16 month old throwing things at the dog!

[PinkIsMyFavouriteCrayon]

My DD is 16 months and has decided it's a fun game to throw things (books, toys etc) at our dog. She also hits her, not in temper, but for fun. Obviously this is unacceptable, I don't want the dog turning on her, although fortunately for the moment she just walks away. I don't really know what to do! At the moment whenever she does it I put on my loud authority voice and say NO whilst getting down to her level, but she just BEAMS at me (little shit ) Does anyone else have any hints/suggestions?

Maybe buy some soft toys or balls that your toddler is allowed to throw, and show her how to throw them for the dog rather than at him.

Aaah, this may be part of the problem. She does enjoy throwing the tennis ball for the dog to fetch. Perhaps she thinks she is playing fetch? Oh dear!

DD is 12mo, always been around dogs; we show her how to stroke them carefully, tell her 'no' in a firm voice and move her away if she starts to get heavy handed, and likewise make an enormous fuss when she is gentle on her own, which she loves. we have been lucky in having some of the most patient dogs ever, but still never leave her alone with them.

moving her away when she does it might help, backs up your 'no', and also gives the dog a little space and helps reduce the stress that a toddler can bring!