the puppy and my daughter

deaddoll · New Pup

the puppy and my daughter

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

You have to continue to train both your daughter and your puppy. Both are still children and are still learning their lessons. Your puppy is playing with your daughter. Biting just happens to be a way to play. You have to be firm but fair when supervising his playtime with your daughter. And also make sure your daughter understands.

Just be patient with them both :)

Patricia · Champion

Our trainer at Obedience Class really gave me a good perspective on this issue.....she said that the child (and my son is 10) is like a littermate to the puppy, and they really are playing. Keep in mind how pups play together. I really got it after this.

Patricia

Sister Ray · All Grown Up

Puppies of course need to chew on things. Mouthy dogs need something to redirect to when they do something like that. Also, some sort of sound that tells the dog they are being too rough ("ouch" or "ah ah" are examples). Puppies learn how to play with other dogs by noise if they go too far.

Nevik · Basic Obedience

hang in there, our puppy tends to do the same thing...we are doing exactly what sister ray stated....just say ouch ouch and our puppy will lighten up....she won't just stop, but you can tell that she understands, because she will stop biting as hard. Definitely something that you have to stay on top of, and I'm sure that it will iron itself out....I hope! biggrin

Date: Jul 19, 2008

These are just my opinions and I am not an authority. First, don't let her become afraid of him. He can become your daughters best friend and no one will be able to land a hand on her. I know because I grew up with one.

Boxers are by nature, happy, jumpy, playful, loving, lloyal, hard headed and smart. He has a lot of energy and needs a lot of play time.

Due to her age, he looks at her as a sibling and wants to play with her like he would another pup.

She has to let him know, she is above his level.   Saying, "Ouch" should help make him back off a little. Then have her tell him "no" ,"sit", "stay" in a firm, calm manor, not a high pitched voice. When "SHE" is ready, Give him"OK". If you havent' done the "sit" you may have push on his hind end to make him understand. Be consistant!

While you are standing beside her, try having her feed him, so he will look on her as his provider. She should get him to sit, (holding the food in front of him and above his head) when he does it,  tell him "Good Dog" In a Happy voice, then feed him. After a few times he should start showing her more respect.

You may want to consider training, also.  If possible, all of you should go or ask them to come to the house. Otherwise, the "leader of the pack" (dog thinking) and your daughter should go. It may be the easiest way to stop this and a lot of other bad habits.

Boxers are wonderful dogs, especially after they are about 3, but you need a lot of patience for the puppy years! If necessary,please get training, before giving up on him.

dskirtech · New Pup

I had to combat this issue with my Staffordshire Terrior. As a young pup, when myself or my wife played with him, we would say "OUCH!!!" or "That HURTS!!!!" and push him back and ignore him until he clamed down. Now, in reality, he wasnt hurting me, but I knew that type of pressure would hurt a young'n such as your daughter. The first thing a kid is going to do is say "OWWWW" or "STOP IT" or "THAT HURTS". By you and your husband enforcing this as YOU play with him, he will eventually associate the aggressive tone and words with "Hey, Im being too rough". It is VERY important once you say these words, to remove yourself from the "Play Session" and ignore him. if not, he will start right back up again.

After about 2 months, Ruger would stop on a dime, and lay down if anyone spoke those words. Also, as mentioned above, train your daughter how to handle him. Make sure she knows that he is playing and how to properly remove herself from the "Play Situation". Additionally, sometimes kids are not firm enough in their vocal tone. Tell your daughter not to be scared to Speak up and be firm... "OUCH THAT HURTS!!!!!!!"