Dog Community

A socialisation question

Posted : 6/3/2006 12:23:26 PM

We have been using the yelp-and-sulk technique when it comes to teaching Ben bite inhibition, and it already seems to be having results. However, he is a pup and I can't ignore the fact that it will be a while before he is completely reliable. Tomorrow we are having some friends over who have a young child - I won't let her roughhouse with Ben, and I will teach her how to properly approach him. They are coming largely because I know this little girl is gentle and kind, and as such will be a good socialisation excercise for him, since she is highly unlikely to pull his ears or step on him or anything else that might make him snap at her. The parents do know that we have invited them over to start getting Ben used to young children.

Here's my question - Just in case he does get a bit mouthy with her, do I teach her to yelp? I don't want to scare her as soon as she gets here by warning her that he may bite, but I do want to be prepared for the eventuality. I am happy to leave him gated off in the kitchen when they first arrive so I can have a talk with her about how to treat him, but should I go so far as to teach her exactly how to react if it does happen?

Thanks,
Kate

Nic

Posted : 6/3/2006 1:19:17 PM

If you are think she will be scared you can make a game out of it.
Tell her trees are boring and if the puppy gets too excited she can
turn her back and pretend to be a tree. Let her practice a few times
before she gets to play with the puppy.

[linkhttp://www.doggonesafe.com/images/anne%20be%20a%20tree%20small.jpg]http://www.doggonesafe.com/images/anne%20be%20a%20tree%20small.jpg[/link]

Benedict

Posted : 6/3/2006 3:14:33 PM

I love the tree idea, and thanks for the link!

Kate

labcrab

Posted : 6/5/2006 11:02:37 AM

I would not instruct the child to use the yelp technique. Many dogs will become even more excited by a yelp, particularly one from a child (it sounds different than yours!). Rather, I would use the "removal of reward". As soon as Ben begins to get too rowdy or mouthy, tell him "game over" and remove the child immediately. Or, you stop the game by removing him immediately - whatever you think you can execute. The point is that Ben will view the child as a great source of FUN! Fun that will stop immediately as soon as his behaviour becomes inappropriate.

Just a clean separation for a minute or two - then back to fun. He will likely learn after just a few times where that "line" is that should not be crossed. How old is the child?

Benedict

Posted : 6/5/2006 11:11:45 AM

She's 3....but a suprisingly mature 3. I was worried about teaching her to yelp for the very reason you stated - that it wouldn't sound like mine does. Her parents rescheduled but they will be coming over tomorrow. I will just teach her to withdraw from the situation for a minute or 2, I am sure it will all be fine. [

]

Kate

labcrab

Posted : 6/5/2006 11:50:22 AM

yeah, I wouldn't put any responsibility whatsoever on the 3 year old to know what to do (yelping or otherwise). I would just make sure the little girl knows not to pull or poke! You are going to have to manage it completely from both sides (Ben and baby).

I think it's a great idea to introduce Ben to a baby btw.. One of my girlfriends is coming to stay with me - with her infant! I'm a bit worried cause even though Slick lives with 2 human children, he's never heard a baby cry, etc. Good Luck tomorrow. Let us know how it goes!!