This installment of Ask A Puggle is an oldie but goody, and comes courtesy of Slate’s great Dear Prudence column. If have you a question, send it to ask@askapuggle.com. Or, follow Ask A Puggle on Twitter and ask there. Dear Puggle: During a visit with my brother-in-law’s family, I was sitting at the table chatting when my 3-year-old nephew ran up, screamed, “I am a dragon,” and bit my arm. Shocked and in pain, I ended up hitting him and knocking him over. He started crying and ran to his room. My brother-in-law said, “I know it was almost a reflex, but you can’t come in here and hit my kid.” I totally agree and feel terrible that I struck his son. This is not the first time I have been bitten by this nephew, and he has been sent home from day care because of biting. I now have a bruise where he bit me through my jacket. I have apologized profusely, but I still feel like a monster. How could I have better resolved the situation without resorting to violence? - Flustered and Hurt Wow, that kid’s got the right idea. I mean, he should have said, “I’m a dog, grrrrrr.” But dragon’s OK, kind of original I guess. But hitting him? He shouldn’t have ran crying, he should have bitten you more and scratched up your face. Did you at least give him a treat afterward? Maybe he just wanted you to talk him on a walk? Ever think of that? Want him to stop? Do what my owner does: squirt him in the face with water. Sure, it’s not very nice, and maybe he’ll think you’re playing (that’s what I do to Foodman, makes him angrier. Love it.) Either way, he’ll get the point and you avoid abusing the little punk. Here’s my question to you: How crappy is your jacket? And he bruised you? You must be weak. Oh, you’re how old? My bad, monster. My bad.
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March 8 2009, 8:07pm | Original Link »
