How do I deal with this?

[JamesMama]

We have a puppy, we are crate training her and she just prefers to be in her kennel most of the time (she's kind of anti-social, LOL)

Anyway, James insists on getting in front of the kennel and slapping it. I drag him away every single time and tell him thats not nice, the puppy could bite him, it scares the puppy, etc.

He says it's not mean the puppy won't bite him and it's funny

He does it all the time. I drag him away every single time, he's just not getting it.

I don't think the dog will bit him, she's pretty easy going and likes James (is protective of him) but I don't want him torturing her!

Oh, and he thinks it's the funniest thing, he just laughs his butt off as he's slapping the kennel door.

[WhaleinGaloshes]

If you don't think the pup will bite him, I wouldn't tell him that. Your son doesn't think so either, and it sounds like he's right!

I'd keep explaining that the dog is scared, and you will not allow him to startle or harass the dog. The dog deserves to feel safe in her crate, it's her safe place.

If at all possible, I'd restrict your son's access to the crate until he is ready to agree to respect it and the doggy when she's in it. If not, I'd keep moving him.

[limabean]

Originally Posted by easy_goer

If you don't think the pup will bite him, I wouldn't tell him that. Your son doesn't think so either, and it sounds like he's right!

I'd keep explaining that the dog is scared, and you will not allow him to startle or harass the dog. The dog deserves to feel safe in her crate, it's her safe place.

If at all possible, I'd restrict your son's access to the crate until he is ready to agree to respect it and the doggy when she's in it. If not, I'd keep moving him.

:

How old is James? I'd focus on the fact that the crate is the dog's safe place and that he's not allowed to disturb her while she's in there. Can you put the crate somewhere where you can gate off the area so that he can't get to it? I hope the pup gets a break soon!

[JamesMama]

James is 3.

I don't know where I could put her, our floor plan is pretty open so the only place would be shut up in our bedroom and the dog doesn't venture down the hallway. She pretty much sticks to being in the kitchen or living room. I think it would freak her out to be in the bedroom...our hallway is too wide for a gate and James bedroom is at the end of the hall (next to our bedroom) and he needs to have access to his bedroom and the bathroom...

I'll try the 'safe place' and focus on him being nice to the puppy and not harassing her.

ETA again, he loves the dog and just wants to play with her, but he doesn't get that his 'playing' isn't fun for the dog.