Abner is not sure about our grandson.

[acain37]

We have brought our 4 year old grandson home with us for Christmas, and it is funny to see the different reactions from the 4 dogs.

Mable, St Bernard mix, completely ignores him, kind of like he is my puppy and so he is my problem.

Echo, my sheltie mix sits and stares at him, and then sits on top of him if he gets on the couch next to my husband -not much different than with me, but the 4 year old thinks it's funny.

Atlas, EM. Mix, thinks he is a GREAT play buddy, and loves to chase him all over the house and wrestle with him on the floor.

But poor Abner, my EM who has only ever barked at my neighbor when he forgets to give him his treat, or at the guys breaking in next door, is so confused by this kid that he has started woofing at him. Not a big bark, just a soft woof, and then a look at me like " what in the hell is this thing?" He seems to like him, he will lean on him to get him to pet him, give him hugs, but when he is loud or running around the house we get a very soft woof and a look. The first time he did it I was surprised because I have never heard this from him, almost like he knew he was supposed to be quiet in the house.

Abner is also confused, because he has never been around a human who has food all over their face and doesn't understand why he can't clean him up for us. LOL

 

[cinnamon roll]

LOL!!!

Poor Abner. He was just trying to go green and save some paper towels on that messy face.

 

[amandakay2]

Poor dog

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[DDSK]

I say kill two birds with one stone.
Let Abner clean him up, it makes it easier for you to wash the tots face down and Abner gets a treat.

 

[DennasMom]

I agree with DDSK... a great self-rewarding show of affection between Abner and grandson.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

I would be slow and steady. Ask your grandson to not hug Abner if the dog is unsure and unsettled to begin with. Then I would give the child a bowl of treats he can throw to Abner or give to him when Abner is being confident and secure around him. I wouldn't advise trying to make them bond too quickly or unnaturally. Take it slow, let Abner get used to and trust this strange little person who moves quickly, makes funny noises and is a different energy. One other thing I would not allow is your other dog to sit on your grandson, that is usually a dominance action in dog language.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Agree with Mooshi's Mommy, treats fed by the little person until the dog equates little person with jr boss. But face licking is a no-no, it's too easy for the boy to get hurt...to easy to create misunderstandings.

 

[acain37]

Atlas and my grandson bonded immediately, Abner took a little longer. Abner knew he had to be gentle, and Abner was the one giving the hugs, laying his head on my grandson's shoulder, but wasn't quite sure of this new little person. By the time he left (we beat the blizzard!) Abner was nuts over him. He woofed constantly and we got the butt in the air, "come on kid, let's play" wiggling from head to toe. My grandson would grab the rope and get drug all over the house giggling all the way.

 

[cinnamon roll]

HAHAHA!! Way to go Abner! Such a good boy.

 

[CeeCee]

I'm glad it worked out for everyone, but that "soft woof" you mentioned sounds like Abner saying, "I'm not sure what this is and I haven't made up my mind yet." That sounds needs to be respected and space given as your boy figures out that he's experiencing.