cassvanm Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Hi guys, I have a lovely puppy Scout, who is a 16 week old Golden Retriever. She's lovely, however like any other puppy, is very excitable. I also have three children - 6, 4 and 1 year old girls. They LOVE Scout, however when they get outside they flap their arms around, squealing and carrying on, because Scout is happy to see them. My question is - how can I train my kids to settle down, so that Scout can remain calm when they are together???? Has anyone else had experiences that they can share with me please? I desperately want my kids and my puppy to be able to play outside together (supervised of course), especially now that the weather is becoming much nicer. Thanks in advance Cass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelle Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 (edited) Hi Cassvan, I would be supervising all play. Role model and explain to the kids that Scout has to be calm before allowing them to play together. Teach them other games like fetch etc. If the play gets excitable from any party, intervene immediately and go back to calming everyone. Hopefully because the kids and pup are young, the play sessions would be in short bursts anyhow. It may be hard but it'll be better in the long run teaching the kids and the puppy how to play together. Good Luck. ETA let the kids still run wild flapping etc but do it when Scout is indoors Edited September 12, 2009 by joelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelsophie Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Hi, I have 4 and 6 year olds here too. Our puppy just turned 6 months old and came to us at just over 9 weeks of age. We have set boundaries and most of the time they are followed. Having said that my ratbag son and ratbag puppy are two peas in pod and at time require sinbinning in opposite ends of the house We have a puppy pen (our pup is indoors) and he also has a huge soft crate in my room. If the puppy is in the crate or pen he is out of bounds. no ifs or buts - its simply a no go and they no this. If they get too hyped pup is put in pen kids are sent away from the pen. Me and OH are the only ones allowed o open the pen and carry the dog. we have a toy breed and the kids would like to "huggle" him and carry him but its no go. Dog isnt allowed to play with their faces on the floor either. They cant touch him while he eats either. To counter all the cants the kids are very involved with his training which they love. I find this the best way to get both parties under control lol. There is a jar of treats they can access for the dog (the happy paws ones are great) that they offer toby for sit down going to the door. I have found the more involved they are the better they have been with the dog. Goodluck Bec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 (edited) What things do the girls like to do with Scout? make these things contingent on them interacting with him in a certain way. eg- if you're not calm and still when puppy jumps, you don't get to play ball with puppy later etc. Also make certain training exercises great games for the kids with rewards for them as well as puppy- it means they still interact but you're guiding the type of interaction rather than just having to say no! Edited September 12, 2009 by Cosmolo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Get tthe older ones involved as much as possible & use time out if the kids dont follow instructions. If they dont play with scout the way you have role modelled then they lose the privileged . We hand this out to our puppy owners with kids as the pictures & concept works well for younger kids http://www.pets.dpi.vic.gov.au/01/main.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldielover Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Some good advice already. I guess some basic rules as well eg. arms always at their sides. It's hard to stop kids running around so perhaps just try one thing at a time. Not having kids myself i'll leave this one to the more experienced people in this area!! LOL. Great idea about rewards for the kids as well as Scout! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelle Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Yes I forgot, involving the kids in training and feeding her will allow them to learn how to interact positively with Scout and also help them to keep above her in the pack ranking. Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvsdogs Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Hi,I have 4 and 6 year olds here too. Our puppy just turned 6 months old and came to us at just over 9 weeks of age. We have set boundaries and most of the time they are followed. Having said that my ratbag son and ratbag puppy are two peas in pod and at time require sinbinning in opposite ends of the house We have a puppy pen (our pup is indoors) and he also has a huge soft crate in my room. If the puppy is in the crate or pen he is out of bounds. no ifs or buts - its simply a no go and they no this. If they get too hyped pup is put in pen kids are sent away from the pen. Me and OH are the only ones allowed o open the pen and carry the dog. we have a toy breed and the kids would like to "huggle" him and carry him but its no go. Dog isnt allowed to play with their faces on the floor either. They cant touch him while he eats either. To counter all the cants the kids are very involved with his training which they love. I find this the best way to get both parties under control lol. There is a jar of treats they can access for the dog (the happy paws ones are great) that they offer toby for sit down going to the door. I have found the more involved they are the better they have been with the dog. Goodluck Bec This is a good rule for young puppies, they need their rest. Show the 2 older children how to train the puppy with food treats. Teach them not to run around squealing & flailing their arms around. This gets puppies excited & they chase, jump up on & nip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassvanm Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 Thank you so much guys for the replys - I will definately be putting this stuff to practice! Showdog - thanks heaps for that link - I've had a look, and it all seems like great info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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