JackieG
Posted : 12/21/2013 10:17:18 PM
Your young visitor needs to be taught how to interact appropriately with the puppy. She's old enough to understand that the puppy is learning how to be a good puppy. You can explain that if she teases or entices the puppy to nip at her fingers and toes she's causing the puppy to get in trouble. Kids usually have a strong sense of fairness.
She has to be made to understand that the puppy is not to be teased or disturbed when he's in his crate. Again, explain that this is his safe place to rest and it's not fair for her to bother him when he's in there. She should also not be allowed to disturb him when he's eating or has a chew toy.
It's up to the adults, and in this case, you, to teach the child that the puppy is not a toy. She can play with him but only if she follows the rules. When he's outside to potty she should be instructed to leave him alone. Use examples that put her in the puppy's place and it will be easier for her to empathize with the puppy.
It's not a question of whether it's fair for her to get to interact with the puppy. The question is whether boundaries will be set for her so your puppy doesn't become confused and stressed. That's unfair to the puppy who has no control over the situation
Teach her how to toss a ball for him. Teach her how to help the puppy learn to sit. Children need to learn how to properly handle pets. It's not intuitive behavior for some children. Good luck and when it all becomes too much, put them both in their crates. :)