously awaiting answers to this question as well.

My 2-year-old son loves to hit our cat, and kick him. Many times when he does it, I tell him no and to pet the kitty nice and he will usually pet him gently, but the cat usually freaks and runs away.

good luck!

Answer 4

I think you need to do a lot of modeling.  You have to teach them early on to love and appreciate animals.  

Answer 5

Tell your kid she is hurting the animal, and if she doesn't get it, put her in a playpen and don't let the animals around her until she's old enough to understand.  

Answer 6

maybe she's not an animal person. seriously i can relate to her! I know this doesn't help. But I certainly didn't inherit the animal lover gene either. Maybe you should consider having less pets or at the very least keep them all separated.

Answer 7

The best way is to get down with her and model the behavior you want.  Teach her how to pet the dog.  Use words like "pet the dog nice."

The only reason I would put her in time out is when she throws toys, and not because it's at the dog.

When handling the animals, sometimes it's best if you handle the animal in your lap, and she learns to pet and play with them.  At this age, their coordination is not great and their reflexes are not developed, so it's hard for them to pet an animal in a nice steady motion.  And when they grab at an animal, they sometimes can't let go as fast, and they always have a super grip hold lol.