children and new dog

[Hilary]

We have wanted a dog for as long as we have been together. Today, we went to an animal sanctuary and got one.

My question is, how do you ensure that the children learn to respect the dog and the dog be gentle with the children?

Ds2 (aged 2) loves her but wants to throw things at her. Ds1 (aged 4) is quite frightened at the moment. How do we get past this?

You could try giving them both a "job" to do to help care for the dog. They can both help to feed/change the water etc. Maybe your youngest could have a dog brush to groom it so that he understands they have feelings etc too. They probably don't understand how to "be" with a dog yet, maybe try saying things to the dog like "you like a nice stroke/you don't like having your tail pulled etc so that they see you setting an example.

We've always had a cat and my youngest dd is 2 1/2 and can just about read our cats moods now ie flicky tail= leave her, don't pester her if she's hungry etc. I'm sure it'll come with yours it just takes time.....Good Luck.

Those are good ideas, Batey. I will give them a go.

We too have a cat and the boys have more or less got used to the whole, 'she might not want you to play with her right now' thing but still sometimes have silly lapses and chase her around.

Hilary, are you mad??
Just kidding. But a four year old, a two year old... and a dog?

You must be much younger and have far more energy than me! A dog would tip me over the edge right now

Crikey, just spotted the cat.....

Ideally I'd like another child too...I know, I know, I am my own worst enemy!!

Whoa there Hilary ...go and have a lie down

How about 3 dogs, 1 rabbit, 18 month old & baby due in April....oh and dh in RN. Am I mad too

YES! Nice to know I'm not the only one...