This has been an on-going discussion for some time in real life, thought I'd throw it out here also.
Pets in some ways are a bit like difficult children - some more so than others. But with pets, we have more limited methods of communication.
In having success with the pets, it has affected our parenting style...
One story:
The dog trainer drilled into our brains that you have to catch them doing what you want them to do, and then reward it quickly.
Ahhh... <mini light-bulb moment>
How often do we take for granted the little things difficult child does right? and only focus on what is wrong? If that approach doesn't work for dogs... it probably doesn't work for kids either.
<dog trainier was right... and it helps with kids too>
What's your story?
Pets in some ways are a bit like difficult children - some more so than others. But with pets, we have more limited methods of communication.
In having success with the pets, it has affected our parenting style...
One story:
The dog trainer drilled into our brains that you have to catch them doing what you want them to do, and then reward it quickly.
Ahhh... <mini light-bulb moment>
How often do we take for granted the little things difficult child does right? and only focus on what is wrong? If that approach doesn't work for dogs... it probably doesn't work for kids either.
<dog trainier was right... and it helps with kids too>
What's your story?