New dog--HELP!

[Cricket1]

I just read another post about this. We got a dog today (she's just about 1) and she is trying to eat my four year old. He is so afraid of her. She keeps jumping and nipping at his shirt and pants. I yell "NO!" and pull her away from him then I pick my son up.

Right now both of my son's are out of the house and it's just me and the dog (she's a mixed terrier by the way)....she's as good as gold. She's following me around from room to room.

I'm dreading when my boys get home and the terror starts again. Please help, I know she's new and scared, but so am I!!!!

[baxjul]

Is she trying to play, or is she acting mean? I would slap her (NOT too hard) on the nose and keep saying no. Don't baby her after you correct her, or she will get confused, and think it is okay to do that.

[baxjul]

Also, use the same word over and over again. Either NO or something. Use your mean voice. My dog is trained to react to my voice.

[DAAC3DEC]

If he can act brave around her, she will stop, my brother had a dog that used to do that kind of behavior with one of my girls, but not the others, I think he sensed that he could "push her around" and be a little more aggresive with her......worth a try, if he is up to it----tell him to put on thick clothes the first couple of time, so she doesn't nip his skin....

[gypsysoul]

This exact same thing happened when we got our newest dog. We had a trainer come over and this is what he had the kids do...

When the mother dog is trying to make her puppies behave she will pin them down with her paws to show dominance--we had to get the kids to gently flip the dog onto her side so she was laying still before she was allowed up, at the same time as the flipping onto the ground they had to say NO BITING , really firmly. After the kids got the hang of it didnt take long before the dog learned. Also, we were told never to play tug of war either with her either. The theory in this is if the child gives up or just gets bored with the game the dog will think that they "have won" and therefore are dominant in the pack. They will see one person as the alpha dog in the house but must be made to listen to the commands of all household members. Hope this helps, i have my notes here so if theres anything else feel free to ask, enjoy the new dog!

[born2shop]

I have dogs and have had and trained them my entire life.

Basically, your dog views you all as his pack. He probably views the kids on the same level as he is in the pack order (or even below him) due to their size. Some things you can do to make it clear that the kids are *above* him are to always have them sitting in a chair or standing when interacting with the dog (for now..), making the dog wait while the children leave a room or the house FIRST, and nothing in life is free..including toys and treats. Teach commands like sit, down, etc. and make sure the dog does something for every dog cookie he gets. Also, put the dog toys UP out of reach of the dog and only you and the kids control his access to them. He will learn he is not higher up in the pack order pretty quick.

I would keep a collar and leash on him for now while he is loose in the house so that you have control over him and can pull him off if he jumps up. You can even tie the leash to your belt loop so that he bonds with you...and you are able to watch him.

I would NOT hit the dog. All that will do is make him hand shy and you don't want that with kids and their friends over.

Your best bet is to get into an obedience class or get a trainer to come and work with you in the home. Don't worry this tough love won't be forever. Just be fair, consistent and persistent and it won't be long before your new pup is a valued family member. Good Luck!!

Sorry I got so wordy!!

[baxjul]

IBasically, your dog views you all as his pack. He probably views the kids on the same level as he is in the pack order (or even below him) due to their size. Some things you can do to make it clear that the kids are *above* him are to always have them sitting in a chair or standing when interacting with the dog (for now..), making the dog wait while the children leave a room or the house FIRST, and nothing in life is free..including toys and treats. Teach commands like sit, down, etc. and make sure the dog does something for every dog cookie he gets. Also, put the dog toys UP out of reach of the dog and only you and the kids control his access to them. He will learn he is not higher up in the pack order pretty quick.

Our dog never leaves or comes in without all of us going first. He will sit and wait "his turn". He also never eats his dinner, until we are all done eating ours.

[Cricket1]

Okay--I'm feeling a little better now. My youngest son kind of flipped out on her. He screamed "NO!" at her and then had a fit. The dog immediately walked away from him. Since then, both boys have yelled no at her and she's listened. So far, so good. We also took a lot of time to walk her and played ball with her--she loved playing with the boys.

Thanks for all the input!

[Missy]

also when the dog jumps up, immediately turn your back on her. (the kids need to do it too) tuck your arms in like giving self a hug so she can't get hands. but make it evident you are ignoring her and not bending over her or anything. cold shoulder and a abrupt sharp NO! it'll take some time but eventually dog will get the hint.

[Mamaw]

Great tips! I have the same problem with a new puppy and had posted this issue also. It is hard when the pup bites and nips because everyone just wants to love em!

[Cricket1]

I thought I'd give you all an update: Mae is now a good dog! She has tons of energy in the morning so we take her for a nice long walk. By the afternoon, she's a nice, mellow girl. She goes to the vets tomorrow for her check up so I'm sure I'll learn more about her then. I'll post a pic soon. In the meantime, any more puppy wisdom is greatly appreciated. I haven't had a dog in over 30 years so I haven't a clue!

Oh--here's a question--she is ALWAYS after sticks out in the yard. She doesn't eat them, but she loves to chew on them. Will this cause her any harm?