Introducing a toddler to our Staffy
Discussion
This is a bit of a horrible situation so I'll briefly explain - my brother and his wife were killed in a car crash a few weeks ago (hit head on by a Land Rover that came over a hill on their side of the road). Astonishingly, their three year old son survived and my wife and I are going to be his new parents.
His recovery has been astonishing. This time one month ago he was completely broken and in Intensive Care but now it's looking very likely he'll be discharged within a week - far quicker than any of us dared hope. This hasn't given us much time to prepare!
We don't currently have any kids so this will be a big change for the dog. We're not expecting any issues because she's as soft as grease. We've always made sure she's spent lots of time around kids since we got her so she knows how to behave with them (she won't jump up at small kids, will take treats from them very slowly etc.).
She also knows my nephew - they've chased each other around and she's licked his ears many times.
Nevertheless, him coming to live with us may be different so I thought I'd ask people who have done it to find out what sort of things to expect from both the dog and the toddler.
I'm sure many people have introduced kids to dogs as they move in with partners and such like so I would appreciate any advice or tips people might have to make the process as easy as possible.
The only step I've taken so far is to bring one of his stinky t-shirts and leave that around the house so she gets used to his scent.
His recovery has been astonishing. This time one month ago he was completely broken and in Intensive Care but now it's looking very likely he'll be discharged within a week - far quicker than any of us dared hope. This hasn't given us much time to prepare!
We don't currently have any kids so this will be a big change for the dog. We're not expecting any issues because she's as soft as grease. We've always made sure she's spent lots of time around kids since we got her so she knows how to behave with them (she won't jump up at small kids, will take treats from them very slowly etc.).
She also knows my nephew - they've chased each other around and she's licked his ears many times.
Nevertheless, him coming to live with us may be different so I thought I'd ask people who have done it to find out what sort of things to expect from both the dog and the toddler.
I'm sure many people have introduced kids to dogs as they move in with partners and such like so I would appreciate any advice or tips people might have to make the process as easy as possible.
The only step I've taken so far is to bring one of his stinky t-shirts and leave that around the house so she gets used to his scent.
What a terrible thing to happen, must have been horrific for you.....fair play to you both for welcoming the little boy into your family..
Now, I don't know the first thing about dogs, never had one, but I will just mention that my cousin who is now 60 had half her nose ripped off by a neighbours dog (not sure what type) when she was 11......the "friendly" dog was just licking her face, obviously she has been badly scarred for life.
Please be careful.
Good luck.
Now, I don't know the first thing about dogs, never had one, but I will just mention that my cousin who is now 60 had half her nose ripped off by a neighbours dog (not sure what type) when she was 11......the "friendly" dog was just licking her face, obviously she has been badly scarred for life.
Please be careful.
Good luck.
Hi, sorry read this thread earlier today but hsd no chance to reply.
Firstly I am so sorry for your loss, no words for that, what a tough time for the little one aswell
. Your dog could be the best therapy for him
I would probably treat as though you were bringing home a newborn, so never leave alone, do not exclude your dog from attention but don't be over attentitive to your dog either.
The T shirt is a good start, a few toys of your nephew may be a good one aswell and some of his furniture.
Plug an ADAPTIL diffuser as this can provide a calmness for your dog, look into natural products such as Zylkene which can help reduce stress for a dog.
I did all of the above for our dog who was 6 at the time when I brought my son home. He had always been a laid back dog but I was still cautious (had no reason to be though).
We also ensured Jimmy had his space so when our son started crawling we made sure he did not crawl into Jimmys bed (though Jimmy was so submissive that if this happened he aways got out of his bed and allowed our boy into it!, we did not let our son chase, grab, pull at Jimmy (or the cats) we only ever encouraged gentle fussing.
Stairgates can be useful to provide separation if needed!
These are some starting points for you I hope. I really think it'll go fine if your dog has been well socialised but just be aware and never too complacent, never feel you are being over cautious, better this way and good luck, can't imagine what you are dealing with right now emotionally.
Firstly I am so sorry for your loss, no words for that, what a tough time for the little one aswell
. Your dog could be the best therapy for himI would probably treat as though you were bringing home a newborn, so never leave alone, do not exclude your dog from attention but don't be over attentitive to your dog either.
The T shirt is a good start, a few toys of your nephew may be a good one aswell and some of his furniture.
Plug an ADAPTIL diffuser as this can provide a calmness for your dog, look into natural products such as Zylkene which can help reduce stress for a dog.
I did all of the above for our dog who was 6 at the time when I brought my son home. He had always been a laid back dog but I was still cautious (had no reason to be though).
We also ensured Jimmy had his space so when our son started crawling we made sure he did not crawl into Jimmys bed (though Jimmy was so submissive that if this happened he aways got out of his bed and allowed our boy into it!, we did not let our son chase, grab, pull at Jimmy (or the cats) we only ever encouraged gentle fussing.
Stairgates can be useful to provide separation if needed!
These are some starting points for you I hope. I really think it'll go fine if your dog has been well socialised but just be aware and never too complacent, never feel you are being over cautious, better this way and good luck, can't imagine what you are dealing with right now emotionally.
Sorry for your dreadful loss but what a fantastic thing you are doing by taking your nephew
As already said, gentle introduction and ensure your dog has their own place to go away from your nephew. Stair gates can be brilliant for this, your dog can still see everyone but be safe in the knowledge they can have a chill out time without being disturbed.
My OH's brother stupidly bought a Staffy pup last year when their baby was just turning 1yr. They have a mongrel already that they never walk so it was never going to go well. They're now asking around trying to get someone to take the dog off their hands. It's never been trained, has destroyed the shed (literally), gets 15 minutes walk a day if lucky and is un-castrated. He's so boisterous that not only does he knock the toddler over he knocks my OH's brother over who is 6'7.
