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Weimaraner Forum |
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Subject :Are Weimaraners good with children?..
2009-07-09 16:05:29
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| Urquhart
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I just adopted a 10 mo. Old male, unneutered Weimaraner. The former and original owner said that he has been around her two small daughters. I have researched the breed extensively before I adopted him from her, trust me. But, I have an almost 2 year old (very active) child who loves animals. He thinks that because his "Puppy" (a Westie) is nice to him and the most he does it jump on him and knock him down, every dog will be nice. So far the dog has let him pet him and he seems fine with him. But the first night, when the dog was laying down on the floor my child went to sort of lay on him and he made a noise that sounded like a snort or a growl or both mixed together. I have noticed that he snorts alot just even when walking around the house. But, should I be sounding the alarm just yet?
My biggest fear with this dog (whom others in public have commented that he is sweet) is his conduct with my child. My child is hyper to begin with and I don't want him in the "line of fire".
What are some pointers for keeping my child safe with the new large dog?
What might prevent anything bad from occurring (I watch my child with the dog, but my child climbs out of the play pen on his own).
Anything else I must know? |
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Subject :Are Weimaraners good with children?..
2009-07-09 16:05:29
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| Corwyn
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I had two ADHD boys, so I am familiar with this. Out of my 5 children only the two ADHD boys ever got bitten!. That's because their own behavior puts them at risk. The best way to avoid bites is to only allow the child/dog to interact when an adult is present. But even with that, bites can happen so very fast. The best dog for an overactive child is actually a dog that spends it life sleeping away and does not have any sensitivity issues at all. A dog that ignores everything is what I mean. Weims are good dogs with kids, but some would be more lazy and tolerant than others. The lazier the dog the less likely he would be to bite. It just depends on your dog or any dog of any breed.
Sometimes a dog growls at kids because it's just dogtalk for "stop that" or "leave me alone". So if you could help teach your child to understand dogtalk it might help.A correction nip from the dog will follow a growl or two if the child doesn't listen to the dog's communication warning of "leave me alone". Other than that, just teaching your child how to interact with dogs would help. I know that is very difficult with kids who are unable to focus well.
My boys finally ended up with a lab that was so lazy she would just fall over and sleep while they crawled on her. That was the solution in my home for ADHD boys and dogs. The bites they got were from neighbor's dogs. But the best part is that the kids finally do grow up a bit, become calmer and more able to focus. After that, we were able to get shih tzus and even another lab/golden mix. But when the kids were small and over-active, we just had to keep a very lazy dog that had the natural ability to ignore anything they did. In fact, my daughter use to dress up that old lab and put lipstick on her while she slept. After the daughter came along, the lab sported feather boas, beads, make-up and lace. And she slept through most of it while yawning through the rest of the day.
So, don't let anyone make you feel like you are doing something wrong by having a dog and a child. The trick is to just have a dog that has a natural ability to ignore the childish behavior of the child. I can't tell you if your dog can do that, but you will know by watching him to see if he is able tolerate your child. And be assured that the child will eventually outgrow his hyperness to a point that it will no longer be a problem. |
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Subject :Are Weimaraners good with children?..
2009-07-09 16:05:29
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| Maddockson
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How old is your child? And why did the previous owner give him to you?
The dog sounds sweet, but any dog pushed to far from a child will bite. And growling is a warning sign. Can you put up baby gates? Where they can be separated.
When the dog is eating put him in another room. Have a crate full of toys where he can go and relax and get away from your kid.
And never leave them unattended. And try to tell your kid to be nice to the dog. |
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Subject :Are Weimaraners good with children?..
2009-07-09 16:05:29
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| Stephanos
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Firstly, I am curious about your description of "adopting a 10 month old dog" ?
Do you mean you got the dog at 10 months old from a previous owner who no longer wanted him? If so, why did they not want him? There is usually a good reason for someone parting with an almost adult dog. It may be very genuine, but often it is because they cannot cope with some behavioural issues.
Secondly, this dog does not *sound* aggressive, he sounds a sweetie, but he is a dog, and ANY dog, no matter how trustworthy around children has the ability to bite if pushed far enough.
NO DOG, should EVER be left alone with a small child unattended. This is a recipe for disaster and heartbreak for you, the child and the dog and why so many children get bitten and so many dogs get euthanised.
BOTH dog and child need to be taught to respect each other. The dog should always be fed away from the child, perhaps in a crate, and should have his own safe den (crate?) where he go and sleep without being bothered by the child.
The child must be taught respect for the dog also. If this child is hyper, then that is another thing to address. If you cannot confine the child way from the dog when the dog is eating or wishes to sleep, then you need to confine the dog during those times, in a safe crate with his own bed and toys. ONLY when you need to, not all the time.
Can you perhaps get a child gate where dog and child can be separate for periods of time, ie dog confined to one room?
Observe this basic principles, train your dog and be consistent in your training of both dog and child towards each other and you should be fine.
p.s. Also get the dog neutered asap. |
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Subject :Are Weimaraners good with children?..
2009-07-09 16:05:29
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| Faro
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The dog is only giving the Rowdy child a warning to get out of its face.
Dogs need space too.
Seems like your more in need of a Trainer instead of the Dog on how to control your kyd and parent him.
The only thing in the line of fire is the poor dog.
What do Humans do when in need some space??? We verbally express it...Well growling is how the pooch is expressing his feelings, just like his mom taught him when he was a pup!
Heed the warning. |
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