This is Child's Play

[Kerri B. & Zoey]

Just hanging out today enjoying a chance to read my US Weekly and a cup of coffee while Zoey took a snooze and the phone rings.  My BFF is on the line saying that she is out this way running errands and wanted to know if she could come by for a little bit. Sure...of course.  What she did not tell me was that she had her two little ones with her (5 and 2 1/2 yrs. old).  Zoey has had no experience yet around little kids.  My niece and nephew were around when she first came home, but they are older.  One of my other friends came by the 2nd or 3rd week with her step son, but he's a little older to and knows better than to play too rough or move to fast around a young pup.  So needless to say I was nervous when I answered the door and saw 5 year old Sophie standing there.  Hmmm...this should be interesting.  I managed to find Zoey's collar and snap this on, then am on the hunt for a leash.  Zoey has not spent a lot of time on the leash yet, so I figured she was going to fight this. 

 

So we say hellos and everyone comes in.  The kids are curious, but apprehensive about this puppy who is wildly excited about these pint sized visitors.  But after several minutes and me getting on the floor and keeping Zoey's lead short & controlled, she settles down.  The become side-tracked playing with other things, which is good, cause it gives Zoey a chance to adjust.  I continued to keep her on the leash throughout their visit, and while she did attempt to jump up on them a couple times, she never nipped (I only saw kisses).  She was even calm enough to lay there while the 2 1/2 yr old came up to her when they were getting ready to leave and give her a hug.  YES!  I have to say that I was honestly nervous and figured it would be so out of control between the dog and her kids, just being kids that they would stay all of 20 minutes, but the visit lasted close to 2 hours.  Zoey was a rockstar!  I'm such a proud momma and it makes me feel great to know that I can trust her around kids (with some help from me).  All in all a very positive sign.

[Tessa, Ellie and Wheezy]

Yeah Zoey!!!  Good Dog!!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Hooray Zoey!   Way to go!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good girl Zoey!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Great job Zoey!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is really great!  I think the more you can expose Zoey to children at this age the better...and it's also great that you were the one controlling the situation so it did not get too chaotic.  Nice job Zoey and Mom!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Good job you! you managed the situation really well and turned it into a training opportunity.  Great work for Zoey and some happy children too.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Good job, Zoey!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Fantastic! Good girl Zoey!