This question comes up frequently when families come to me looking for support with meltdowns and/or tantrums. Hitting, kicking, throwing items, or otherwise targeting pets can be both dangerous for the child and pet and infuriating for the adults. Let’s talk about it.
(1) Safe space
Not only can aggressive actions be dangerous (a thrown item or hard hit can really hurt a pet) but the reaction of the pet can be dangerous as well. Even small dogs and cats can do a lot of damage when frightened.
In order to get ahead of this action-reaction spiral, you need to plan ahead for a safe space and practice using it. For example, you may have a very-well-secured cat tree with lots of escape routes for your kitty to hide in if they need space or a doggy door to an outdoor area where they can move away if needed.
If you have small animals, like rodents or birds, you may need to keep them in a more secured area and higher up so that if your child becomes upset, you can quickly remove the animal to a safe space.
(2) Work with your child and the animals
While you are working with your child on being gentle and keeping a safe body when upset, make sure that you are also working with your pets. This can mean teaching a dog a command to leave the area or teaching a cat to get on top of the cabinets when yelling starts. If you are uncertain what to teach, talk to an animal behaviorist or trainer about the specific situation, the best command to put in place, and the best way to train it.
(3) Recognize when safety can’t be maintained
If you know your child can get overwhelmed during the holidays and your Great Aunt Sue wants to bring her dog for the visit, you may have to say no or put some strong guidelines on where the pet will be and how they will interact with your child. Baby gates can be a fantastic in the quest for keeping everyone separated as needed but your greatest ally is communication.
Is this happening to you?
If you are working through tantrums and meltdowns that include aggression toward pets and want to talk it out, schedule a Free Discovery Call with me by clicking request appointment below.