I think with children and animals its always start as you mean to go on. Children need rules and so do pets. Its not a smart move to just let them run riot and then when things change you then try to reeducate. Start with well behaved children and well trained animals.

Can you maybe divide your garden so they have half each? If they aren’t trained now it’s going to be hard, so maybe just give them each their space

So six years on…….what happened? Did she keep the dogs? train them?

My dog was a bit like that at the start. If they are annoying the kids I would type him up but somewhere where he could still see the kids or they could give him a pat. Now he just follows them around and is very gentle.

If you feel your dogs would benefit in a loving home where they don’t need to be locked up etc then you have your decision. It is heartbreaking however you have to do what is right for you and your family. Please let us know how you went.

You have had lots of answers so far, so I will keep mine brief as you will have probably already seen this suggestion.

Take one dog into the yard with your son, having both and your sons’s energy the dogs probably think he is good to play and all of the energy is bouncing off each other.

One on one with your son and one dog to get your son used to each dog and their individual personalities – you might just find that having the two dogs separated shows a different level of energy than your currently experiencing and a different outcome. Then once your son is used to the dogs individually you can start to introduce two dogs at a time, however I would probably ensure that both dogs have had a walk beforehand to help expel some of that energy!

good luck, if you love your dogs I wouldn’t get rid of them, just take some time and patience and training to get them to adjust

If the dogs aren’t aggressive towards your son then they’re probably picking up on his energy. Try walking the dogs with your son (you didn’t say how old he was) then let them in the backyard with him. They are just full of energy and think he is as well. Don’t get rid of them just for this reason. Another thing you could try is taking them to training which could also help. Good luck

We introduced a springer spaniel to our home having a 4yr old and a 6yr old at the time and I’ve found it’s as much about training the kids as it is the dog. We got him at 7mths from an old man who could no longer manage him and he had no training. He jumped at the kids all the time and even did humping movements. I trained the kids on what to do to discourage jumping and we all practiced it and took him to obedience classes. Over time he has gotten much better and the kids love playing in the yard. Don’t give up.

My dog does the same thing but she’s only a puppy (7 months) but she is huge as she a rotweiller.
I just make sure I’m with my daughter (who is 14 months) when she’s around so I can hold her hand and she doesn’t get knocked over.

Goodness gracious I am sooo over these old stories …this dates back to 8 Jan 2014 …why bother posting this MOM.?

If you can’t love and treat your dogs the way they need to be eg. regular walks, room to roam, etc. I do believe it’s best to let them go to a home that can. We lived next door to neighbours that did not deserve their dogs – they were left alone, never played with or walked, and as a result tried every day to get into our backyard and to our dog causing absolute trauma and stress to our fur baby and our family. All things considered, we reported the neighbours dogs many times and suggested they get rid of them (in the nicest way possible).

How old is your son ? You say They would never bite him, they would just push him over and they never leave him alone. Personally I would think no harm done to let this happen, because it teaches your boy about dog behaviour and how to behave/not to behave and it teaches the dogs about your child. In the meantime you could take the dogs to a dog school or have a dog trainer coming at your house

Are u able to lock them in for that time?

So hard to decide. But family protection is no 1.

How old is your son and what types of dog’s do you have l am looking for a dog for my daughter l would love to help you with your problem you can ring me on 0402756472 if you like Tracy

I don’t think it is too late to teach some things

You have to just keep working at it. We never separated our dogs from our kids. From the moment we brought them home the dogs were allowed int he nursery etc. They learnt with the babies how to act, be gentle etc. Maybe you could get a trainer in? Your kids will grow up and soon and then you’ll wish you still had the dogs as they’ll be good play mates.

That must be hard. Before getting rid of them, I would ask for a professional help. They are probably able to train your dogs. Don’t give up yet!

Time for some expert assistance I think. As your dogs are over keen whenever they see your son, am I right in thinking they don’t get a lot of attention? Never leave them alone with your son, just to be safe, and get onto some professional advice

I have a friend who did give her dog away when he scratched the toddler’s face. It really depends on the breed of the dogs and how confident you feel that your child will be safe.