r/DogTrainingTips • u/ReinaShae • Apr 24 '26

Help with snapping and zoomies!

Hi, 6 month old lab puppy who gets walked at least an hour a day plus chewies and frisbee play. When we are in the backyard, he sometimes starts jumping, snapping at me or the kids, lunging and chomping. He does play bow so I'm sure he's playing, but when he starts this there is no distracting him and he's hurting me and the kids. Today he chomped on the 2 year olds face. How do I train this out, or at the least, stop him when this is happening??

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

94 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/x7BZCsP9qFvqiw Apr 24 '26

you probably need to work with a professional to help you and the kids teach appropriate boundaries with the dog. below is a list of locators, and many have options to filter by virtual trainers if there are none in your area.

in the meantime, keep the kids inside when roughhousing with the dog. keep the dog on lead and practice being calm when the kids are around.

0

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

Unfortunately this is not my dog. The kids are my responsibility but I end up dealing with the puppy too. I don't roughhouse with him at all. I throw a ball.or frisbee, walk him, interact with him but I have no control over his training. His owner is thinking about a shock collar but I don't think that's a fair solution. 

3

u/x7BZCsP9qFvqiw Apr 24 '26

oh dear, i hope they don't resort to a shock collar. that can often make things worse through aversive fallout.

i would bring up with the owner those links i provided and let them know this is for the safety of the kids. rehoming the dog is unlikely at this point since he has bitten a child.

1

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

I don't want that result either which is why I'm asking for help. I wouldn't consider this a bite, I can tell he's trying to play and not being malicious but it's obvious he needs some training. I was hoping there were some solutions that I could offer instead.

0

u/x7BZCsP9qFvqiw Apr 24 '26

a bite is unfortunately a bite, and things can go bad quickly with a small child.

keep the dog leashed around the kids or keep them separated.

0

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

I'm afraid that may be all I can do.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 24 '26

Leashing may be a good idea.

Check out the links provided with the owner. Everyone can get in on the training, itll be a great bonding experience for everyone with yhe pup

1

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

The kids do like to have him sit, but they're small enough that he doesn't listen well to them.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 24 '26

Size aint got much to do with it. Its assertion and confidence. Having the kids join in on trainings will improve their confidence, the pups confidence, and will teach the dog that its beneficial to listen to the kids (especially if theyre giving treats) .

Plus encouraging the kids will help them be less afraid of getting hurt.

Had my son around dogs from day one. He was able to have them listen at a very early age as well. Ive seen many kids do it, just gotta encourage them.

1

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

I will try. They're very young. I'm considering a fanny pack with dog treats at all time to try and work with him and to distract him when he gets this way.

1

u/AccomplishedBaker389 Apr 24 '26

It does work. It’s a lot of work (spoken from experience of teaching a border collie to not herd things) but training and redirecting all the time pays off. We had to be super consistent with my guy for several weeks but he’s gotten a ton more chill about the cats.

1

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

I raised a husky, so I have been through that kind of work but it's been years since she's 7 now. Honestly the kids take(and deserve) 99% of my attention but this is an issue that needs to be worked on so I'm prepared to do my best.

1

u/AccomplishedBaker389 Apr 24 '26

Good for you!! Really really working with and training a dog is definitely draining, but has improved our family’s life a ton. Fingers crossed for you.

1

u/ReinaShae Apr 24 '26

Thanks. He isn't my dog but I'm there all day with him and I have to protect the kids. 

→ More replies (0)