I think my puppy is perfectly normal, but FIL thinks he will maul the kids...

[ijustwant8hours]

Just had the inlaws around for christmas, they knew we now have a puppy but they still wanted to stay over.

Neither of them have ever really been around dogs and FIL is nervous, fair enough, I have spent a lot of time alone in the kitchen with the dog.

When the dog has been allowed in the living room he has been a bit excitable, but not too bad. I have kept him away from FIL.

Before they left it seems that FIL has had a chat with DH about how the dog is completely untrained and he is worried that he will go for the kids. DH has had a bit of a shock about the commitment to a puppy and is not confident himself so this is really not helpful. The puppy actually has a very good grasp of basic commands, i can't stop him being a puppy. I don't think it is unreasonable for a five month old dog to be a bit boisterous, especially if he has been shut in the kitchen, am I being indulgent donyou think?

I think his comments come from the fact that the dog doesnt understand people shouting "sit" ever

having recent experience of my sisters dogs puppyhood i think your puppy sounds completely normal.
puppies are supposed to be whirlwinds of frantic, excited energy, it's what makes them so fun

Ignore them ,your pup sounds lovely. Also the obvious answer is dont have them to stay again.

I have discovered another advantage of do ownership though...it means I have to go out on looooong walks by myself even though we have visitors

Don't doubt yourself at all. You would not listen to the advice of someone who has no knowledge on other issues . He may be a lovely man your FIL but he is ignorant on dogs and dog ownership - no problem with that but ignore his advice on this topic and enjoy your bundle of fun.

I agree ijustwant8hours dog walking is the best way to survive Christmas visitors still feeling quite chilled at the Cuebill house despite Mad Mother still staying!

Thanks all, I feel a bit better about it now! I think it was the comment about the pup being completely untrained that hurt - I thought me and the pup were doing really well! DH is the same, he is always asking me when I am going to train the dog, I don't know what he thinks I have been doing.....

Oh yes ignore ignore ignore! My DF was, I think, silently horrified by the pup at first. Non doggy people often don't understand what is reasonable to expect.from a pup in terms of impulse control and also may misinterpret friendly excitement. I have now explained to DF that speaking in a panicked voice and waving hands around is not going to help. Pup's persistence in following him around and trying to make friends was quite impressive..

your puppy sounds normal have you a crate for him so he can be put away to calm down a little , anyway my dad is terrified of dogs when we had our other dog he told the dd that SHe would have his hand off [SHOCK] she was a sweetheart, he hasn't met new dog yet probably think he would go for the throat,

can take over a year to train a dog, would your husband expect a toddler to sit still all the time, I have a 9 month old puppy and he is still training and he is a biter ,

5 months is still such a baby, many pups aren't even totally house trained at that age. Non-dog people often seem to assume that they arrive pre-programmed to be Lassie though.

Mine is 4 months old and mainly a total hooligan at the moment.

oh i'm right with ijustwant8hours.

I broke the five minute rule on boxing day by some considerable margin.

i just loved the whole on my own, no one being passive aggressive, no one being snide. it was heaven unless you're the dog's hips.

I feel you are fine, the puppy will take time, I took ours to training classes and took the children too so the dog knows whos boss.
The whole family should have a set of words for the dog and knwo how to say them, its not difficult and will make a life long companion, I thought I knew about dogs untill I went to the training, then if you have any future issues just go back, you dont need toi go for ever, most run specific puppy classes
FIL possibly has no dog experiance, what sort of dog is it?

My stupid sister is convinced mine is a devil dog, y'know, the kind that eats people's faces.

"Oh, what breed is that then?" I calmly asked..."That breed" she stuttered vauely pointing at my dog.

I'm not entirely sure of his breed myself so god knows how she's so sure he's "that awful breed that's always on the news".

I suspect he's American bulldog and just looks a bit 'mean'. He's soft as shite and never happier than when he's full on cuddling you complete with arms around your neck and shows every positive sign of being a well adjusted, respectful dog. If he'd stop peeing on the floor he'd be perfect

Ignore!

*vaguely!