So my husband and I got our first GSD when he was 6 weeks old and he's 7 months old now. We also have a 4 year old and 16 month old daughters.
Our youngest loves the dog and doesn't mind it when he licks her. He's pretty gentle with her and leaves her alone for the most part, unless giving her kisses.
Our 4 year old, however, hates the dog. She tells me she wants to get rid of the dog on a daily basis and can't stand it when he tries to lick her. He nips at her a lot, just trying to get her to play with him, but she can't stand it. She wants nothing to do with him.
We have kept him indoors for the most part, but did try keeping him outside for a short period of time to see if it would help matters. Our daughter was much happier, but I know Rocco wasn't. He would jump all over you when you went outside or when you got home. He hasn't learned "down" yet and our parents hate coming over because they don't want to deal with him or his energy.
At this point, I'm not sure what to do. My husband is at his wits end and just wants to find him a new home. It's caused a lot of stress in the house. I hate to get rid of him because I know he's just a puppy and a lot, if not all of his behavior, is normal.
I know now that we should have waited until the kids were older to get a pet, much less a GSD, but we didn't and the situation is what it is.
I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and if so what you did?
Thanks in advance...and please no negative comments. I feel bad enough as it is...
Our youngest loves the dog and doesn't mind it when he licks her. He's pretty gentle with her and leaves her alone for the most part, unless giving her kisses.
Our 4 year old, however, hates the dog. She tells me she wants to get rid of the dog on a daily basis and can't stand it when he tries to lick her. He nips at her a lot, just trying to get her to play with him, but she can't stand it. She wants nothing to do with him.
We have kept him indoors for the most part, but did try keeping him outside for a short period of time to see if it would help matters. Our daughter was much happier, but I know Rocco wasn't. He would jump all over you when you went outside or when you got home. He hasn't learned "down" yet and our parents hate coming over because they don't want to deal with him or his energy.
At this point, I'm not sure what to do. My husband is at his wits end and just wants to find him a new home. It's caused a lot of stress in the house. I hate to get rid of him because I know he's just a puppy and a lot, if not all of his behavior, is normal.
I know now that we should have waited until the kids were older to get a pet, much less a GSD, but we didn't and the situation is what it is.
I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and if so what you did?
Thanks in advance...and please no negative comments. I feel bad enough as it is...