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Originally Posted by LeosMama  Usually, my pup growls when he sees something out the window or sliding door. So I normally just ask "What is it?" I'll make the trip to the door and usually it is the wild rabbit that lives out back. I'll sit back down and say "Thank you for telling me" or "It was neat seeing the rabbit" I feel I have to acknowledge it, it could be something important someday. It also stops the growl and occasional bark.
I know Leo does sometimes growl or nip at my children. Usually it is when they are playing. When I see that I tell them all no playing like that. My son loves to get down in a crawl position to play with the pup. Needless to say it puts puppy on the defense because of size alone. I've noticed Leo nip only when you try to take his toys from him. It is like - hey don't take my stuff. So I reinforce share or divert his attention to something else. That usually works for me.
Good Luck. |
Leo should not be nipping your children even if they take his toys from him. He can't have a "hey don't take my stuff attitude" as you describe. He doesn't learn to "share" his toys like human children do. They are not
his toys. He has to earn them.
Please read the last two links in my previous post about the Nothing in Life is Free program. It is recommended by the HSUS. It teaches a dog that he has to earn his toys, food, etc., that they are not his to take or protect.
Possessiveness over toys as a puppy and nipping can turn into real aggression if not dealt with. Not only can he hurt your children, a dog that bites may have to be euthanized.