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8 Posts
HI all...Me again,
Oliver has been with us for three weeks now. We were told that he had no prior interaction with children, but was the sweetest basset they had met and so felt sure that with well behaved children he would be fine. Their vet has known Oliver for some time and would have taken him home herself if she could have. When we went to collect him from the rescue we took our two children, ages 8 and almost 3. We all bathed him there as the workers hadn't had time to, (I thnk secretly they were screening the interaction between Oliver and the children). I think Oliver was so withdrawn and bewildered by his whole environment that he showed no fear at all. He was a lost soul.
Since bringing him home we have been extremelly careful that Olivers experience of children should be very pleasant from the word go. We set a baby gate up in the kitchen to ensure supervision, and to allow Oliver to observe them playing etc, (Although amazingly he can jump it no problem)!?!?! Oliver has adored my eight year old daughter from the start! He has also attatched himself very much to me - but unfortunately he was visually terrified of my toddler from the first day at home. I should add that my toddler is a very gentle little boy indeed. He is as gentle as can be with Oliver and I regularly give him little treats to feed Oliver. But, being almost 3 he has some noisy toys, etc. I have removed any ride ons and the like as I think they would have terrified poor Oliver.
Over the last 3 weeks we have made good progress and although Oliver is still unsure and a little wary of my toddler there are times when he will stroll past him without a second thought or even rool over or pop his head on him for a smooth. This is very encouraging to see as obviously I want them to be the best of friends, but I worry that Oliver may always be wary of him. Although, Oliver will lay down close bye to him when my toddler is playing, he is not relaxed; and if he is trying to relax somewhere and my son walks in he still gives a very slight growl, (It was a longer louder growl to start).
I don't know if this has any bearing, but he has also growled at my husband several times. Maybe it's a male thing? I contacted the rescue and they advised me to tell him off when he does this growl as he may be guarding me, which I do, and he looks very sheepish and submissive then.
Sorry for the essay - any advice would be greatly appreciated! We don't expect it to happen over night and are prepared for lots of work - but I would like to think it will all work out in the end ?!?!?
Oliver has been with us for three weeks now. We were told that he had no prior interaction with children, but was the sweetest basset they had met and so felt sure that with well behaved children he would be fine. Their vet has known Oliver for some time and would have taken him home herself if she could have. When we went to collect him from the rescue we took our two children, ages 8 and almost 3. We all bathed him there as the workers hadn't had time to, (I thnk secretly they were screening the interaction between Oliver and the children). I think Oliver was so withdrawn and bewildered by his whole environment that he showed no fear at all. He was a lost soul.
Since bringing him home we have been extremelly careful that Olivers experience of children should be very pleasant from the word go. We set a baby gate up in the kitchen to ensure supervision, and to allow Oliver to observe them playing etc, (Although amazingly he can jump it no problem)!?!?! Oliver has adored my eight year old daughter from the start! He has also attatched himself very much to me - but unfortunately he was visually terrified of my toddler from the first day at home. I should add that my toddler is a very gentle little boy indeed. He is as gentle as can be with Oliver and I regularly give him little treats to feed Oliver. But, being almost 3 he has some noisy toys, etc. I have removed any ride ons and the like as I think they would have terrified poor Oliver.
Over the last 3 weeks we have made good progress and although Oliver is still unsure and a little wary of my toddler there are times when he will stroll past him without a second thought or even rool over or pop his head on him for a smooth. This is very encouraging to see as obviously I want them to be the best of friends, but I worry that Oliver may always be wary of him. Although, Oliver will lay down close bye to him when my toddler is playing, he is not relaxed; and if he is trying to relax somewhere and my son walks in he still gives a very slight growl, (It was a longer louder growl to start).
I don't know if this has any bearing, but he has also growled at my husband several times. Maybe it's a male thing? I contacted the rescue and they advised me to tell him off when he does this growl as he may be guarding me, which I do, and he looks very sheepish and submissive then.
Sorry for the essay - any advice would be greatly appreciated! We don't expect it to happen over night and are prepared for lots of work - but I would like to think it will all work out in the end ?!?!?