Got a black lab Ds nagged for a year

[elven99]

We picked a beautiful dog His dad is a rescue dog his mum a champion great hip scores. Had him two days now he has started going to the toilet outside he is listening to commands such as sit and paw he has a brilliant temperament. Here is the problem my ds is terrified of him not the dogs fault dog is great and I really didn't expect this my ds 4 has seen other fully grown dogs and been fine but the puppy's enthusiastic bounding around is really frightening him.

I really don't want the dog to go back as he is a beautiful well behaved dog and his character really suits my son and I think they can be really happy together but at the same time I don't want him uplifted for too long because I don't think it is fair on the puppy if my ds fear can't be cured. Does anyone have experience of this or any suggestions on how to get my son to see that the dog is not a monster as he calls him.

What my ds does is he shuffles towards the puppy because he is nervous and this sends harry (that's the dogs name)nuts I sat him down last night while the dog was asleep and let him examine him.

I tried letting my son sit out of Harry's reach but if Harry attempts to get up my son panics and ends falling of the settee where of course he is attacked with licks .

I am a lot happier though that your kids have got used to your dog as it means my ds is likely to.

I Will give that a try I also thought maybe I could find a book about a puppy coming home and being naughty.

I am also bringing my sister who is 9 up today so she can play with Harry as my ds follows her a lot and I am hoping if he sees her playing he might want to.

Ds does the squealing run and ends up being bowled over I know I shouldn't but I cant help laughing when he does because it looks so funny. I must be the worst mother in the world . Also love the crayons.

I think I'd have to rehome a child that didn't like dogs

That is why I wanted a dog and not a cat (I personally am a cat lady). ds Has been a lot better today as we discovered that Harry likes to push cars around the garage with his nose certainly helped . My sister loved him thanks. Will definitely try the cd.

when we got our doggy in Sep,our 3 yr old dd was really scared of her. She wouldnt go near her at all....would shriek whenevr dog approached her...etc...we didnt froce her(DD)too much,tried to let her keep her distance and gradually she got used to doggy.We chatted to her about how to behave towards doggy etc..and now she is brilliant with her.Gives her big hugs,loves to brush her,etc..and when doggy deos get a bit too bouncy for her she states in such a calm assertive voice "Bella, down" ...makes me laugh LOL
I think with time you will find your ds gets used to doggy.Try not to force him too much.Let him keep his distance,but thenencourage interaction when doggy is calm and settled, even if just for a few seconds ...egastroke,or brush or just a pat.
Also teaching ds what to do if doggy is acting inway he is uncomfortable with towards him etc..will help him feel more confident...I'msure if my tiny 3 year old can master sounding assertive,thenyour dswill too.
Good luck.

Just thought I would let you know it all worked out ds now loves Harry and is getting good at controlling him and giving clear commands.

great to hear eleven! Sometimes it just takes them a while to get used to thier new furry friend!

I would be a bit worried about the breeder of this dog, if the sire of this pup was adopted from a rescue center, he should have been neutered or the adopter should have signed a contract agreeing to neuter the dog within a certain period of time. Unless he was adopted from the pound or was aquired elsewhere, unless he is as good quality as the dam, what was the point in breeding him? hopefully all the relevant health tests were done on him...?