[CrystalG]

Hi all! Max is almost 14 weeks now and for the last couple of weeks he has been playing fairly rough with my children (aged 2 and 11). He chases them around the house if they are playing (which is fine), but his intent when he catches up to them is to bite at their arms/legs/clothing. He is also starting jump at them and try to intimidate them. We've tried almost everything we can think of, but he just won't listen to us. It's getting to the point where my husband is wondering if we should keep him or not. We love Max as our new family pet, but we are scared he is going to hurt someone! Any tips you experienced Golden owners have would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

 

[FlyingQuizini]

He's just a baby. He's not trying to intimidate them, he's just playing with them the only way he knows how.

With dogs and kids - especially at that age, they both need constant supervision when together. An adult needs to be helping the dog do what's correct by redirecting all attempts to be mouthing the kids and helping the kids remember to behave in ways that is less exciting to the dog. If an adult can't fill that role at any time, the dog cannot have free access to the kids. Leashes, tethers, crates, x-pens, baby gates, etc. are all wonderful management tools to help keep the pup from "dogging" the kids when you can't directly supervise and TEACH the behavior you want.

 

[CrystalG]

He's just a baby. He's not trying to intimidate them, he's just playing with them the only way he knows how.

With dogs and kids - especially at that age, they both need constant supervision when together. An adult needs to be helping the dog do what's correct by redirecting all attempts to be mouthing the kids and helping the kids remember to behave in ways that is less exciting to the dog. If an adult can't fill that role at any time, the dog cannot have free access to the kids. Leashes, tethers, crates, x-pens, baby gates, etc. are all wonderful management tools to help keep the pup from "dogging" the kids when you can't directly supervise and TEACH the behavior you want.

Thanks for your reply! The kids and pup are never out of either my husband's or my sight when they are together. But it seems like no matter how many times we redirect Max and tell him no he still seems to be doing the same behaviours with them. Do you have any tricks we could try to getting him to listen more when we are trying to teach him? Thanks again for your reply. I feel better now knowing that this is just a stage!