My 7 month Lab X still mouths my daughter when they play. I want a reliable protection dog, but also want my dog to be safe with kids. What do you think?

Hi Ed,

I have a 7 mo. old Lab/Redheeler (and possibly German Shepard) mix. She was a stray that we took in when she was approximately 3 mo. old. We have a great vet for her and an appointment this week for her to be spayed. I would like to have a well trained family pet and also reliable protection (We live in a very shady part of town). I am a college student and stay-at-home with my 2 1/2 year old. We are also on a very tight budget and cannot afford professional training. I have done quite a bit of research on how to properly train my dog (in which I have been successful, so far) but i know I am not a professional. I have explored most of your web site. and I am aware that most accidents involving dogs are do to ignorant trainers. I don't want to contribute to that statistic due to my lack of funds, so I am asking for your help and advice. Your site has taught me a lot but I still lack the fundamentals of training. I have used what I have learned from books and other free sites combined, to get where I am now. My dog had shown a little dominance but I feel I have corrected that behavior even before I happened upon your site. She respects me as leader and my husband as well. She knows many commands (and tricks) and I am still working with her on coming (all the time), staying and focusing . I struggle with my daughter on how to properly treat animals (in which I have received great advice from your site and am working with her on that). My dog has a pretty good prey instinct and is eager to please. She also barks at sounds she hears outside of the house. She is extremely patient with my daughter and her abuse. I have had my daughter assist with feedings, baths, brushings and giving commands since we've had her, but I am unaware if I should be doing this. My dog listens to my daughters commands but mainly when she has treats. The things that worry me is that she still mouths my daughter when they play and she tackles her when she gets excited. I do correct this and it has lessened with age but I need to know if this is something that is going to be a problem. My dog is growing fast and unfortunately my daughter isn't. I am requesting your services, hoping you will teach me what I want and need to learn, knowing I have no way of repaying you financially. Please help, I feel that the only thing that could become of my ignorance is tragedy alone.