Rotti puppy & my active 4yr old boy

Hi im not sure if this is a site for a question like this one.

I have a 4 yr old son who love to play with our little chihuahua. But since he's bigger then the dog he likes to plays with him a little on the rough side. Jumping around like a Power Ranger, chasing him, I just everything a little boy does when his excited.

We just adopting this 2 year chihuahua about 3 weeks ago. Here's the question, we will also getting a Rotti puppy soon, can he still play with the rotti puppy in that manner, or will it be a bad thing?
thanks





Hi
Well, no matter what size the dog is, it's important to teach children not to be rough with them and to be gentle, loving and respectful.

Obviously, at just 4 years old, your little boy is still young but even toddlers can learn to touch gently, not tease or poke, and to play 'nicely' with a puppy.

Playing in the way you describe with a little dog could cause fear or anxiety in the dog, or get him over excited which often results in nipping, growling etc.

Puppies naturally nip and romp when they play with each other, but nipping, biting, growling at people isn't allowed. With a large breed pup like a Rottweiler it's even more important that the puppy sees your son as 'above him in rank', not as a litter mate. If they play rough etc., the puppy won't respect your son the way he should.

I would start now to teach your little boy how to play nicely with a dog or puppy, and practice being gentle. He can use up his excess energy and excitement playing with his friends etc., not with the pup. When the new Rottie pup comes into your family, let your little boy help to feed him, groom and train him, this will help to build a good bond and the correct relationship between boy and puppy.

Kids and dogs go great together as long as they're supervised and they each learn what is acceptable behavior. If this isn't done, it can be a recipe for trouble.

Good luck.