handbagsandgladrags
New member
Hi all, a week ago we found a very reputable breeder and rang to be popped on their waiting list for a cavalier puppy. They explained they had a 10 month old puppy there that was pretty much perfect in every way and would make a perfect family pet...so, we wnt to see him with the children and he seemed fine with them. I asked about socialization and he was raised with children of similar age to mine and was sweet as can be..so we brought him home.
He is a very sweet, gently and loving dog, but VERY insecure and jumpy. I put this down to his change of surroundings and thought this would change once he settled in as it is a big upheaval for him...looks like he hasn't been well socialized though. Anyway, all of his interaction with my children have been supervised. We have read the book 'the perfect puppy' by gwen bailey and shared all the info with the children (Ages 8 & 14). They are very gentle with him and take care not to bother him when he is eating/sleeping etc. It's a pretty calm house and I've made sure the children aren't rowdy around him so as to not stress him out.... a few days ago he had a chew and as my 8 year old son walked past he growled at him. This wasn't ideal, but I explained to my son to take care not to go too near when he as a treat/toy etc, and he has been. Today, I was lying on my bed watching to with the dog at my side when my 8 year old came in to talk to me. He stood at the side of the bed for a minute chatting and went to stroke the dog (who was awake) as he was leaving. The dog growled at him. He didn't have a toy or chew so wasn't guarding food. I have taken care for my son to be the main one to feed him and give him treats, etc. and I am a calm 'pack leader'...taken all the steps like going through door first etc.. I'm very worried about this and starting to think we should have stuck to the original plan and had a very small puppy as we have no idea what this little dog had experienced in the past. Am I blowing this out of proportion or am I right to be very very concerned? Please help!
He is a very sweet, gently and loving dog, but VERY insecure and jumpy. I put this down to his change of surroundings and thought this would change once he settled in as it is a big upheaval for him...looks like he hasn't been well socialized though. Anyway, all of his interaction with my children have been supervised. We have read the book 'the perfect puppy' by gwen bailey and shared all the info with the children (Ages 8 & 14). They are very gentle with him and take care not to bother him when he is eating/sleeping etc. It's a pretty calm house and I've made sure the children aren't rowdy around him so as to not stress him out.... a few days ago he had a chew and as my 8 year old son walked past he growled at him. This wasn't ideal, but I explained to my son to take care not to go too near when he as a treat/toy etc, and he has been. Today, I was lying on my bed watching to with the dog at my side when my 8 year old came in to talk to me. He stood at the side of the bed for a minute chatting and went to stroke the dog (who was awake) as he was leaving. The dog growled at him. He didn't have a toy or chew so wasn't guarding food. I have taken care for my son to be the main one to feed him and give him treats, etc. and I am a calm 'pack leader'...taken all the steps like going through door first etc.. I'm very worried about this and starting to think we should have stuck to the original plan and had a very small puppy as we have no idea what this little dog had experienced in the past. Am I blowing this out of proportion or am I right to be very very concerned? Please help!