New dog growling at kids - what to do?

I got Max a crate and he's already been in it a few times.  I even told him to go in and shut him inside for about 15 minutes, and he was great - no whimpering or whining, he was happy as a clam.

The kids came home from school and Max was thrilled to see them.  He was wagging his stumpy-tailed butt and kissing their faces like crazy.  So they know he likes them...he just doesn't like being with them 24 hours a day!

I'll tell my husband to try the yawning thing.  Max has already bonded with me and I can do just about whatever I want with him and he doesn't mind it.  My husband he's friendly to but a little less comfortable with, and I keep telling him that he needs to just sit and cuddle with Max before he starts rough-housing or doing the silly stuff.

The kids said he went into their room last night and got up on the bed for a couple of minutes to check on them, then he left.  So he is getting attached to them, it's just that it is taking longer than they thought it would.  They saw the way he latched on to me, and they thought they could have the same sort of relationship with him that I do.  I don't know why he picked ME to be his number-one friend, but he did and I feel very lucky.  He's really a great dog for us.  He can be lazy at times, but he's pretty smart and surprisingly cuddly.  I think he's a lap dog in an Aussie's body sometimes!

Spiritdogs, I love this site you suggested:
 
[linkhttp://www.doggonesafe.com]www.doggonesafe.com[/link]
 
The 2 Most Important Things to Teach Your Kids...
1.  Dog's Do Not Like Hugs and Kisses
2.  Be a Tree if a Strange Dog Approaches  
 
The 2 Most Important Things Parents Can Do For Dog Bite Prevention...
1.  Supervise
2.  Train the dog  
 
Plus lots more good stuff!!

I wanted to give an update on Max and the growling.

He has adjusted to the family a little more each day, and getting more comfortable and friendly with the kids.  He will go in and tuck them in each night, and he wakes them in the morning with me.  He will come to them when they call, and he's been playing a lot with the twins.  They are the ones feeding him in theafternoon, so maybe he wants to stay on their good side!  He's still letting the toddler get away with all sorts of stuff.

We've learned that his growls are just his way of saying "please stop doing that, I don't like it."  He doesn't do anything else - no snapping or showing teeth or anything "scary," - he just lets us know that he's had enough.  Last night two of the kids decided to lay down on him, and it obviously wasn't comfortable.  He did a short growl, they got off, and all was well.

He's still chewing and digging, but hey - he's still a young dog.  My husband realized that Mocha used to chew A LOT when we first got her, and it took a while for her to mellow.  She would still steal things and take them outside to chew them up until she died, so it's just something to deal with.

My girl Kiara was growly when we brought her home from the shelter.

 I had warned my kids that we don't know this dog,and we needed to feel her out just as Kiara had to feel us out.

  It is quite a transition from going to an unknown past,then from the kennel,to a new home.There is no trust established in the new home.

  I would without a doubt sit the kids down and tell them to keep their hands off.Always speak the dogs name before coming up to it,especially when he is laying down or sleeping.

  Make sure the dog knows that his food and water are coming from the kids.

 Its actually good that the dog growled.Much better than snapping...He was willing to give a warning to the kids.


It took Kiara a good couple months before she wouldn't jump up everytime someone entered the room.She is now very good with the kids,who are able to love her up.
 

I've been following this thread and am happy that it's working out for you. I am willingly eating humble pie and admit that I was wrong
 
Hopefully things will continue to work themselves out.

I wanted to give an update on Max and the growling.

He has adjusted to the family a little more each day, and getting more comfortable and friendly with the kids.

I am delighted to hear that things are working out with Max.  It sounds like he is a good, gentle teacher for the kids.  They will learn to respect the feelings of their pets.

ORIGINAL: pyccku

So they know he likes them...he just doesn't like being with them 24 hours a day!

I feel the same way about my own kids!  [][]

Being a rescue dog, Max is probably trying to figure out the rules and structure in your home.  He's probably really confused.  If I were you, I would create a definite routine and make rules (no counter surfing, no mooching, no jumping, sit before being allowed to eat, etc.) for the dog, and as he gets more confident, ease up a bit.  Treat him only after asking for a behavior.  Have your children do the same.

Dog's generally don't like to be hugged unless they initiate the hugging, especially if they don't really know you.  It takes a rescue dog about 6 months before they really understand that your home is their home. 

How about having your 8 year old start an obedience or agility class with Max. Have your child walk the dog, feed the dog, groom the dog - you get the gist.