Puppies and small children

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by mom2labs, Jul 12, 2018.

  1. mom2labs

    mom2labs Registered Users

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    Our puppy Oakley is 16 weeks old. I was wondering how to teach the puppy not to chase the small kids or jump on them? Is there an approximate age that this stops? What can we do to help this situation? He knows sit, lay down and stay until distractions happen especially when the kids are present he wont do any of those he just want to attack them.
     
  2. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    Hi there, the first step is to prevent the jumping up using a harness and leash or houseline when your dog is around children. You'll find an explanation of how to do that in the link below. Then you can begin to teach Oakley to focus on you and interact with you even when there are children about.

    It's important that he isn't allowed to rehearse this behaviour as it is very rewarding to dogs to hear children squeal and see them running about.

    Here is some information on jumping up on the main site, with a useful video. But, it would also help you to join a puppy class with a good positive reinforcement instructor who will show you first hand how to get your puppy's attention and prevent unwanted behaviours.
     
  3. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

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    Teach the small children not to chase the puppy or run away from the puppy and not to squeal! Not easy. Small children and small puppies can be a handful. Give the puppy a safe place he can go to get away from the children and a place where he can rest, pups need a lot of sleep to begin with. Perhaps get the children involved in the pups training.
     
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  4. Jojo83

    Jojo83 Registered Users

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    selina27 likes this.
  5. mom2labs

    mom2labs Registered Users

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    Great thank you for the book referral. These are actually not my kids, I run an in home daycare. The puppy does not interact with the kids, however, there was a couple mishaps with taking him out potty and he would "get away" and then want to go play with them in the yard. I just want the to be able to learn how to interact with him and I want Oakley to know how to interact with them as well. I will definitely look into this book. Thank you
     
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