Hi there, I know there are a few topics similar to this around but thought I'd get across my specific issue so I can get advice in one place. We have a 9 week old black lab called Stanley. He is generally well mannered around adults and his behaviour certainly seems to go in cycles (Crazy and playful/calmer and playful/sleepy/zonked - Repeat). I have two children aged 2 and 5. Although they are already getting better with him in terms of stroking and playing (he's only been with us for 3 days), when he is in super playful mode he constantly tries to jump up at them and nip at their clothes/faces which is distressing the children considerably. Currently we are basically saying no every time this happens and the occasional light tap on the nose should it persist (which I realise might not be everyone's cup of tea). Is it really just a case of separating them from each other when he is like this? It seems counter productive as he desperately wants to play (and so he should!) and it seems harsh to seemingly punish him for this and consequently how is he going to become calmer with the children if we keep taking him out of the situation. If anyone has any advice I'd be grateful. Thanks Mango
Hi and welcome I don't have young children, but have nieces, nephews and God children (my daughter is 19). When Harley was little I taught all of the children to stand up, still, like a tree every time she jumped up at them. If she didn't stop I would put her in her crate for a very short time out. She learned really quickly that jumping and nipping doesn't work. It did take several weeks as when they start teething they like chewing on things. I personally wouldn't tap her on the nose as they can become fearful of a hand coming towards them in the future. I do say No and used to give her a toy to divert her attention. I also taught all of the children how to get Harley to sit, give paw and lie down and they could give her treats when she done what was asked. The kids loved it and it helped calm Harley down around them. Now, at 23 months she is really gentle around children and follows my 2 year old God daughter around ensuring she doesn't fall over or try to get up the stairs.
Hi there My Murphy has been doing similar - we have had him 10 days. I too have taught my older daughter to "be a tree" so she can control him, plus she did loads of sits and rewards with him - when he sees her now he automatically sits! Now my daughter is really calm, but my youngest is different kettle of fish! legs and arms flailing about, screeching and wanting to hug Murphy all the time. I closely monitor all interactions between them. if he is in giddy time, they are separate and he has his kong - he is just behind the baby gate so not isolated from us, but its more managable. When he is calm they can interact, but again we manage it all the time. If he gets mouthy with her, we say "off" and move him away - too much and its back behind the gate. Think its all about consistency and giving them both space.
This is 100% normal. Don't tap her nose or she will become afraid of hands. Have a look at this excellent advice - http://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-cope-with-an-overexcited-labrador-puppy/
I agree with being a 'tree' as naturally children scream or shout when the puppy does something and all that does is make the puppy more excited and think it is a great game! My children were 4 and 7 when our lab was a puppy. I did have to separate them in the garden as when the children wanted to run, shout and play they didn't want a puppy running after them and jumping up and mouthing, so when the kids were out playing, the puppy was inside. When they were playing inside, the puppy was allowed out into the garden. It was the only way to ensure we didn't have upset children and puppy that was continually told 'no' ! As they get older, children and puppy, it does get easier, but you have at least 6 months before you reach that stage! The crate is a blessing when you have young children and a puppy. Ensure you teach the children that when puppy is in crate they must leave her alone, including poking fingers through the bars, that way the puppy has somewher to escape to. Hope this helps. Chloe
