I haven't been around a puppy since I was a kid, until now. Our dogs were all (except one) outdoor-only dogs. I don't even remember the "puppy phase." So Kodee is my first pup as an adult. I have a 6, 4 and 2 yr old in the house, so Kodee is in his crate unless I am physically within reach of him and the kids at all times.

This a.m. my 6 yr old was in the kitchen, eating breakfast, etc before school, and Kodee was so well-behaved he spent the whole time out of his crate!!! I can't believe it - maybe there's hope! LOL! He didn't bother her while she ate breakfast, or anything! (Of course I was in the room, but I didn't have to intervene in any way while they were out together.) He is finally earning more time out of the crate w/the kids, a little at a time. I can't wait til he's "mature" enough to run around the house w/the kids and I don't have to be standing over them. I knew it would happen eventually, and it's finally starting! (baby steps, of course. In no way do I think he's ready to trust w/the kids w/out close supervision. It's just nice that I can see some progress)

I've had working bred imports my whole adult life. I've raised 7 kids the youngest is now 5 years old. Please always watch carefully with young kids and big dogs. I talk from experience. Children don't know enough to back away from a annoyed dog. They can inadvertently tease the dog if you are in another area of the house. It's not their fault. They are just kids and dogs aren't human.

Yes, I realize that. That's why I said I know they still must be under close supervision. I was just saying it's nice that Kodee's starting to understand that he can't be jumping around on them, mouthing them, etc. And that was just with my oldest. He wouldn't have been even that good w/the 2 littler ones. He still has a long way to go before he understands fully that he is at the bottom of our pack structure. Believe me, I grew up around GSD's, and I know how strong/fast they can be. So please don't bust my (teeny, tiny, microscopic) bubble. I'm just happy to see any kind of progress at all.

It's great to see that the pup is beginning to understand that the kids aren't toys! (or prey, more aptly)
My pup is beginning to see the light also with regard to our 5 year old, but I still can't imagine the day when I will be able to let them interact without close supervision.(when he's 16, maybe!) At 5 years old, he is too young to be able to read the pup's body language, and even with constant reminders I have to watch him (my son) at least as closely as I watch the dog.