1 year old jumped, nipped and scratched sleeping kid

rob1013 · Puppy Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

We just recently adopted a very sweet non-aggressive 1 year old. Surprisingly she jumped on my bed where my 7 year old had fallen asleep and scratched and nipped at her very roughly (I was in the adjoining room watching TV and got up to go to the kitchen). I think maybe she thought I had gone to bed and jumped up to see me. I am not sure if I can keep her if she will play-attack, I don't intentionally leave her alone with the kids, but my daughter was in bed! Any help with experienced Weim owners would be greatly appreciated!

DukesMom · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

It sounds like she was only trying to play. Duke scratches at me when he wants to play some times (and he seems to do it when we're on the bed most the time, or when I'm laying down). I don't think it was an act of aggression. Couldn't this be avoided by making sure bedroom doors where kids are asleep are closed or have a baby gate? How long have you had her? I would give it more time. Weims can be rough at times. My Duke is just rough in every thing he does. He can't really help it-he's just so big with lots of energy. Gracie is a little softer and more timid, but when she scratches the back of my leg and such it doesn't feel so good.

ange165 · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:12 am Post subject:

Maybe start enforcing some bed rules, not allowing her onto the bed at all. Then she will not be tempted to jump up there.. Like DukesMom said, close the doors when the kids are sleeping.
Are there other instances of play-biting or has this just been a one off??

rob1013 · Puppy Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the help, she has only been here a week and were letting her on the couches and beds, but as of today we have started keeping off of the furniture. She seems to be accepting the new rules and are going to give her another chance. We had our daughter play with her a little and the dog was still submissive to her.

wildlifecr13 · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:52 pm Post subject:

baby gates work well on dogs too... to control where they are, but still keep doors open.

DukesMom · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject:

I'm glad you're giving her another chance and it's probably best that she just stay off couches and beds. Just remember that Weims are large high energy dogs-especially a one year old. She really sounds like a good dog. You might have to make some adjustments while you have her in your home.

weimdawgs · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject:

It doesn't sound like she meant anything by it. Probably just wanted attention. I agree, teach her to stay off the beds and furniture. Good luck with your new family member.

weimamama · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject:

Weims can be rough w/ the little kiddies... I'm surprised you were able to adopt a 1 y.o. with such young kids... TSWR implements a 10 yrs and up for kids when adopting a Weim under 3-4 yrs....anyway...
it DOES sound like it was just play, bnot aggressive... start right away w/ no furntiture until she's better behaved And NILIF from everyone in the house esp. the kids...it establishes who's in charge.
good luck! Smile

sptddog · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject:

Definitely research NILIF!!!! I agree with the others, it's probably just play - my 1 year old weimy will do the same thing given the opportunity. We do NILIF with him, especially with my 4 year old. Honestly, we're already on his case having our almost 1 year old baby also feeding him, and handling him. Poor baby can't even say sit yet, but he points at the dog while we say sit!!!! So we help, but the dog is already learning to respect him.

We had to spend a lot of time teaching the dog not to jump and chase running kids - and to teach the kids what to do if they are being jumped on or chased.

Stick with it, she sounds like a sweet dog who is lucky to have found a home!!

rob1013 · Puppy Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks, I am going to look into the NILIF. She has gotten better and is learning some manners, she is a baby after all. We had a very high energy Basenji (sadly died of Franconis disease at 5 recently) who was almost like a mini-weim in her intelligence and mannerisms, so we are quickly learning how to handle Ellie. Thanks again.