Danni met Garrett's nephew last night for the first time. He's 5, and other than kids on the street (which she gets very interested in) I don't think she's met any small children (am I right Betty?)

She did great. She tried to jump on him once but I had her on leash and stopped her, and she didn't try again. She does just want to lick his face. And he's so cute. He loves dogs, and was laughing the whole time. I'm pretty sure she would have licked him to death though so I just had her on leash as we walked around and sat in the same room as him. She did really well. She definitely wants to keep going to lick him but she did stop pulling and relax after a few minutes.

Should I just keep having her on leash for a while? I can't seem to find an "introducing dogs and kids" section on the site! Just dogs and babies...

I work on getting calm, focused behavior (both with the kid and the dog) then I introduce them properly when they both are over the initial "woo-hoo a kid, a dog!"

I might give the kiddo some treats so they can give the dog a few simple commands and reward them. I'll just supervise and let them interact a bit calmly. If this is too much to ask of the dog, I'd just keep it with me on leash until they learned to settle around kids. Or I'll take them out to area where we can play ball or frisbee together.

Thanks Mara. I had her by my side the whole time and planned on doing pretty much what you suggest. I did get her to relax and he was pretty calm too. I'm glad it got off to a good start!

If your nephew is old enough to understand show him how to and how not to play with the dog as well, that way both sides know what they are supposed to and not supposed to do. (probably eaiser for the dog than a 5yo) Sounds like your having fun good luck.

This is off topic a little but, but I was reminded of this post on Craigslist and had to share for the lols. Its a disaster waiting to happen precisely cause they won't take any of the precautions you are Katie.

"LOOKIN 4 "PROTECTIVE" DOG. SINGLE MOTHER. NEED PROTECTIVE YARD DOG (NORTH MS)


IM LOOKING FOR A PROTECTIVE DOG.

I WANT THE DOG TO BARK WHEN ANYONE COMES IN YARD, WANT DOG TO LOOK MEAN (PITBULL, ROTTWIELER, BOXER ETC)
WANT DOG THATS *VERY* PROTECTIVE OF MYSELF AND CHILDREN..


*************MUST BE GREAT AROUND KIDS, NO EXCEPTIONS************** "

Thanks Kyle.

Laurel, that will end up being a sad reality for the humans and the dog. Sigh

True, some backyard breeder probably sold them a pitbull puppy for like $800 or something. It's how it goes down here.

I'm sure. It's that in a lot of places, unfortunately.

One thing I've done with my kids and now the g-kids.
They help feed the dogs when they are over here. Under STRICT supervision even though I know the dogs like the kids.
The kids put out half the dog food in the dog bowls. The rest is placed in the food bowls one handful at a time. The dog's learned very quickly that hands coming towards the bowls means good things are coming and never as a threat.
Obviously this is supervised and you need to completely understand your dog(s) around kids.
This was also done with the the approval of the g-kid's parents. (My kids). They trust mea nd they trust my dogs.
This is with my two GSDs. Now when the kids walk out the door to feed the dogs both dogs are sitting patiently with tails wagging for the "ok" from the g-kids.
The older GSD Thunder is very solid (still under supervision). Trooper LOVES the crap out of them but is usually put up when the kids are in the yard. He has no spacial awareness and thinks bowling for babys is one cool game.
My old JRT was extremely jealous of my first g-child. (He's nucking futs on a good day) My g-daughter sat in my lap with the dog on the other side of my lap, connected to the railing to the stairs (no way could he reach her....and he knew better.
Good reaction or no reaction got a treat. Stare or stiffness simply got an AHHHH! Universal in my house for Don't even think about it!
Today the onry old bassid happily follows the kids around the house and plays fetch for treats.....still watched closely but no real worries.

Thanks Bob. I'll keep that in mind. I'm not sure the next time he'll be over but we'll definitely work on something.

Cute story about your JRT, too