how to get my new dog used to my toddler?

[gemmummy]

hi all,

we've had our dog for a week now, she's a 12 week old black lab bitch. she's a lovely intelligent dog, really placid. My son is nearly 18 months. What should I be doing to ensure the two of them learn how to behave around each other? She has a dog crate which we are keeping my son out of so she always has a sanctuary away from him, but I'd really like to make sure they form a strong bond. Thanks very much.

How wonderful, we have 2 black labs, one of which was born around the time dd was 2, so they have grown up together.
I think you need to ensure that the puppy does not jump up at anyone, and does not nip or chew things (hard I know!)

I think you are right to provide a sanctuary for the dog to escape to, to get some peace.
I think they will naturally form a bond without any intervention.
Lots of walks and cuddles will ensure a happy environment for your dog.

My dd and the 2 dogs (esp the youngest one) have a great relationship and follow her around the house all the time, anc cuddle up with her on the sofa.

You must however ensure your ds does not tease the dog, even unintentionally- there have been times when dd has been tempted to "ride" dog like a horse and has to be told not to climb all over them.

Hope you and your dog and ds will be very very happy x

thanks lily, we seem to have picked a lovely dog, as the days go on she's showing more and more interest in my son so we're letting her sniff and sit by him as he plays. Never had a lab before but have found her to be very clever, she picks things up very quickly. I hear this is a breed characterisitic and so I'm looking forward to teaching her tricks when she's a bit older!

gemmummy. We have an 8 month old lab puppy, my parents have had labs since I was a baby. They are wonderful family pets and fantastic with children.

They are also very smart, as you have discovered, they are pretty easy to train and (ours is from gun dog stock) are bred for their ability to follow orders!

They do have a tendancy to chew and can be distructive in this way but this is individual to the dog. My parents have had some chewers and some that have not bothered. Luckily mine is pretty good, only one mishap so far, but we do give her plenty of her own things to chew.

They need lots of exercise as they grow or they get bored. Dogs rather than bitches can get a bit boisterous as they go into 'teenage' time but they calm down.

Definately, be very strict about the nipping and jumping up, a fully grown lab can easily knock a person over. None of my parents labs has ever been allowed to jump up.

They are lovely, lovely dogs and if not already you will soon be smitten!!!