I can see your concern. Of course, the solution is simple- puppy and toddler don't need to be around each other.

IF that's the case, then the dog will be in his crate all day long until after everyone is safely asleep for the night, for about 2 hrs until I head to bed. Is that fair to do? I'm worried about his quality of life too. Is being in a crate for 20 out of 24 hrs fair? (Subracting walk times and the 2 hrs in bedtime differences)

I want to do what's right. Just trying to figure out what that is.

Does he have to be crated, or can he simply be teathered away from your child(ren)?

Going back to an older post, how was the high indoor energy problem resolved?
Is it possible that the energy was simply redirected into the behavior that you're seeing now?

I wouldn't be too overly concerned... honestly, I think that should you make the decision to work it out, it would be fairly easy to do. I would also MOVE the crate to somewhere off limits to the children. And it would need to ALWAYS be off limit to them. Also, I would not allow the dog in the childrens' room. Ever. I would continue to feed in the crate, and I personally wouldn't change the diet. Switching to something less healthy for the dog isn't going to solve the problem, either. It would just be a band-aid, and a temporary one at that. Moving the dog away from people, staying away for the dog when eating (as in, OUT of the room completely, door shut)will help to resolve the food aggression issue, and may make it go away completely.
For the first week or so, the in the crate 20 hours isn't bad - just make sure that the dog is good and tired out on every walk.
You should start to notice a MAJOR change in behavior at that point. This means that what you are doing is WORKING. (And don't change it!) No let off the hook early for good behavior!!! At this point the only thing I would change would be that the dog is allowed out, on leash, while I did chores, but is not allowed to approach the children, and they are to leave him alone. This is best done when both parents are home, that way one can deal with the kids, and the other with the dog. When everyone is off to bed, he CANNOT be allowed off leash! This is major! He must be under control all the time for the time being! It really is possible to have him out more, and around the kids, provided a few changes are made. Put up a baby gate while you are cooking, and have the dog on lead. If the toddler gets fussy or needs something, the other parent cna handle it. Stuff like that. But only after you start to make improvements in behavior, and he is listening to you.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Does he have to be crated, or can he simply be teathered away from your child(ren)?

Going back to an older post, how was the high indoor energy problem resolved?
Is it possible that the energy was simply redirected into the behavior that you're seeing now?

The answers and resolution to these two important issues are probably key here.

How much exercise does he get?

How much positive-motivation training?

Playing (with you, I mean)?



P.S. These will all help to assess both his opportunity for release of frustrated energy and his chances for bonding and for confidence-building via positive training (which also is a huge release of frustrated energy -- mental and physical).

He has to be crated. Part of the issue is that I've (finally) had a proper diagnosis of an injury from work, and have a strain/sprain of the arm and wrist, and a partially torn shoulder tendon. Basically, means I'm 1 armed. I can't ensure that the kids keep their distance and hold him at the same time, doesn't work very well. He has settled down somewhat, but still not 'settled'...he just seems edgy, reacting to everything. On the good note, I FINALLY got the Pack Structure and Obedience DVD today. It was delivered some time ago to my neighbours...who were on vacation...and had someone else picking up their mail without looking at it. So I'll watch that tonight, see what info I find.

The reason we got another pug is because we've known the breed to be a stable laid back temperment. This is just out of left field for me.

You have a very stressful situation even IF Winston was the most mild-mannered dog on the planet.

Kids have a lot of "frantic" energy and require a lot of time and attention. Pups have a lot of energy and they, too, require time and energy. And on top of those two things, you are injured.

Do you have sturdy baby gates so Winston has his place where the kids cannot get to him?

I so totally sympathize with your situation.

I have a (just turned) 4 year old son, that is an absolute ball of energy. I swear you'd think the kid has ADHD.

Then we have a 6 month old GSD, who is also full of drive and energy.

Add to that the fact that I've been home from Iraq for less than four months, and well, things get stressful at times.

Before we felt comfortable allowing the puppy and our son to interact, my husband and I basically ran tag-team. He dealt with the two year old, and I managed the puppy. When one of us got fed up, we switched.

We never had issues keeping them apart, provided we knew who was watching who.

Also, how can the exercise thing be addressed?

It's such a huge component that the ability to get him exercised is probably a top item.

I'm thinking that some of it probaly has to be without kids..... or are you able to do walks and a stroller, etc., while dealing with an injury and with the need to keep people from looming over the dog and forcing their attentions on him?