12 Week CC playing Tag w/4Yr Old Son?

[ac13992]

Hello,
New to the forum...But I'm curious if what i'm doing is ok behavior w/my pup.
My 4 yr old goes to the park once daily and his favorite game is to tag the pup and
run and my pup grabs him by the shirt or pant's and he usually falls to the ground and
they wrestle...He doesn't hurt him and my son enjoy's it, but am I wrong for allowing
this behavior?

 

[ruby55]

I would be nervous. Your dog is going to get big a lot faster than your son. It won't be funny when the dog outweighs him by 50 lbs or more.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

It is fostering his prey drive and he is going to get bigger much faster than your son and he isn't going to understand (their minds don't mature as fast as their bodies) why he was able to play that way a couple months before and now he can't because at some point he is going to accidently hurt him. These guys don't often realize how large they actually are. It also might not go so well if your son has a friend over or if someone else's kid comes up to him at the park, pets him and tries to leave and he thinks it is the same game and gives chase to that other child. Our rule is don't allow them to do stuff now that you aren't going to be happy about them knowing when they are adults. Instead have your son play small games of hide and seek while the puppy is on leash, have him hide a short distance (so you still have him in sight) give him a treat and tell him to call for the puppy and then you let the puppy lead you to him. Have him make the puppy sit and then give the puppy a treat. Your son will think he is playing a great game, your puppy will be learning to come when called even when he can't see your son (can be helpful if he ever tries to hide on you) and will help them bond.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I have three Grandchidren (4 year old and Two 2 year olds) I have worked very hard to make sure that Ruger does that opposite. If the babies run, he is not allowed to chase. Ruger loves the babies and they love him, too, and he would never hurt them intentionally but he is entirely too big to be chasing after them.....Accidents happen and when a 149 pound dog lands on a toddler, it will certainly not be a good thing. Also, I am not a fn of teaching the dogs that it is ok to grab clothing or pull on people. Like Blackshadow said, what happens when he gives chase to someone else's child (And he will because he thinks it is ok)...There is a lot of liability there for you and for your pup. I love the hide and seek option. Ruger ADORES hide and seek.

 

[ac13992]

Thanks for the wonderful replies I am new to this..we have had him 2 weeks and learning what and what not to do. (Black Shadow)
we will definitely try your technique today at the park "Thanks for that suggestion" I'm really loving this forum!

---------- Post added at 09:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------

I have another question if one of you dont mind chimming in on.....I have a 9yr old Yorkie and the new pup
is constantly trying to play w/him and he does'nt like it so he is constantly barking and biting at the pup.
Do you think they will eventually learn to get along or will I need to keep them seperate?

 

[ac13992]

I have another question if one of you dont mind chimming in on.....I have a 9yr old Yorkie and the new pup
is constantly trying to play w/him and he does'nt like it so he is constantly barking and biting at the pup.
Do you think they will eventually learn to get along or will I need to keep them seperate?

 

[MastiffWildfire]

they should be fine.. i cant guarantee it because all dogas are different but my pup loves to play with other dogs and both my parents small dog and my sisters small dog dont like to play at all.. Odie tried playin the first couple times he was there but after a few nips and barks he has just started to leave them alone. and the othwer dogs have built up some trust with him and tolerate him and now they sleep beside eachother and follow eachother around.