5 Year Old Child with 3 Month Old Puppy
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| Humping is dominance with the other "puppy." Don't allow it to continue, correct immediately and distract. What have you taught the 5 year old to do with the puppy? That goes both ways. As the upright you'll need to keep the puppy well exercised, but also closely!!!! supervise all interaction between the pup and the children. You'll have to anticipate everyone's actions and correct them immediately. |
| Have you considered doing a training class? If you were to enroll in one and attend with your 5 year old, your puppy will learn that your child is to be respected as much as you are. Also, a trainer can give you pointers on the nipping. It's very common, and something they will grow out of with the proper guidance. Our two girls both nipped, and had razor sharp little puppy teeth! Rather than "no" and a tap on the nose (none of which is comprehensible at this age) we read about an interesting training technique that worked really well for us. When your puppy nips, yelp loudly, startling them, like another puppy would. Then stop playing, and turn your back on the puppy. Only do this for a moment before you return to playing. Anything longer than a few moments, and your puppy's attention will stray, and they'll have no idea why you aren't playing with them. You don't want this to happen, because you want to associate the nipping with "something I like stops" - and that thing is the playtime. We did this with both our girls- it requires repetition, but it also doesn't need you to tap, hit, or do any other sort of physical reprimanding of your dog. Our two learned fairly quickly that rough play and nipping meant playtime would end with a startling "YELP!" ...and they didn't want that to happen! To this day our girls are VERY soft mouthed. I've seen them bite when they mean business, but they're also so gentle that they've carried baby squirrels and chipmunks in to me, without a scratch on them. |
| I agree with Allison that the physical part isn't necessary and also that you should whenever possible include your children. My trainer explained to me that the dog(s)/puppy need to understand and have equal respect for everyone. Your 5yr old will most likely love to have special time with the puppy 10 minutes a day or so teaching it to sit or stay. He doesn't need to have major responsibilities or be the one to be the "meanie." I think the training class was a great idea if you could fit it in or an in home trainer - that is what worked best for me and my dog and kids. I did as you are doing with putting a toy in Steel's mouth when those sharp teeth came our way - we just about walked around the house carrying one at all times. It worked. He got it after a while but I also have other dogs for him to play with and I think that helps. I think about how bad my babies cried when they were teething and he gets my sympathy a little. Every time I open the freezer door he tries to chew on the shelves - he isn't a chewer (yet) so I know it's because it feels good! Sorry for the tangent. My 8yr old was doing the same thing your 5 yr old is doing... she would just run from point A to point B hoping to avoid injury. Steel is always on a leash indoors and out so I am aware of allll of his actions so I just tossed her a toy let her know what kind of mood he was in EX. kissy, crazy, sleepy, cuddly and she went from there as to what her action with him was. I hope this helps.... |
| Thank you all so much! We are planning on going to handling classes, once she's had her last set of vaccinations. She's going to be shown, so I wasn't sure if we needed to go to at traditional obedience class as well? We've been working on some basic obedience at home, just not "sit". I love the idea of a 10 minute training session with my 5 year old. He'd love it! He absolutely adores her. We've had lots of dogs over the years (we used to be involved with rescue), but when we had our kids, our dogs were all older. Puppies and kids--a huge learning experience! Thank you all again! This forum is such a great resource for us newbies! |
| Yes, yes, 5 year old, obedience.......I see a Jr. Handler in the making! Years ago watching Jr. Handlers at a dog show and a small child was showing a Great Dane and truly there wasn't much difference in size! |
I am the original poster "SheepieLove". Thought I should go ahead and register so I could be official.  I love the idea of him getting into Jr. Handling. I think he'd have a lot of fun. And wow, that must have been a very well trained Great Dane....and child! |
| Sheepdogs can be REALLY great with children of all sizes and ages. But I think its really important that from early on they understand who is in charge, and what their place in the hierarchy is. Training and handling can be a big help with this. Best of luck; it sounds like you guys are going to have a great time! |
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