Question:
Logan has become quite the popular little puppy due to the fact that we live on a corner-lot and people that pass by our yard always have to stop and say hello to him. I think it is wonderful because it is a great way for him to meet new people on a daily basis and that includes adults and children.

Yesterday, Logan had an encounter with a little boy that lives across from us which didn't end on a positive note. Lucas (the little boy who I believe is 4 years old) has played with Logan in our yard on a couple occasions. Lucas typically runs around the yard while Logan chases him. Yesterday, Lucas and his mum were passing by our yard and he asked if he could come in the yard to play with Logan. I said it was fine and Lucas proceeded to play with Logan. Logan has a "jolly ball" in the yard and Lucas picked it up and threw it atLogan instead of throwing it away from him. I was not happy about that and told Lucas if he wanted to play ball with Logan, he must throw it away from him, Lucas' mum agreed. All was fine after that until Lucas got on the ground and Logan proceeded to lick him. Lucas was laughing and then Lucas' laughter turned into anger and crying because Logan would not stop licking him and accidentally scratched Lucas. Out of anger and being frightened, Lucas kicked Logan. I immediately pulled Logan off of Lucas and Lucas was crying nonstop. Logan was confused because he couldn't figure out what happened and fortunately did not flinch when Lucas kicked him. Lucas told his mum he hated Logan and Logan was being mean to him. Lucas' mum explained that is how puppies give love and he certainly didn't mean to harm him.

So, that is the last time Lucas will be allowed in our yard. I will be damned if my puppy will get kicked again by that kid. I know I should be more sensitive when it comes to children but I will not tolerate such behaviour.


Answer:
I agree with you, a puppy doesn't know any better, it doesn't understand to stop licking. I would never let that kid back in my yard, especially if he chose to kick an innocent puppy.You never know one day when that little boy grows up if he chooses to taunt Logan as he walks by the yard,it would also make me wonder where a child would learn to hurt animals (tv,other people)


Answer:
He has a dog of his own but it is a lot older than Logan. The mother was very supportive and continued to explain why Logan did what he did which was encouraging but you are right, that kid will never be allowed in our yard.


Answer:
I wholeheartedly agree with you Denise - that child should never be allowed to play with Logan again - although I take it from your comments that the mother was supportive of Logan, rather than encouraging the kid to continue his fear.
On the other hand..............Is there any chance that if the kid can prove that he has learned to control his temper you would allow supervised playtime again? While I also wonder where he has learned these behaviours, perhaps he should also be taught how to properly interact with animals?
On the other other hand (!!) I know when Michaela visits, she will "move" the cats out of her way with her foot, and has been told VERY sharply that I will not tolerate a foot being raised to my animals, for any reason.
I hope what I am trying to say makes sense!!


Answer:
Denise, I think the little boy should come back and apologize to you and Logan. I think it's great that the Mom told the child that he was wrong. I have a neighbour who's children do no wrong, even when the cops pull in the driveway, it's never her child. I like hearing that this Mom talked to the boy and explained things and didn't say something like "he's too young to know" or "the puppy shouldn't be allowed on him" or something silly like that.


Answer:
Originally Posted by Denise
Lucas' mum explained that is how puppies give love and he certainly didn't mean to harm him. .
well, at least this was a positive thing i mean, i know a LOT of parents who would throw a fit and call your dog a dangerous animal because their kid didn't understand.

i know i have caught my girls kicking at lucy a couple of times, each time they get the yelling at of their lives and i tell them that if i EVER catch them doing it again, i'm going to kick THEM..of course i wouldn't...but i hope it is sinking in to them that if they don't want to be kicked they shouldn't try to do it at anyone or anything else...

Lucy gets even, she's become quite the fart-ninja lately

*edit* sometimes, kids don't HAVE to learn something like that, just like animals, they have their reflexes and reactions, and we have to learn to teach them to react differently, that is the trick to parenting. at 4, i can understand the child reacting the way he did, i don't think it is a sign of a future serial killer or dog abuser, just the reaction of a child. the mother was right in telling the child it was not the proper way to react and you are right to feel angry, but still understand, he is just a child...and has a lot of learning of his own to do, just like Logan does. in fact, mentally, i imagine that he and Logan are probably at about the same level.


Answer:
Denise, I don't think you should be that hard on the boy. Judging from how his mom acted, he knows what he did was wrong, and he's still little. I mean, he still is responsible for his actions, but I'm sure he still loves Logan. Give him another chance if he's willing to try maturely and give Logan a snuggle for me.


Answer:
I agree,,I dont think the little boy did it to be mean,,,,,thats how kids deal with frustration sometimes, just like a kid hitting another kid,,,,it is wrong and it needs to be corrected, thats how they learn,,,,,Im glad his mother is supportive and realizes when her child does something wrong,,,

but I think the kid shoudl have another chance,,and Ive also been scratched by puppies and it can hurt, I of course know better than to hit or kick but I bet I didnt when I was 4


Answer:
I think the important thing is no matter what to stay calm in these type of situations (not saying you weren't Denise ) Puppies pick up on our cues. If Logan were to see you were upset and you quickly take him away from the boy, it may cause him to be alarmed with small children.
I made this mistake with my male dobe when he was an older puppy. He used to love other dogs. One day when we were at the vets an adult Rottie came in and headed his way quickly and I way overreacted and reeled him in and acted afraid. Now to this day he is not tolerant of any other large breed dogs except for my female.


Answer:
Denise.. You know I'm not a kid-friendly person... BUT in this case I think you should give it a week or so.. then give the kid another chance..
Not because I give a crap about the kid but because puppies need to learn how to play with kids properly just as much as that little brat needs to learn to respect dogs. Seeing as you don't have children of your own, you should encourage kids to interact with Logan. It will become very important when he's older.
Kokoroo is terrified of kids.. She just has to see them walking up the street in her direction or hear their voices playing and I can see the panic on her little face. I'm sure it's b/c I don't have kids myself so she wasn't exposed to them when she was a puppy. Seeing as she is just a wee thing, it isn't a big problem b/c she's not aggressive with them just scared. Logan on the other hand is going to become a big dog.. and you want to do all the socializing with kids that you can. That said, you should warn the kid that kicking or hitting Logan is not permitted and if he does he has to leave the yard. Then kick his sorry butt all the way home!