New Puppy + Toddler = ?

[dbradley]

We have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and 4 month old son and just yesterday got a beautiful puppy named Moya (yes I am a little crazy). Moya is 11 weeks. Need some advice on how to teach my daughter to play with Moya. Moya is not terribly boisterous but she does weigh about the same as my daughter and can easily knock her over. I want to avoid a situation where either the child or the dog is afraid. Also, should I instruct my daughter not to approach Moya while she is sleeping or eating or should Moya just get used to that now?
P/S We will be signing up for some obedience training soon.

 

[Jeannie]

Sorry, I don't have any advice on how to introduce your puppy and daughter. I've never had children so in that area I know nothing.

I did, however, want to congratulate you on your new puppy. Some day I will get a puppy......someday. Oh, we like pictures, LOTS of pictures

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Your daughter should "bother" your pup while she is sleeping and eating. It is important for the pup to know when your children are close when he is eating that they are no threat and his food will not be taken away. You can also help with this when he is eating, take the bowl of food away for a moment and give it right back. You can have your daughter do this, too. This will reinforce to Moya that if people are around when he is eating that they are no threat to his dinner. This is the time to do this, when he is very young. Likewise do the same when he has a chew toy or something he is playing with. Take it away, and give it right back. This is probably one of the most important lessons you will teach your pup, and this is the right time to do it.

 

[charliebear]

Last year when we got our newf pup, our daughter was just a year old and our 2 sons were 6 and 8. We just let them be them selves, they played with the pup(I kept watch so they weren't to rought on the pup) but everything worked out fine. He was always gentle with them. When the pup was sleeping the baby would go over and lay with him and put her head on his belly and he wouldn't even flinch. I suggest you let the children act natural with the pup and as long as they are not rough with him he shouldn't be rough with them and he will get use to the way they play very quickly. Good luck!!!
Sherri

 

[dbradley]

Thanks for the advice. My problem now, however, is how do I keep Moya from viewing my daughter as 1. human chew toy and 2. moving target to chase/tackle? My husband and I simply put a chew toy in her mouth when she tries to chew us but my daughter is only 2 and reacting in fear. The main problem occurs outside. When my daughter runs, Moya wants to chase after her in play but she can very easily (and unintentionally) bowl her over. Again more fear on my daughters part. Do I just need to be diligent in monitoring their play or is there something else I can do?

 

[dmcgynn]

Nutzy Cat
My Jake will still chase if the kids run so I know what you are talking about. But what I have done and I know this is a pain but, I leash Jake and when he misbehaves or tries to I already have complete control over the situation, I tighten his leash and tell him no when he is trying to grab shirts or pants. Of course Jake still uses me as a chew toy but it is getting better. Good luck!

Diane

 

[MesCoeurs]

The main problem occurs outside. When my daughter runs, Moya wants to chase after her in play but she can very easily (and unintentionally) bowl her over. Again more fear on my daughters part. Do I just need to be diligent in monitoring their play or is there something else I can do? >>

I posted an almost identical post not too long ago. Here's what I've been doing. First - Bear is tethered to me when my daughter is up and about. Where *I* go, Bear goes.

For increasingly longer periods of time,we spend some intensive 'desensitization' (for lack of a better word). I sit right beside him (usually grooming him) while my daughter plays VERY close by. Every time she goes past him and he doesn't lunge for her, he gets praised. Even when it's for something as benign as him rushing for his toy instead of for her. "Good boy - gentle around baby". I swear, at times he has absolutely no clue why I'm praising him except that I keep bringing up that little human target.

During these sessions, we encourage her to pet him, hug on him, tweak his ears, examine his teeth, pet his tail and inspect the webbing between his toes. Every chance I get, I praise him for good behaviour. A growl from me and a reminder "Gentle w/ baby...good boy" is enough, usually, to keep him in check when he gets too excited.

He's doing MUCH better than he was. Good luck.

 

[dbradley]

Thanks again for the advice.
It has been so hot out this week that we haven't spent much time outside at all. Too hot for babies and puppies. Because of this Moya hasn't had a chance really to run after my daughter but the impression that has been made is so strong that my daughter freaks out any time Moya comes near her.
I bought that puppies for dummies book and it had a good suggestion which I am trying...A few times a day I am putting butter or peanut butter on the kids hands or feet and encouraging Moya to lick (easy to do) while my daughter and I tell Moya to give "kisses."