puppy training w/ a child

[Roxymama]

Ok got another question for you all.

I have a 4 year old daughter who has been more dense them my puppy the last few days! It could be partly from the excitement of having a new animal.. but to be honest Im blaming the full moon!

How do I get my daughter under control w/out making the puppy think she is the one in trouble???

Our biggest problems have been my daughter asking if she can let Roxy out of her crate ( while Im making dinner and I REALLy need her in because I cant watch her ) and I look over to see she already has the door half open!
She also tries to help train her... but she has it all backward! If the puppy whines she tells her "good girl" and if she is being good and quite she'll tell her "no!"
Now my child is 4 and knows the differences in what she is doing, but I just worry that my coming down on Shelby will take me more steps backward with the puppy!

Please HELP!!!!

 

[dani12]

Since your daughter does know right from wrong, why don't you take her aside and explain to her what you need her to do. Our kids are 4 and 6 and we explained why you do and don't do certain things and what can happen when they don't. We also take our puppies to "puppy school" and let our kids be in charge. It took a little while with our 4 year old but he is doing quite well now. Hope this helps

 

[Roxymama]

I am planning on taking Roxy to puppy school and letting Shelby help is a wonderful idea!! I feel so bad for ragging on her so much lately, because she usually is really well behaved! Seems she always goes a little crazy durring the full moon, which is tomorrow so hopefully in a few days she'll settle back down.

It just infuriates me because she is usually in the middle of an act that I dont want her to do and I need to stop her, but short of either shouting ( depending where Im at and what Im doing ) I cant always get to her to stop her or take her aside. We've had several heart to hearts.... but it all seems to go in one ear and out the other!
Im also reluctant to leave Roxy alone for any length of time just yet, so its also hard to take her out of the room or away from the puppy.

 

[filarotten]

Maybe you can let your daughter help you with dinner or other things you are doing to distract her from the puppy. Kids always get excited at new animals. However I am no expert I had to get advice on my 18 mo granddaughter and my new puppy. But Mckinly does the same thing when Brutus is being perfect she will walk up to him and tell him no. Have to sit with her and him and say good Brutus. Luckily Brutus seems to understand. He amazes me at times.
I also let McKinley give them treats so it forms a good bond and teaches her to be kind and Brutus to be kind taking the treats. I have to keep a close eye on both of them little fingers have to learn not to poke and big paws have to learn not to grab hair.

 

[Adrienne]

Aww, the old kids and dog dilema! When I was younger I had a rottie/white shep mix named Bailey. He was the sweetest dog you ever did meet, exceptionaly well behaved. One time up at the cabin I happend to glance out the window and there is my 5 year old cousin beating poor Bailey about the head with a stick. He just sat there happily wagging his tail with his tounge hanging out. I of course rushed right out and had her stop. We had a talk about how dogs feel just like we do and how dangerous it can be to do something like that to a dog. After that I realized that I can't count on children to know right and wrong about animals. Right when you think they get it something is bound to happen.
My son is five now and has never really been overly zealous about our animals but he does enjoy working with Gunnar. I have incorporated him into training sessions, feeding, grooming, and play. He sees the proper way to interact and tends to follow my lead. He's even picked up on the German commands !
Then there is my two year old, whole different story, he tries to get it right but just isn't old enough. To minimize any damage being done to either pup or child if I am unable to supervise I will lock Gunnar in the crate with a bicycle lock. (Logan figured out how to open a crate immediately). I would suggest you getting a lock for the crate, it will save your sanity.
Having kids involved in the care and maintance of the dog will make them feel important...more likely to want to interact appropriatley rather than stealing time with the pup to do something naughty. Just always remember, which I am sure you already know...always supervise, never leave a young child alone with a dog, ever.
Hope things settle down for you with the full moons pass!