By Kendall and Chandler Brown
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Dear Kendall:
We recently got a Labrador puppy and she has been a wonderful addition to our lives. We have two children, ages 6 and 10, and for a while they played tag and took naps with little Bella. However, the months have flown by and Bella has grown into a rambunctious teenager whose chief source of entertainment is chasing and bouncing off of the kids. This isn’t the experience we envisioned with our family dog and the children are becoming fearful of her. Help!
Sincerely,
-Bouncin’ Bella
Dear Bouncin’ Bella:
It is quite common in the span of a few months for the sweet, squishy puppy to morph into a headstrong, powerful adolescent and become a whirlwind of high, unchanneled energy. By contrast, children take many years to mature and as a result, can find themselves frightened and overwhelmed by the energetic attentions of their former pint-sized playmate.
The first step toward achieving the relationship you envision with Bella and your family is to have a discussion about safe and respectful interactions. You can explain that actions such as hugging or lying on top of Bella should be stopped. Though these are affectionate gestures to other humans they can be interpreted as oppressive actions to dogs. Instead opt for gentle chest scratches or calm ear rubs. Your kids can help with her brushing and bathing needs as well.
Both children and puppies enjoy play, but games that involve jumping or chasing should be discouraged until Bella is more mature.
Instead of tag, you can encourage your kids to play fetch with a toy. If Bella begins to jump on or chase them, rather than run and yell when she approaches, ask them to stand still, hold out a treat and politely tell her to sit. Incorporating your children into Bella’s daily training and handling is a great way to build bonds and put them in positions of “Honored Treat Givers,” instead of “Moving Targets.”
It is important that every member of the family is able to calm and channel Bella’s energy. One daily activity I suggest is to give each member of your family a handful of dog food and place Bella in the center of your circle. Take turns asking Bella to come, sit, lie down, roll over or shake. Make sure that everyone is handing the treats to Bella slowly on the palm of their open hand, so she isn’t snatching the food.
Family walks are another great way to foster cooperation and focused energy. For members of your family who are too small to take a rowdy teenager for a walk, I suggest you or your husband use two leashes. Clip both leashes to her collar. You hold one leash and give the other to your kids. Encourage them to take turns holding the second leash loosely with Bella at their side while you prevent her from jumping or pulling with yours. This helps Bella and your children feel they are a part of a team, while you act as the wizard behind the curtain.
It is quite common for young dogs and children to need guidance in what is considered safe and appropriate play with one another. However, through a combination of clear communication, structured play and daily training I am confident Bella soon will join the esteemed ranks of Old Yeller and Lassie.
Kendall and Chandler Brown are owners of Custom K-9 Service Dogs, a dog training business serving Minden/Gardnerville, Carson and Reno. For information go to customk9servicedogs.com or email customk9servicedogs@gmail.com.
