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Original poster

Toddler and dogs not getting on.

72 replies

MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:35

My son is 14 months old and I have 2 small chihuahuas.

They have never been a fan of my son as he runs about and is too boisterous for them I think.

We have tried keeping them separate in their own space and teaching my son to be more gentle by doing supervised play and petting. However being 14 months he sometimes Isn't always as gentle as he needs time be even with us helping.

He tries to initiate play with them by throwing toys for them and laughs and runs around however one of my dogs in particular is becoming very snappy. Sometimes he will accidentally trip over or fall near her and she growls and snarls.

She follows him around however or jumps up next to him but when he moves near her she snaps. We obviously give her into trouble but I also know she is just being defensive.

How do you create a positive relationship between toddler and dogs?!

We are trying to teach the dogs that he comes above them in the pecking order.

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WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe · 12/01/2022 18:39

The pecking order thing is nonsense and you need to keep them separated until you son is old enough to understand. You are being very unfair to your dogs and pretty irresponsible towards your son right now who at risk of being bitten.

Santaisstilleatingmincepies · 12/01/2022 18:42

At that age 100 %supervision is essential.
.

LaLoose · 12/01/2022 18:43

Apparently children need to be three and a half before they understand not to hurt animals. That’s why I left it until mine were that old before getting a pet.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

1 year olds Behaviour & development Dogs Families
Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:44

@WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe

Thanks for that helpful advice.

Very tricky to keep them separated all the time unless I lock the dogs away all day from us which isn't fair to them either.

Hence why I was looking for advice from other who have gone through this.

I think irresponsible would be not seeking advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:46

@LaLoose unfortunately the dogs were here long before the baby was :p

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Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:47

@Santaisstilleatingmincepies yes I don't leave them alone. We have a baby gate on the kitchen and if I ever need to be out of sight I put the dogs in the kitchen out of his way.

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mayblossominapril · 12/01/2022 18:48

Keep them apart is the only answer. My ds kept harassing one of our labs when he was small. Kept that dog out of the way as much as possible. The older one just slept through everything

SolasAnla · 12/01/2022 18:50

If you want to go with pack theory, your dogs are looking at a young pack member who has to be taught how to behave within the pack structure. Shouting and running around is attracting predators to the den and the pup needs to be trained and so if necessary disciplined by the older wiser pack members. You will not train the dogs to accept an unruly pup ranks higher than they do.

So install gates and keep the child away from the dogs. Keep it that way until he had grown attentive enough to understand when the dogs are indicating to him to give them space.

JayAlfredPrufrock · 12/01/2022 18:50

Rehome your dogs.

Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:51

@mayblossominapril yes we are trying as much as possible.

He doesn't usually bother with them but as I say sometimes he tries to initiate play or one of the dogs might be walking past and he falls over next to them. It's very tricky as I don't want to have to lock the dogs up all day when he's around but obviously also don't want an accident to happen as it's not either of their faults or intention.

The dogs are just being dogs and protecting themselves and he is just being a toddler.

OP posts:
Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:51

@JayAlfredPrufrock

Thanks for that.

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Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:53

@BertieBotts perfect thanks I'll have a read!

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Veterinari · 12/01/2022 18:53

You need to educate yourself on dog behaviour and appropriate dog-child interactions, stop punishing your already frightened and defensive dog for entirely reasonable responses to being frightened and keep your toddler away from the dogs.

Neither have the cognitive abilities to manage this relationship - that's up to you, so you need to get learning and fast because your dog is giving you VERY clear warnings and if your child gets bitten it will absolutely be your fault.

You can manage this but you need to start now.

First of all keep them separate at ALL times.

www.learnwithdogstrust.org.uk/blog/20190628111745-our-top-safety-tips-for-dogs-and-toddlers

drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/kids-and-dogs-how-kids-should-and-should-not-interact-with-dogs/amp/

www.learnwithdogstrust.org.uk/safety/

Also google trigger stacking and search for dog body language

Veterinari · 12/01/2022 18:54

@SolasAnla

If you want to go with pack theory, your dogs are looking at a young pack member who has to be taught how to behave within the pack structure. Shouting and running around is attracting predators to the den and the pup needs to be trained and so if necessary disciplined by the older wiser pack members. You will not train the dogs to accept an unruly pup ranks higher than they do.

So install gates and keep the child away from the dogs. Keep it that way until he had grown attentive enough to understand when the dogs are indicating to him to give them space.

Are you practising for a creative writing class?

Or just spreading misinformation?

Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 18:54

@Veterinari
I'll have a read thanks :)

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KittensTeaAndCake · 12/01/2022 19:02

@JayAlfredPrufrock

Rehome your dogs.

She doesn't need to do that yet unless everything else fails.

Op just keep them separated as much as possible until your DS is a little bit older. And obviously never leave them alone.

Veterinari · 12/01/2022 19:02

[quote MissMollieO]@Veterinari
I'll have a read thanks :) [/quote]
Sorry my post was brusque - sadly I see a lot of avoidable situations like this that end in a bite and inevitably death for the dog

Thanks for being proactive and seeking advice

Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 19:05

@KittensTeaAndCake

Thanks. Yes I think that will need to be the case. It's just a shame, I see others with toddlers, friends of mine and they get on great with their dogs.

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MintyGreenDream · 12/01/2022 19:06

Hmm I've got 2 Chihuahuas but my son was 2.5yrs when we got our first.hiw old are the dogs?

Original poster
MissMollieO · 12/01/2022 19:07

@MintyGreenDream my dogs are 5 and 6

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Serenschintte · 12/01/2022 19:12

I would be seriously thinking about rehoming.
Through anxiety your dogs could bite your child. If on the face your child could be scarred for life/blinded.
Is it worth the risk?
You will need to be constantly vigilant and toddlers develops skills you don’t know they have - opening staircases, climbing them.
The risk is too great.

MintyGreenDream · 12/01/2022 19:13

Ye so they are adult dogs and may feel a bit stressed if your little one is all over them.its not your fault just try your best to watch them all.

MintyGreenDream · 12/01/2022 19:15

I don't think she needs to rehome they are family pets ffs Chihuahua bites can sting yes but they wouldn't do damage. My ds has been nipped several times from winding the dog up and its a learning curve