Old Dog Growls At Grandkids. Should I find Him A New Home?
My dog is older now and does not seem to like my grandchildren coming near him... he growls and I am afraid he will bite them...should I find him a new home?
Answer: I am assuming you have had your dog since he was a puppy...it would be very sad at his time of life to rehome him now. There are many ways to deal with this and very simple too. Many old dogs do not see or hear so well, much like people...plus they do not have the patience they once had, much like people...they may be in some discomfort with arthritis perhaps, much like people...and they feel anxious when little children come around and are noisy and playful and just being little children in general...so the best way to deal with this is to make everyone safe. Find a cosy spot like a bedroom for your old dog away from the children, where he can feel safe and not be bothered. Talk to your grandchildren explaining that "just like grandparents" lol, old dogs get a bit cranky and need space and quiet time. Tell them they he would probably like gentle pats say before they go to bed or he does, just to say good night, tell them now he is old he needs to be treated very gently. Children are good at understanding things like this...my own grandchildren draw pictures for my old dog, which we hang around his bed. So in conclusion, your dog has been with you his whole life, he deserves peace and rest, and your grandchildren need to be safe also from growls and possible bites...so by keeping your old dog safe, you keep your young grandchildren safe as well.
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