Children run around and scream, and they are very noisy. This is something a puppy needs to get used to. It will more than likely want to be a part of wild games and to run around with these strange looking two legged siblings.  Bear in mind that a dog play in doggie fashion, that is using teeth and claws to grab and hold and scratch. This doesn’t mean the puppy is vicious, it just means it acts and reacts after what species it belongs to. Here it is important with adult supervision, the children need to learn to stand still and call for help if the puppy nips. They also need to learn not to encourage the puppy to jump and nip, children are also young and curious and more than one is eager to “tease” the dog by pulling toys or rags for the puppy to bite.

Aren’t the children allowed to play then? Of course they are. But make sure the puppy is not with them when they go crazy and run and scream. Restrict the puppy to maybe the kitchen and give it a Kong filled with something tasty to play with instead. Or, teach the kids how to play with the dog on the dogs terms. Here it is important with supervision again, as always when dogs and children are together. Teach the kids to do “hide and seek”, one child or the parent holds the dog and the other child hides from it, with a treat in the hand, or a toy the dog loves. The child need to call the dog, but then sit very silent and let the dog find him, maybe in the wardrobe or the broom cupboard? When the dog has found the child, “praise lavishly” and the dog will find itself in the centre of attention after doing something good, and it would want to repeat this happy game!

Dogs also need to rest in peace, especially if it is puppies. To have a crate is popular for some owners, and as long as it is a safe “den” and a haven, they can be useful.   It must under no circumstances become a cage to confine a “naughty” pup in!! Its not a prison, it’s a den, a safe place for resting.  Otherwise a baby gate to the kitchen is a great way of restricting the pup, and to make sure it gets its rest. As all children, they might not understand they need to rest, and if they are overtired, they can become stressed and nip and be a real pain.  The nicest thing to do, is to make sure they can sleep as much as they need.

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