I'm sure you are going to do absolutely fine though and you never know they will become the best of friends (or partners in crime).
Best wishes and good luck with your new family unit x
As already said, gentle introduction and ensure your dog has their own place to go away from your nephew. Stair gates can be brilliant for this, your dog can still see everyone but be safe in the knowledge they can have a chill out time without being disturbed.
My OH's brother stupidly bought a Staffy pup last year when their baby was just turning 1yr. They have a mongrel already that they never walk so it was never going to go well. They're now asking around trying to get someone to take the dog off their hands. It's never been trained, has destroyed the shed (literally), gets 15 minutes walk a day if lucky and is un-castrated. He's so boisterous that not only does he knock the toddler over he knocks my OH's brother over who is 6'7.
I'm sure you are going to do absolutely fine though and you never know they will become the best of friends (or partners in crime).
Best wishes and good luck with your new family unit x
Just take it easy and be sensible. It will take time and your new charge will need to learn how to behave around dogs, I am sure you will teach him not to pull/bite/chew on the dog etc.
As above, they are called nanny dogs, generally very good with kids, the same as my dogs, they will let children get away with so, so much. That is not to say you should allow the child to do but you are sensible people so I am sure all will be fine.
As above, they are called nanny dogs, generally very good with kids, the same as my dogs, they will let children get away with so, so much. That is not to say you should allow the child to do but you are sensible people so I am sure all will be fine.
Tiggsy said:
I used to put honey on my kids ears, have them lie on the floor, face down - hands in pockets...and see how long they could last with my English BT (8 secs was the record) 
I don't think we'd need the honey - kids seem to encourage our Staffy which doesn't help. They'll lie on the floor knowing full well she'll be over to lick their ears and then when she does they pretend they don't like it... before doing it again...
and again...
and again.
ive seen your staffy on one of your videos (after watching your le mans vid) Looks soft as anything
dogs are remarkably flexible and staffys (of the non chav owner variety) are known to be amazing with kids
I have a couple of golden rules with dogs and toddlers
never leave them totally alone
never let a toddler near a sleeping dog when its in a deep sleep, i witnessed a toddler poke a finger near a dogs bum hole, the dogs natural reaction was to snap
give the dog somewhere to go when it doesnt want to be pestered, my parents always had a rule that you were not to play / interact with the dog when it was in its bed in the kitchen (the adults were, just not kids)
good luck you are doing a great thing
dogs are remarkably flexible and staffys (of the non chav owner variety) are known to be amazing with kids
I have a couple of golden rules with dogs and toddlers
never leave them totally alone
never let a toddler near a sleeping dog when its in a deep sleep, i witnessed a toddler poke a finger near a dogs bum hole, the dogs natural reaction was to snap
give the dog somewhere to go when it doesnt want to be pestered, my parents always had a rule that you were not to play / interact with the dog when it was in its bed in the kitchen (the adults were, just not kids)
good luck you are doing a great thing
Yep, he's home and settling in OK and the dog has been immaculate.
She was a bit upset at first, not least because of the mountain of "stuff" that came with the little lad, but all she did was come over to us for reassurance every now and then. I was bit worried she might bother him while we were asleep as his bed's only a couple of inches off the floor but I watched her and she just stood at the door wagging her tail.
The only issue was that she kept licking his face (which still a few wounds on it) at every opportunity and because both his legs were broken and aren't quite back to strength yet, the poor lad can't escape
She's got the message now though and leaves him be.
Obviously we won't leave them alone together but I'm happy there won't be any issues. He's really fond of her so I think she'll be an excellent tonic for him. He dragged himself across the sofa this morning to give her a stroke.
She was a bit upset at first, not least because of the mountain of "stuff" that came with the little lad, but all she did was come over to us for reassurance every now and then. I was bit worried she might bother him while we were asleep as his bed's only a couple of inches off the floor but I watched her and she just stood at the door wagging her tail.
The only issue was that she kept licking his face (which still a few wounds on it) at every opportunity and because both his legs were broken and aren't quite back to strength yet, the poor lad can't escape
She's got the message now though and leaves him be.
Obviously we won't leave them alone together but I'm happy there won't be any issues. He's really fond of her so I think she'll be an excellent tonic for him. He dragged himself across the sofa this morning to give her a stroke.
The dog I will suspect will now see it has another member of the pack to look after
It'll keep an eye on him and as he gets better it'll be another person to play with and fuss him.
You're dog will know he's loved and you've done a magnificent thing with the little lad, keep an eye on both and they'll be best buddies.
I've a 4 year old and a 2 year old, if I (or we) can offer anything, anything at all - do say.
Kids are hard work at the best of times!
Very well done, in very hard times.
It'll keep an eye on him and as he gets better it'll be another person to play with and fuss him.
You're dog will know he's loved and you've done a magnificent thing with the little lad, keep an eye on both and they'll be best buddies.
I've a 4 year old and a 2 year old, if I (or we) can offer anything, anything at all - do say.
Kids are hard work at the best of times!
Very well done, in very hard times.
Truly inspirational Man, so you are...
Sorry for your loss, should the worst ever happen to me I hope my two brothers can each be half the brother you've been here!
Kids bounce back remarkably quickly, however he will need the ongoing companionship probably only a dog can give so i'm sure they will be best of buddies in no time!!!
Sorry for your loss, should the worst ever happen to me I hope my two brothers can each be half the brother you've been here!
Kids bounce back remarkably quickly, however he will need the ongoing companionship probably only a dog can give so i'm sure they will be best of buddies in no time!!!
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