Puppy vs Toddler

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Yolanda Jones — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:32:04 GMT

Ouch! These cases are so frustrating. To echo what has already been said on here, it sounds like he is out of his depth and wants a dog with a 'no bite' guarantee! Poor little dog would probably be fine in a calm, child free environment so I'd be inclined to say let him rehome the dog but have the last word and tell him again that any dog will bite if provoked. Please keep us posted, I'd like to know how this one turns out! Good luck

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Sal the 1st — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 21:02:04 GMT

honest opinion - this dog is probably better off in another home and would suggest they don't get another dog until the child is older if at all, that way nobody is in danger either the child from accidentally being nipped or the dog from being euthanased for nipping the child. Could you possibly suggest that they have their hands full taking care of the child at the moment whilst it is so young and needing their attention?

Its difficult - and it is recognised in family therapy that some men do feel covert if not overt jealousy towards a child because all of a sudden they take a back seat to the child in importance as far as the partner is concerned - so what do they do? In many cases they take on DIY of monumental proportions, some time consuming very important , essential pastime or another job maybe to prove to their spouse their importance. There are those that will go out and get themselves a dog or another animal to care for again to prove a point that they are just as good at the nurturing bit as their partner ( may be a conscious or subconscious decision).

Impossible to say as I have never met the guy but his domination of the puppy class may have been out of genuine concern for the child OR it may have been an owner out to prove to anybody that will listen (give him attention) that he is well informed and a responsible carer for his pet (even if he doesn't have the necessary time for it). Have you ever considered getting both parents , child and dog in together and seeing if you can pick up anything from the family dynamics?

By the age of two I would be expecting a child to have a little understanding of danger - I know my sisters children did at this age. Ok playing with toys is a little more difficult but they did know not to pester the dog when it was eating or go near its foodbowl, her dog was fed in the kitchen and her kitchen was pretty much out of bounds to kiddies unless they were with her and supervised(childgate).

Freely admit my K+U on pet behaviour isn't red hot, might even be slightly out of date the way things change these days, but the human side fascinates me

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Ben Ogden — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:03:38 GMT

This is a prime example of complete owner incompetence, whether you choose positive reinforcement or an out moded technique, it still doesn't take away the fact that a child is left relatively unattended with a juvenile dog and the child is crossing all sorts of 'dog boundaries'.

This owner will likely continue to repeat these mistakes even if he does re-home and likely get a 'replacement dog'.

I would say you have done everything possible to steer the owner away from being a tool but sadly it doesn't matter what water you lead a horse to, you still can't stop it falling in!

My follow up approach would take the lines of "if you are not capable of caring for the dog then I agree, re-homing is the best option for you".

I have some good educational bits for parents of children/babies and owning dogs. PM me and i'll send them on to you.

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Nicola Smith — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 15:31:38 GMT

How old is child. There is the book/dvd aimed at children think its the blue dog? If child is too young maybe it would educate the owner :)

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Celine — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 12:04:24 GMT

Haha snap Nicky!

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

Celine — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 12:02:48 GMT

It sounds like you are doing your utmost and I don't have anything further I could suggest given the owners lack of compliance. I don't want to be pessimistic as I think it's great you're trying so hard for this family but I do honestly think sometimes it's actually more in the dogs best interest to steer someone like this towards rehoming. The worst thing would be if this puppy snapped and drew blood and was then presented for euthanasia by an owner who sounds like he isn't able to take info on board once he's made up his mind.

Because I'm not very tactful i'd probably start the consult by stating that there is no 100% guarantee that any dog will not bite a toddler and that if he wants to own a dog it's his responsibility to ensure the dog isn't put into the situation where it can. Can you offer him an easy out? Do you have anyone at the practice who wants a dacsy puppy or willing to foster or recently bereaved clients...?

Hope it works out for you and the puppy

RE: Puppy vs Toddler

nickyc — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:58:07 GMT

How frustrating.. Think you have done as much as you can.. Referral to behaviourist would be best, but sounds like pup and owners are wrong match, so pup would likely be better off with a new home. Any type of training he does without proper guidance will likely make the pup's behaviour worse, and result in dog biting toddler. Rehoming would be suitable and better option before pup is ruined!! Maybe see if Battersea or dogs trust behaviourist could get in touch? I had similar issue few years back with a young border collie, owner kept coming in for advise, but then never put anything in place. Dog did eventually bite child in household, and then was brought in for pts:-( I did manage to persuade them to sign dog over, and border collie rescue helped me rehome him to a more suitable owner, and he is now doing amazingly well in a non-child based home.

So sad I hope you manage to persuade owner to either make the changes necessary to solve the issue or give her to someone who will!