DS is 20 months and our JRT is 3. He's never been an affectionate dog. He would run about outside until he drops or play endless tug of war with you but doesn't really like being stroked or cuddled or touched much at all. He especially hates it if he's disturbed when resting either on couch or our bed etc. If he decides to sleep on us and we try to get up he will growl and we have to stay very still and tell him to 'get down' in a firm voice otherwise he will air snap at us. Tbh, had we known what he was like we would never have bought him but we thought we couldn't have children so he was going to be our baby substitute. He goes to doggy daycare for 8 hours every day so gets plenty exercise.
The problem is, I'm guessing common in that my toddler just won't leave him alone. Constantly runs at him in an excited way causing the dog to run away. DS wants to touch him all the time which I am always there to stop and if DS approaches him whilst he's resting on the couch for example, he growls. I've tried encouraging DS to throw the dog's ball for him but if he does, dog just looks at me and brings the ball to me.
He has a crate but very rarely goes into it unless at night time, preferring the couch or our bed. I'm just knackered from being constantly on edge all the time in case something happens. It feels as though I never see the dog until DS goes to bed as he seems to actively avoid us when he comes home, though I understand he'll be tired after all his fun and games.
Rehoming isn't an option as, despite all his 'issues' we love him dearly and we're in this for the longhaul but just looking for some tips!
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The doghouse
Toddler and dog
13 replies
Ginger1982 · 04/12/2018 17:51
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