I am new to Lab-dom! I have a 2 year old chocolate lab that I've had since he was 4 months old. I also have a 2 year old human baby. They've always gotten along well after the initial phase where James (the dog) thought that my son was a littermate and wanted to jump all over him-he got over that and now treats him the same way he treats adults-curiosity and licks. A couple of nights ago James was laying by my feet on the couch faces the other way and as my son was getting off the couch he stepped his butt/tail area. James growled and turned his head to see what was going on and as soon as he saw it was my son that was bothering him he stopped growling and just walked away. I know that this is normal and welcomed behavior because it was a warning as opposed to snarling or biting. Would the best course of action be to create a designated rest spot for him free from accidental toddler feet? Its hard because they both want to be on top of me all the time.
Hi and welcome. I would definitely have a safe space for James to lay down to avoid situations such as the one you describe. It was good that he gave a warning growl, but next time it might hurt more or surprise him if asleep and his reaction may be different. It might not happen again, but I personally wouldn’t take the chance. Having a toddler and a dog is amazing to see and I’m sure their bond will grow over the years.
We also have a 2 year old lab and a 19 month old toddler. They are inseparable most of the day and she has accidently hurt him but he is alert and awake at the time when it happens and he just sucks it up as part of the action. However, when he wants to be left alone or decides to nap he has a mat in the living room that he goes to rest on. It’s out of the way and his safe place. It’s inside a pen and we can close the gate if she decides it’s time to wake him up. They absolutely need a safe place to go to rest away from everything when they want. It’s his default location for everything as well. When we eat he’s on his mat. When company comes, he’s on the mat etc. Whenever he takes himself there he gets a treat dropped by his head. Now he goes there without being told and our toddler can’t jump on him when she gets off the couch (anymore).lol. She has done the same thing. Usually she ends up on his ribs or back leg so now we just put him on the mat to be sure. She will only get heavier. But she is never allowed near him when he’s sleeping.
Every dog needs a designated area, be it mat/crate/pen that they can go to which is their 'safe place. A place where they are undisturbed by anyone - toddler or adult
