Channel 4 viewers slam "irresponsible" documentary
After airing on Channel 4 yesterday (August 20), documentary Train Your Baby Like a Dog has invited criticism from many Twitter users.
The show sees psychologist and animal trainer Jo-Rosie Haffenden applying particular techniques to the development of babies (her own son, too), including a treat reward system, clickers and the time-old command of "SIT!".
Jo-Rosie reflected: "If everyone parented the way we train dogs, we would end up with more confident, compassionate and curious human beings."
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In terms of backlash, Train Your Baby Like a Dog has completely divided fans, with impassioned responses coming from both sides of the argument. A petition to cancel the show has already garnered over 27,000 signatures.
One viewer tweeted: "I'm seriously concerned how close #trainyourbabylikeadog is to abuse. Appalling failure. Drs and MBE's and professional who know what they are talking about have been trying to tell you for days how disgusting this is. @Channel4 is a joke. [sic]".
Another shared: "Our young children need secure attachments, adults to co-regulate with them, positive interactions, empathy, compassion and nurture. Serious questions to be asked around the ethics of this programme. Where is the respect for our bairns? #trainyourbabylikeadog [sic]".
Meanwhile, a third Twitter fan digested the programme's content a little differently, noting: "The principles of psychology are surely the same in intelligent animals? Positive reinforcement, boundaries and consequences – are people just offended to recognise we are animals too?"
"I've always compared my kids to puppies in that they need lots of cuddles, love & attention, clear boundaries, discipline, regular meals & bedtimes, lots of fresh air & exercise. It works" said another.
Check out more of the Twitter action below.
Our young children need secure attachments, adults to co-regulate with them, positive interactions, empathy, compassion and nurture. Serious questions to be asked around the ethics of this programme. Where is the respect for our bairns? #trainyourbabylikeadog
— Carly Brunton (@carlybrunton) August 20, 2019
I am utterly raging at the arrogance of this trainer and lack of understanding of *actual humans*. #TrainYourBabyLikeADog is simply shocking and I can’t believe it was allowed to proceed.
— Morag Malloy (@Solo_Mo) August 20, 2019
The principles of psychology are surely the same in intelligent animals? Positive reinforcement, boundaries and consequences - are people just offended to recognise we are animals too? #trainyourbabylikeadog
— John James (@JohnJam25921819) August 20, 2019
I’m seriously concerned how close #trainyourbabylikeadog is to abuse. Appalling failure. Drs and MBE’s and professional who know what they are talking about have been trying to tell you for days how disgusting this is. @Channel4 is a joke.
— Incey Wincey Day Nursery and Preschool (@WinceyIncey) August 20, 2019
I’ve always compared my kids to puppies in that they need lots of cuddles, love & attention, clear boundaries, discipline, regular meals & bedtimes, lots of fresh air & exercise. It works. #trainyourbabylikeadog
— lindenkk (@Linden_Kemkaran) August 20, 2019
#TrainYourBabyLikeADog @Channel4 This is a horrific concept that goes against all the neuroscience & best practice there is for building babies brain architecture for LIFE. Get it wrong in the first two years of life and you pave the way for lifelong issues
— Collar & Cuffs Co (@CollarCuffsCo) August 14, 2019
‘he’s gone from tantrums to absolute silence’ says it all. Poor child. All he wanted was some attention. It’s the parents who need help not the child. Disturbing to watch. Trainer didn’t once kiss and cuddle her own child #trainyourbabylikeadog
— Barbara Cavanagh (@CavanaghBarbara) August 20, 2019
I have a degree in Psychology and studied human behaviour #trainyourbabylikeadog was perfectly fine. Kids needed security, love, trust and to have parents attention. The title of the program made it sound worse!
— Benjamin 👨💻 (@BenjaminTheDev) August 20, 2019
I don't think it actually means train your baby like a dog, it's really rewarding good behaviour, which is something we all strive for when bringing up our children #trainyourbabylikeadog
— Ann beverley (@anniebev6) August 20, 2019
Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
Train Your Baby Like a Dog aired on Channel 4.
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