Toddler and Mini Schnauzer - can they live together?

by Cory Fox
(Columbus, IN)

I have a 4 year old mini schnauzer who is a loving member of the family and a 2 year old son.
Since our son has been able to walk and run our schnauzer will bark and knock him down. Our dog has since been placed on the porch or bedroom alone until our son goes to bed. He seems very nervous and anxious around our son.
Is there anything we can do to have our complete family again? We want our son and dog to be best friends and enjoy each other.
Any help would be great.

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Sep 22, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Your Puppy Can Learn to Love Your Toddler
by: Anonymous

Hi, introducing the puppy in a calm manner and on a tight leash is what worked for our 6 month old puppy. We started by putting the baby on the floor with my wife playing with him. I would introduce Buster just at the doorway. He was aggressive pulling the leash and barking at the baby. I would command him to sit or lay and quiet, I pet Buster and in a calm high pitched voice, as he wimpered, tell him it was okay and he could calm down. It took a few times and he was finally able to remain calm at the door, then I would just sit with him and let him soak in the sights and sounds of the baby playing. Over time I brought him closer and closer and allowed him to get comfortable and calm, always on a tight leash. Finally he was able to stay calm laying next to my wife and baby while they played. A couple of days later after proving he could be trusted on the leash I let him off the leash but stayed in close proximity so I could entervene if needed, and it was needed once, I think he was checking to see if the same behavior was expected on the leash as off. Now he is calm and lets the baby play with him and pull on him and he is very gentle with the baby. He still likes to chew on me a little though. This process took about 3 weeks so be patient and don't rush it. 2 or 3 times a day is enough. You dont want to stress the puppy too much or the baby. Good luck.
Jun 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Answer
by: Anonymous

Even though its in the toddler nature, if the toddler is loud or really energetic it's probably scaring the puppy away. Just introduce them in a calm matter, and it may help if the puppy is on a leash so that when your son approaches it, it wont be able to knock it down. When the toddler does approach it make sure that its gentle. Schnauzers are naturally bred hunters for small things such as rodents and are protective, so if anything it may feel threatened, that may be why it keeps knocking him down. Hope this helps!

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