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Pupforum presents your training questions answered by professional dog trainers.
Jennifer Shryock is a certified dog behavior consultant, who specializes in helping families keep things safe and fun between children and the family dog/s. She has a duo bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Kutztown University. She combined her passion for working with families, children and dogs into a career in dog behavior, and founded Family Paws in 2002. She developed Dogs & Storks™, an original and complete program for new and expecting parents (and grandparents) who have a family dog.
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11/10/2006
I have a 3 and a half year old Vizsla who has very recently developed aggressive behavior around food and toys he picks up. With a toddler in the house, this is becoming more and more of a safety risk. As a puppy, we trained him quite well to eliminate food and possessive aggression, but since the toddler has begun walking, he has been behaving quite badly, even doing things he's NEVER done before (e.g. going up on counters to steal food, "cornering" himself under the bed and growling when we approach). I need help and advice if I can safely keep him! Thanks! (brianmc44, Pennsylvania)
I would encourage you to look at what activities you do with the dog. Toddlers take up a huge amount of time and energy. Dogs often will try to seek your attention, even negative if they are bored, or unsure of how else to get attention from you. Growling is a very effective way to get attention and often if it is reinforced it will continue.
You mention your dog engaging in new behaviors such as counter surfing and “territorial” guarding. These new activities and undesirable behaviors can be due to the changes and degree of activity of a toddler in the home. Dogs often do not know how they fit into the family as toddlers begin moving about. This is a time that obedience and str
uctured activities are most important to help include the dog and relieve the potential for uncertainty. Dogs that are unsure of where they fit into the family often will engage in attention seeking behavior and “guarding” as they feel a loss of security.
I would encourage you to add structure to your dog’s routine. Practice your sits, downs, and other commands prior to giving attention or rewards. Play hide and seek games with your toddler. Have one person have the dog on leash and you and your toddler go hide. The dog handler and your dog then come to you. This is a fun way to play and includes the dog in a physical and mental process.
It is important that your dog and child are never left unsupervised. It is best to have your toddler sit on your lap, stand on a stool or be higher then your dog and call him vs. approach the dog. Keep high value items such as Raw hides, pigs ears and meaty bones to a minimum and NEVER where the baby might wander over too.
I encourage you to visit www.familypaws.com, www.doggonesafe.com, and www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com for more information and helpful activities.
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