Today on Parents “R” Us we are going to talk about the family pet. Most families have one, whether it’s a dog, cat, parakeet, or hamster etc etc etc. As you all know these animals over time come to be viewed as members of the family and loved by everyone in the house. However this should not exempt your pet from having a few rules that they must live by. Here are a few rules we have found are useful when dealing with pets, especially with dogs, which I prefer.

1) Bedrooms are off limits particularly mine and all bedrooms at bedtime. Your animals do not need to sleep in your bed; they should have one of their own.
2) No pets in the kitchen or dining room at meal times. They are your pets not people and do not have a place at the dinner table.
3) Do not feed your pet food from your dinner table; they should eat their own food. Besides which your pet might get sick from eating the wrong thing, people food is not designed for pets.
4) Whether or not your pet is an indoor or outdoor pet or both get them in the habit of using the outdoors rather than your floors for bathroom breaks. If your pet is an indoor pet you still need to make sure they get plenty of yard time.
5) Show them as much affection as they require, because they will lavish affection upon you. If you are a good master to your pet they will love you unconditionally and expect the same in return.
6) Never ever under any circumstances abuse your pet. You may have to punish them occasionally until they learn the rules, but excessively beating or verbally abusing your pet is a bad thing and could cause them to turn on you, so be very sure you are ready for a pet.

Under normal circumstances your pets will be with you all of their lives and deserve your love and respect. Like I said they become a part of your family over time and will be there through the best and the worst your lives will encounter. They will be happy or sad as you are, because they will sense how you are and what emotions you’re experiencing.

I hope this is helpful to all of you who are pet owners as well as readers of this blog. Have an awesome day and CIAO4NOW!!!!!