People Who Know How Irresponsible and Dangerous It Is to Let Kids Mistreat Pets Share Their Stories, and They Will Make You Think Twice
Some people forget that a family pet is still an animal, especially when kids are involved. A playful tug on an ear or tail can turn into a much bigger problem than anyone expected.
That is the tension in this story, where people are debating what happens when adults let children mistreat dogs and then act surprised when the dog reacts. The posts and reactions keep circling back to the same uncomfortable question, who is really responsible when things go too far?
The stories in this thread make the answer feel a lot less simple than some parents would like.
Some people think a dog will always be gentle with kids, but that idea can fall apart fast.
Cynology expert Mindaugas Sejunas has unmasked the widespread myth that all dogs love and protect kids. “There are plenty of videos online that show kids riding dogs. Everyone brags on Facebook about how well their kid and dog get along. Many parents decide to get a dog for their child so that the little one stays entertained and doesn’t get bored. Some think of a dog as an excellent guardian. This is the biggest mistake an adult can make, and it could easily turn into tragedy. There’s a famous story about a dog that was left alone with a crying child. The mom gets irritated, shouts at the kid, and leaves the room. After she comes back from the kitchen, she sees her child’s throat torn apart. The dog was put down.”
Animal behavior specialist Vida Radzeviciene spoke about things you should keep in mind when raising kids in a home with pets. “First of all, kids should learn that a dog is not a toy. It’s crucial that children remain under parental supervision when interacting with a dog. It’s important that parents show their kids how to treat a dog, how to play with it, and enjoy its company. Tell your little ones that a dog doesn’t like to be disturbed when sleeping or eating, and as a result, it might become angry.”
“Mutual respect is key. Always educate your kids about how to treat animals. You can’t just go and grab a dog to get its attention; always call it and wait for it to come to you. Any dog can be provoked, especially when there are no adults around. That’s when a dog might decide to discipline your child itself. Unfortunately, it can’t speak human language, nor does it know how to handle the subtleties of our communication. There’s only one way dogs discipline your ill-behaved kids, and that’s how their own mom would discipline them.”
This echoes a father pushing to put down his niece’s harassed dog after growling.
That is where the debate gets a lot more personal.
For another heartbreaking family showdown, read about a family debating whether to keep or rehome a dog that bit a child.
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