Toddlers mean to pets

[GuardianGrandma]

I have two grandchildren a 1 1/2 year old and a 2 1/2 year old whom I've Just got guardianship of due to domestic violence and drug use of their parents. All that aside my concern that brings me here is that I have two pets, a small dog and an adult cat that I must keep away from my grands because both children are very mean to them both. They'll squeeze both pets necks, poke their eyes, pull tails, ears and fur, kick and punch. I of course have told both toddlers this is not acceptable. I have used time outs and talking hoping something will get through to them. I'm always very aware now when the grands and pets are in the same room but lately the children have taken to hiding behind doors, in closets, etc. to continue being mean to our pets. I am to the point of having to lock the pets in a bedroom when I'm busy in our home for their own protection.
Is it common for toddlers to be so mean to pets?

[JadeLee42]

I agree with the others.  You need to seek help with them.

Also be consistent when you punish the kids after their bad actions.  They need to see that it is wrong and that there is a direct correlation between their actions and your punishments.  

People say they're too young to be punished or learn.  That is not true.  The meanness and violence they're practicing is a "learn" thing, is it not????  They learned bad from others, then they can learn to be good too.  After the punishment, hug them and talk to them about how they feel and about how it makes the animals feel when they hurt them.

If you don't punish them (punishment that's appropriate for their age) they will grow up to be very bad people who will cause suffering to others.  Torture always happen to animals first, and then to humans when they are older.

[wisebird87]

They need therapy. They've witnessed a lot of violence. Ignore this and you will create to psychopaths, because they are already losing their empathy.

[Mull7]

I highly agree with their need for therapy, however it is very difficult to find a counselor for children under 6. Ask for referrals of a child psychologist that deals with children that have experienced trauma. Do not lose patience as it may take a while to get the right help and for your grands to re-learn how to treat someone or something weaker than they.

[Sandman2]

They are still really too young to understand about being mean.   They need to be taught how to be nice.   Using dolls is a good starting place.   But using (probably the dog) the pet on your lap.  Show the children how to pet the animals.  Use words like gentile and soft.  And repeat, repeat, repeat.   This is not something they will learn overnight.  
   Did their parents have pets?  If so you will have to break old habits which will take even longer.
   And yes, until, they learn how to be nice to the animals, you will need to protect them.  Although, I am pretty sure the animals will also figure this out.
   I feel for you.  I have grandchildren of this age and we really have to watch them all the time.   Basically, you cannot let them have the run of the house.  Childproofing a house also means keeping them out of certain areas with gates etc.