It's not uncommon for a new adult dog to growl at a young child. Growling is a normal way
for dogs to warn each other off of something. What you need to do is to let this dog know
that the child is above the dog in the pack structure,.....hence the dog is not allowed to
growl at the child.
A few things to do, and some resources:
- Don't leave the dog and child alone together unsupervised.
Always have their interaction monitored by an adult. (PLEASE do not let them sleep
together in the same bed! )
- The dog should be instantly reprimanded, by an adult, if he is
caught growling at the child.
- Have the child (if old enough) be the one to feed the dog
breakfast and dinner, as well as any and all treats that the dog will get throughout the
day. Have an adult monitor these sessions and restrain
the dog until the child has set the bowl down and given the dog the RELEASE or BREAK
command.
- The dog is to be physically moved off of any spot that the
child wants, and should not ever be allowed to push the child out of the way. Make the dog
wait until the child goes into or out of doors (or the car or the yard).
- Teach the dog a command (SIT, DOWN or STAY) and this will be
the way the child begins to control the dog and takes a higher position. The child will
issue the command before meals and treats, or randomly through the day.
- If the child needs privacy, place a babygate in the doorway to
their bedroom so the dog can't go in there unsupervised. On the converse, give the dog a
special "child free" area where it can get some privacy.
- Never let the child hug or otherwise confine or corner this
dog until the pack order is set, and make sure that the child doesn't startle the dog
awake. Greyhounds sleep hard, and often sleep with their eyes open. Teach the child to
call out the dogs name and be sure the dog is awake before approaching it. Greyhounds are
used to being awakened when activity begins in the kennel and are not used to being
awakened by touch.
- Young children like to smother a dog with kisses which can
seem like a scary display of "in your face" dominance to a kennel dog. Add to
this the fact that children are at eye level to a dog and do not know that it is important
for them not to stare a new dog in the eyes. This can seem like a threat to a dog and a
warning snarl or bite can ensue.
- Be sure that the child is trained along with the dog. The
child should learn to respect the dogs space or bed and not to approach it while it is
lying down unless an adult gives the child permission. No pulling on the dogs ears or
harassing the dog is allowed. A dog will only take so much (even a Greyhound) and if no
one steps in to save it, it will take matters into it's own hands.
Resources:
Childproofing Your Dog-- by Brian Kilcommons. It's less than $10 in
softcover. He gives concrete, useful advice.
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