Re: Adopting a puppy with a toddler and almost 8 year old
Thank you for this, Elizabeth! There was a part of me that was like oh no, do we have an aggressive dog?! It's reassuring to hear again that his jumping/nipping around the kids is normal puppy play-- and a good reminder that I just need to be present to monitor. I also have a system now where puppy can have a time out when he gets too rough (was able to put an old baby gate up in the kitchen so he can be in there and we can be in living/dining room). He does not like being separated from us so I think it's a good tool to let him know when he's gone too far and to give kids space when they need it (and kitchen leads into back porch where his open crate, food and water, and bin of toys are so he is not like suffering massively or anything).
I'm trying to give him lots of attention and love when I'm home with him during the day too, and he's much calmer with me so I get to reward his good behavior.
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