Quote:
Originally Posted by Marsha
Puppies can generate respect for themselves. HOnestly, even with younger kids I finally let natural consequences take over, like a puppy or dog will nip, growl, etc. If a child gets a little nip or snapped at because the animal is annoyed, I figure that's worth at least 100 lectures and scholdings by me. Also, micromanging the relationship requires me to be hyper vigilant and consistent and that's really not me. So I warn the first several times, and then I let the dog or cat decide how interactive they want the child to be with them. They have ways of letting this be known to their "pack".
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This is what I do... Even with little ones I tell them that when a dog growls it's his way of saying "back off" and that continuing to mess with the dog might mean they get nipped.
Now I also train the dog to "be nice" as well as possible. If they are growling when a little one is touching them, then I pet them too and keep their head away from the child until they stop the noise.
I think my view might be colored some too because my oldest just turned 9.
I might act/react differently when my youngest is 8, you know?