well, this was many years ago and in an area that had a recent past of being rural.
I took one swat at the bottom of the child who heaved a three pound stone at the dog. Again, more noise than impact, and said "this is what the dog feels, so, you have to feel it too". I was trying to, and apparently did, communicate that what the child did to the dog was painful and unpleasant and shouldn't be repeated.
The parents were upset, but I could have as easily taken them to the authorities for animal cruelty. The dog limped for several days after being hit by the rock.
I later heard from one of the parents that the child was much gentler with the family dog after my intervention.
And I absolutely do not approve of beating a dog with a belt. I agree that this is a big difference and I would never spank a child with more than a swat of the hand. Again, more noise than impact.
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Date: 2005-03-01 02:09 am (UTC)I took one swat at the bottom of the child who heaved a three pound stone at the dog. Again, more noise than impact, and said "this is what the dog feels, so, you have to feel it too". I was trying to, and apparently did, communicate that what the child did to the dog was painful and unpleasant and shouldn't be repeated.
The parents were upset, but I could have as easily taken them to the authorities for animal cruelty. The dog limped for several days after being hit by the rock.
I later heard from one of the parents that the child was much gentler with the family dog after my intervention.
And I absolutely do not approve of beating a dog with a belt. I agree that this is a big difference and I would never spank a child with more than a swat of the hand. Again, more noise than impact.