They're probably not a good idea. It seems to me like it's an easy out for doctors. But, I mean, if you can't control a kid in any other way, what are you going to do?

Jaden, 21
Brampton, Ontario  CANADA

You might be able to train a pet to follow instructions better than a child, but there is no way that you can teach a pet to understand better than a child.

Eric, 19
Beverly Hills, CA  USA

Now there's a thought provoking question. A dog that is well trained will obey the commands of a good handler without hesitation. Their motivation is entirely to please their handler. A child has many other motivations to behave or not behave.

But both pets and children can be poorly taught or can be very spoiled and have terrible behavior.

Laura, 36
Lowell, MA   USA

I've mostly had cats in my life and there is very little I have ever been able to do to get them to do what I like. Have to say that is the same for the various pre-teens I have worked with as well.

Felicia, 35
Lowell, MA   USA

Definately I think you can train a pet to listen better than a child. I have 3 dogs and everyone that sees them say boy they listen better than children do.

Marci, 56
Diamond, OH   USA

No. You can probably teach a pet to fear better, but not to learn better.

Fisch, 45
Preston, CT   USA

Am I also allowed to train the child? Is it necessary for the pet to understand as well as to listen?

Jill, 60
Saylorsburg, PA  USA

It depends what the pet is. You can teach a child to do far more than an animal anyway.

Shanna, 15
Cardiff  ENGLAND

Lol... hmm, probably...

Jeremy, 14
Highlands Ranch, CO USA

I have four cats and a hamster, so the answer would have to be no.

etoile, 20 
Washington, DC   USA

It probably depends on the individual young creature involved.

Jane, 60
West Linn, OR  USA

Yes, because pets don't have outside 'bad influences' that would try and make them do things, sort of like peer pressure

Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH   USA

Of course. When you train a dog it should always respond when it's name is  called. As much as parents wish and try, children are people and cannot be  "trained."

Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ  USA

Depends on the kid and the pets. But there's an interesting idea for a comic book parody about an over-dramatic orphan with 17 parents: Catboy.

Alias Irrelevante

Why would you want to?

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames, IA  USA

No I don't think you can do that. Sort of an odd question, hehe.

Maggie, 20
Sandwich, IL   USA

Pets reek of awesomeness...besides, I would take a pet over a kid 10 times out of ten...I prefer it if a pet doesn't listen to me....like the Legendary Big Guy Sarge...if ya smell, what the Rock...is cookin'

Mick, 30
Chicago, IL   USA

no. . .

mothmc, 36
Los Angeles, CA  USA

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