[suzie]

We have Duchess. She's 11 weeks old. I've searched through the forum here, but I have a question.

We understand about nipping at this age. We tell her "no" and redirect. It seems that she may think our 6 year old twins are her playmates? When our back is turned, she really, really gets nippy at them. Not in a mean way, but she pulls their clothes and nips their arms and legs.

The twins have been great about saying "no bite" and trying to give her a chew toy... but the puppy goes crazy around them.

Any other suggestions? :confused2 We know it is a puppy stage, but we don't want the kids to be afraid of her, even though we tell them she doesn't mean it.

Thanks so much!!

Suzie

 

[Ninabug]

At this age, I'd make sure there isn't the opportunity for you to turn your back on the twins. I prefer a tethering method at this age. The dog is ALWAYS tied to you. That way they aren't given the opportunity to misbehave without you knowing and being there immediately to handle it. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
If you're not able to have her tethered to you, or can't keep a very close eye on her, then she should be kenneled with some toys to occupy her.

 

[Sinister]

At this age, I'd make sure there isn't the opportunity for you to turn your back on the twins. I prefer a tethering method at this age. The dog is ALWAYS tied to you. That way they aren't given the opportunity to misbehave without you knowing and being there immediately to handle it. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
If you're not able to have her tethered to you, or can't keep a very close eye on her, then she should be kenneled with some toys to occupy her.

This is a great suggestion.
Juno was tethered to me for about a month. I don't have small children, but I have a farm, with loooots of animals to chase. ;

 

[KevinK]

At 11 weeks old, if you can't give your undevided attention, make sure the dog is in a safe place where nothing can happen. At around that age, I don't like to leave a dog for any longer than it takes to get a glass of water... This is completely normal behavior, and the best way to stop it is to always redirect just before the bite, in other words never allowing it to get that far.

 

[Tperkins]

Great advice so far!

I have to young kids as well.(much younger than yours) When my dog was that age I tried to minimize the time he and the kids were together to only time they all had my un-divided attention. Your kids being older leaves you with more lead way and the kids should understand the situation and how to act around the puppy.

And remember it is just a phase you'll make it!