Humping My Toddler

[Fly1170]

Hi

How do I stop my 4 mth old puppy humping my toddler? I heard he is doing this as he thinks he can dominate him and be above him in the 'pack' (family). This isn't on and my toddler is too small to understand to get him to stop. It seems everytime I turn around when they are playing my toddler is pinned to the floor with the puppy on his back humping. It's awful! What can I do?

Thanks

Louise

PS He doesn't do it with any other family members.

[ElleAus]

The puppy most likely is only doing this to your toddler as he views him as the lowest member of the pack and an easy target. It's your job to instill in the puppy respect for your toddler.

What do you do when you see it happening? The puppy can learn the behaviour is not on. I'd correct everytime he trys it and teach him to play less physically. Distract with other toys. It's important to be consistent so continous supervision or seperate the puppy when you're busy.

I remember years ago a friends puppy doing the same thing to the youngest member of the family. He was taught not too and the child (not a toddler) learnt how to be more assertive.

Just my two cents. Hope others will weigh in.