Puppy Problems

[Princess_Aurora]

We've had our new puppy for only about a month or so. He's a little Chihuahua and very cute. The problem is, my 5yo DD has been chasing him around the house ever since he came home with us. This, in turn, has caused him to really hate her. Any time she's around he just barks constantly at her. So now he's turned into a pretty mean puppy. He's already bit DS (14months) twice...nothing really bad, but I'm a little worried about what it could turn into later on.

The problem is, I love this puppy. When he's just with me he's a little angel. I've invested a lot of money in this puppy and I really love him, but I love my kids more. I don't want to risk the chance that he will hurt one of them really bad. So at times I think I need to get rid of him, but at other times I think it could just be a puppy thing and he'll out grow it.

So what should I do? Should I wait it out and see if he gets better or just try to find another home for him???

 

[damo]

How about taking your DD and the dog to puppy training? Then an instructor can straighten everything out before it gets out of hand (the dog and the daughter, LOL)

 

[FloridaCat]

Dogs need their private spot just as we do. Give it a place, a bed, where it will be out of the way. Then tell everyone, that when the puppy is on his spot, no one can bother him.

 

[Serena]

I would get a trainer as soon as possible. The dog is terrified, angry and defensive. It's not a good situation.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

The dog has his own spot...in fact, he has his own room. I don't know how much a trainer would help. I've told DD several times to just leave the puppy alone and that when he barks at her the way he does it means he doesn't want to be messed with. She ignores and tries to pick him up anyway and then wonders why he keeps biting her.

 

[MosMom]

I would get the puppy into puppy kindergarten class/obedience class. It would surprise you how much socialization classes can help a puppy.

As far as your daughter goes, perhaps setting consequences for ignoring rules about the dog will help. You definitely haven't "ruined" the puppy yet but being strict with your daughter about dog rules will help tremendously. She needs to learn that dogs have boundaries just as people do.

I would think socialization and getting the point across to your daughter combined would do the trick. Don't forget to lavishly praise the puppy when he is calm & well behaved. Positive reinforcement will do wonders!!

 

[FloridaCat]

Then I agree with the previous post. You are creating a bad situation that can only get worse.
I trained, taught and showed Obedience Dogs for 20 years. Get a Trainer or find the dog a good home. If you go the Trainer route then involve the DD in it.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Princess,
This IS NOT the puppies fault. Your DD needs to learn boundaries with the puppy if you are going to keep it. This poor little puppy probably feels like it is being terrorized. I know not everyone will agree with this...but bigger dogs are usually so much better around small children because they do not feel threatened by them. You should get the dog into training (and have your DD involved with that as well) and you should start working with your DD, letting her know that it is not a free for all with puppy and there are consequences when she does not listen to you.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

I know...I can only imagine how Stitch feels...everything is like ten times bigger than he is. It's no wonder that he feels he has to defend himself.

Okay, for those of you who suggested trainers...where do I look for good trainers??? I know places like Petsmart have training classes there, but I get the feeling from what you guys are saying that it should probably be more of a one on one type thing. Are there any expert trainers out there that deal specificly with helping kids get along with puppies???

 

[janette]

Princess_Aurora - one of my neighbors mentioned that they knew a really good dog trainer. I'll try to get that number for you. I've been thinking of sending our puppy too, still has a few bad habits I wouldn't mind working on.

It is hard, my 9yo is rougher than she should be with our puppy. She would play with him and then get upset when he would bite it was her own fault though. He never bit hard but would tend to use his teeth when playing rough, we have been consistent to telling him no and hold his mouth closed for a minute when he did it. He's gotten so much better. Now all was have to do when he forgets is to say "no biting" and he stops. He usually will lick instead

I was pleased the other day when my great-nephew was here how is just 2 and I was a little worried that the puppy would play too rough but he did great. Even when my nephew had one of his toys he carefully got it instead of pouncing. He is really improving.

The first thing is to get your DD to understand that the puppy can't play that way.

 

[TerriP]

You're not going to like this, but Stitch is NOT the problem, sendig him to a trainer is not the answer...your daughter is NOT the problem...you are the problem. Your daughter needs to be taught to treat ALL living creatures with respect, tenderness, and kindness. That puppy feels fear when your daughter is around because you allow her to treat him poorly. She doesn't know any better...but you do. Teach her how to handle/deal with animals now...before she comes across a dog who is much bigger than Stitch and who won't put up with her abuse either...that bite will be much worse, I guarntee.

Protect your daughter AND Stitch by teaching them BOTH the proper behaviors.

 

[jipsy]

ITA with TerriP

 

[sorcerormickey]

Ditto what TerriP said. You need to teach your daughter to respect the puppy or he will not respect her.

 

[luv2nascar]

sorry this may not be what you want to hear but I think this perticular breed does not do all that well with children
I think small dogs feel threatened by children
check with experts right away before it gets out of hand

 

[Dodie]

Originally posted by TerriP
You're not going to like this, but Stitch is NOT the problem, sendig him to a trainer is not the answer...your daughter is NOT the problem...you are the problem.

Harsh, but true. I agree.

I also agree with luv2nascar...

I think this perticular breed does not do all that well with children
I think small dogs feel threatened by children
check with experts right away before it gets out of hand

 

[Princess_Aurora]

Well, I had heard that small dogs didn't do well with children, but before I got the puppy I bought a book on Chiuhauhas and it said that as long as the puppy was raised around kids that it shouldn't be a problem.

I know that it's all my fault. I guess I should've known better than to get a puppy with the way my DD acts. It's just that in a parenting book that I read said that around age five was a good age to introduce responsibility in their life and a good way to do that is to get a pet. I guess I should've just gone with a hamster or something...I just wanted to try something that wouldn't die after a couple of months leaving her heartbroken. But I should've known with DD's hyperness she wouldn't have been able to handle a small puppy. Hmm...maybe I should've gotten the biggest dog around then she would've been to scared to chase it around the house

 

[aahmom1]

It's just that in a parenting book that I read said that around age five was a good age to introduce responsibility in their life and a good way to do that is to get a pet.

We can not raise our children according to a book, you have to know you're own children, don't rely on a book to tell you about your child. 9 times out of 10, the book will be wrong. A book may tell you that your child is old enough to be left alone at age 10, that doesn't make it right.

 

[m&m's mom]

I have seen several kids your DD's age in the dog training school at PetsMart (or is it Petco?). Anyway, the one next to Best Buy across from the mall.
Maybe it would help if your DD is involved w/ training.
OK, That's the kids w/ their dogs in the training class - not the kids in obedience school. Although if anyone knows anyplace I can take my 3 YO DD to obdience school I am willing to pay big bucks. But..... you have to promise success

 

[janette]

We have a neighborhood thing on Tuesday next week, if I haven't reached my neighbor I should see her there and will get that number for you.

Maybe the trainer can include your DD in the lessons. Sometimes kids take direction better from someone other than mom. I know if I don't agree with something my girl's teachers tell them I'm wrong, doesn't matter what it is.