How do I stop my dog from grumping at my 2 year old?

Question

My 2 year old is of course very active and all over the place. She loves to give my dog a kiss or a hug and constantly walks by him because our house isn't that big. Lately, he has been grumping at her and I don't like it. He doesn't use his teeth, but he gives a little grump. How do I stop this? He doesn't do it to anybody else.

Answer 1

What is "grumpng????"

Rumbling in his chest?? A snarl with the lip lifted???

If he is older or if he has a physical problem (particuarly something that causes pain), he is going to be getting very tired of what you call "hugs and kisses" and is she walking by without bumping him or is she half-falling on him???

Take him to vet and make sure there is nothing physical making him feel ill or uncomfortable.

He is warning her to stop falling all over him.

Even animals have their personal space and need to have it NOT invaded all the time. You may find her wanting to "hug and kiss" and get in his space all the time cute - he doesn't and neither would many adults if they were the ones being pestered.

Get him a crate so he has a place to escape.

Keep them supervised - don't let her keep "hugging and kissing" him when he gets tired of it. He is not a stuffed toy. No very small child should be with an animal without an adult on the floor in the middle. At that age, her idea of "pet and touch" is more poke, prod and grab his fur and wallow on top of him.

If you can't fit a crate in,use a baby gate to keep her in one part of the house and let him be in a room and have a break.

Let him get up a surface she can't reach on her own like your bed or other furniture that lets him get out of her reach.

Don't have unresonable expectation of an animal and expect them to understand or think it cute when a toddle is all over top them.

He doesn't want to attack her so he is warning her to let him along - he just wants some peace and quiet from the constant invasion of his space and sleep. Give him some.


Even the most parient and kindly and tolerant breeds get fed up with very small children and need to get away from them and out of their reach.

Even my perfectly trained Service Dog wh goes to grocery stores, restuarants and all over in public places can only take so much fom the under 5 crowd until he gives me a look of sheer desperation and "get me outta here!" And a grocery cart accidentally going over his tail doesn't even get acknowledged by him let alone a yip.

Answer 2

I have a two year old and a 4 year old, as well as two pitbulls. We have done very well. The key is constant supervision.

Also, if you crate train the dog, the crate will become a place he will go to when he wants to be left alone. This is an excellent way to ensure your dog has his own space.

Be thankful your dog is growling, even snapping at this point. These are warnings, and if the dog is punished for this, and the child is not taught to respect his space, a bite will be in the future.

Look for signs that the dog is wanting to be left alone or uncomfortable. These can be looking away from the child, getting wide-eyed, stiffening of the body.

Getting your dog neutered if he isn't already may help as well.

Teach your dog simple commands like "sit" "down" "come" and "stay."

At two, you can actually have your child tell the dog "sit" and give a treat if he obeys.

Your dog feels like he is "higher in rank" than your child. Start making your dog stay off of the furniture at all times! Do not let the dog through any doorways before you or your child.

There are several things that can be done to ensure the safety of your child and the dog. Remember: There is no subsititute for supervision!

http://www.geocities.com/libertydogtraining

Answer 3

A dog can view the over enthusiastic attentions from a little kid as a threat to them, resulting in warning signs that us as adults can read but your kiddo doesn't understand yet. You need to make sure the dog isn't in pain & that's why it's grumbling but once that's for sure you need to get some behavioural training for your dog & teach your daughter how to behave around the dog. For sure don't leave them alone together until your little girl is a lot older because kids can do awful things to animals. It will teach her to love, respect & how to be gentle with animals which is wonderful.
As long as your dog doesn't see your daughter as a threat or is scared of her or even jealous of her then you should be ok. If you're really worried speak to your vet about some training tips or even further help from a behaviouralist.

I grew up with a dog in the house & it really has instilled in me a deep respect & love for animals - it just takes a little work.

Answer 4

I know what you mean by grumping, kinda a hrrrumph and a little bit of a low growl. We have a rottie that does that and has done it the 7 so far years of her life. Her name is Harley, We give her a stern "HARLEY" and she usually stops. She ususally does this around feeding time or if someone is cuddling with her. Be careful with your daughter though, even though Harley has never bit, or snapped, we NEVER take for granted that she would not. I have seen toooooo many stories of kids hurt. You need to tell your daughter that the dog has "boundries" about being touched just like you have taught your daughter to have "boundries." She needs to respect them for the dog. Great teaching about the dog and also the things your daughter needs to know about limits.

Answer 5

WHAT KIND OF DOG IS HE? HOW OLD IS THE DOG? YOUR 2 YR OLD NEVER HAS A CHANCE TO PULL EARS, TAIL, ETC DOES SHE? THE DOG MAY BE OVERLY NERVOUS ABOUT BEING YANKED ON. MAKE SURE YOUR LITTLE GIRL IS ALWAYS GENTLE, QUIET, RESPECTFUL, AND STRICTLY SUPERVISED. MAYBE HE'S FEELING CROWDED. DO YOU HAVE A YARD HE CAN STAY IN WHERE NO ONE WILL BOTHER HIM? I DON'T MEAN YOU SHOULD KICK HIM OUT, JUST GIVE HIM SPACE. IF HE'S AN OLDER DOG AND THIS IS YOUR 1ST CHILD, YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER FINDING HIM A GOOD HOME, EVEN TEMPORARILY UNTIL YOUR DAUGHTER IS OLDER. I HAVE 4 LARGE DOGS. THE YOUNGEST IS A 3 YR OLD MALAMUTE. HE GETS PUT UP IN HIS ROOM IF MY FRIEND BRINGS HER 4 YR OLD DAUGHTER OVER. MY 5 YR OLD RIDGEBACK IS THE ONLY ONE I FEEL IS REALLY OK AROUND SMALL PEOPLE.

Answer 6

You don't mention how old your dog is..... Some old dogs are like old people - and just don't like the activity of kids..... however if it's a younger dog, you need to teach the dog that the child is the "pack leader" just like you..... You can do that by not allowing freedom between the dog and child.....Dog should have 'permission' to go near child.... Child should walk in room first - then dog...... You may have to teach your child a little too.... just a respect thing.....

Answer 7

I`ve never heard the term grumping but if you mean snapping at your daughter then you might want to get rid of the dog.I would say teach your daughter to not bother the dog with kisses and hugs but I have a 23month old and I know thats impossible.The dog is extremly irritated with your daughter.

Answer 8

if he is like grumping as is growling, then you need to take action and tell him off. If he does not listen take his collar (i know it seams VERY mean, but it is the best thing to do!). And ya u just lift him up by his collar and tell him off. HE will get it.

Answer 9

He may not feel well, or have pain. Take the dog to the vet and it may get treatment and feel better.

Answer 10

seems he has takin a likin to your kid .you may want to have him neutered if not done so.