Do we harm our pets' nature by domesticating them? Do we harm our children by doing the same?

Answer 1

We aren't domesticating them - they are already domesticated and would not survive in the wild. The same goes for our children.

Answer 2

It depends upon your definition of "domesticating". Do you mean teaching them language? Do you mean toilet training, dressing, and other life skills? Or do you mean acculturization? This would be teaching a child manners, interaction with others, what is considered socially acceptible? Or do you mean teaching children the values and belief systems of the family?

I do not see any of these actions as harming a child. All these actions will help the child live with family and in society.

Answer 3

Considering what the life span and quality of life of the average wild animal is like, I don't think our pets are exactly suffering by learning to live in harmony with us. Feral dogs are routinely shot, poisoned, hit by cars, bleed to death in traps, starve, etc. By contrast, my German shepherd is sacked out here on the bed beside me, her tummy is full, and she's snoozing on my pillow.

Children who don't have much of a home life tend to live hard lives, too -- teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, join gangs, etc. If both parents are present and involved in the child's life, then the child has a much better shot at avoiding those problems.

So all in all, I'd have to say that both animals and children who receive loving care and learn self-discipline and good values are a LOT better off than their feral counterparts.

Answer 4

To the first question I would say no. Dogs in particular coevolved with humans. Ever notice how at night, dogs will find their way into the same room as people Dogs (wovles) and humans co-evolved socially. Dogs got scraps and sccess to fire and humans got the first ever security alarm.

I think most other animals sorta do their own thing as pets anyway (even if they are caged or whatever.

Answer 5

gee, I was usually the one harmed trying.
I was never successful in domesticating my kids.
how did you domesticate yours?
I have, however, had some.....although limited success with pets.....mostly dogs.
cats are another story.
dogs have masters.
cats have staff!

Answer 6

God created pets(like you call them) to be domesticted and be companions to men. But we must also obey the Bible which says we must not mistreat animals - so treat them with love and respect.

Answer 7

Only if there is a widespread calamity and all of our technology is lost.