Calling the How to Talk experts, need some advice.

[Callisto]

My 2yo dd is generally very good with my two cats and two dogs but she sometimes (mainly when she is tired/poorly) gets the devil in her and pulls tails and grabs handfuls of coats. I really don't know how to stop her - shouting doesn't work (and I hate myself shouting at her anyway) and nor does explaining that it hurts the animals/it's a naughty thing to do/I don't like her doing it etc.

So any ideas on how to handle this and get her to stop would be gratefully recieved.

Shall sit and watch this. Our dog gets chased and pulled sometimes, especially when DS1 is tired and attention seeking.

Anyone?

bump

ooh hello

ok right

1.describe what you see" i can see a little girl hurting a cat"

1. "give information" - " cats get m ad( note use of americansiation) whn you pullt heir talis - or ctas bite you"

for a two year old you may hten chosoe to add " whta do cats do whne you pull theri tails?"

3.say it in a word " dd TAIL"

4 talk abotu your feeligns " that makes em happy whne you are kidn to animals - we love amials don twe?"

I'd probably say "no pulling, pulling hurts" sternly and sit her down on a chair or something (semi time out style), to me it is as unacceptable as hitting her sisters and is treated in the same way. At 2yo the whole talking thing doesn't always work, but staying cool calm and consistent does.

Has she ever had her hair pulled by another child if so explain that it is the same hurt that the cat/dog feels when it is done to them.Failling this just make her say sorry to the animal and make her sit for a few mins doing nothing ie time out style and don't talk or interact then explain that she hurts the animal(have tried this with my niece and she doesn't pull our cats tail now)

Thanks everyone. I shall put it into practice and report back on any progress.