Our nine year old german shepherd keeps intentionally body slamming into our two year old. Usually when he isn't getting a lot of attention. Intentional, but not malicious - it seems like he is just trying to show Bep who is boss or something. Unfortuately we can't get him to stop (happens once a week or so) and Bep is getting hurt. This time a skinned elbow and a big bump on the head. Last time bruises and a head bonk. So far no broken bones or teeth or doctor-visits, but it just can't go on.
Our dog trainer friend suggests a seperate walk with just me and "at least a half-hour of alone time at home" with me every day. However I have a two year old who I can't just hang on the wall for an hour while I play with, talk to and walk the dog. The trainer says that reprimanding him won't help, and we can't not ever walk him, nor can I not take my son with me. A second consult was about the same - I have to spend a lot of time with him alone. I am not going to hire a babysitter so I can be alone with a dog. We have another dog too, but she is careful, and smaller. The shepherd is 80 pounds or so and I got him before I was married. After we had the kid he was demoted, as they are, and just keeps trying harder to get attention, but it's never enough. He is jealous of our other dog too. He is not mean or scary, just kind of a dick. I feel horrible thinking about trying to find him another home. I don't want my kid to get hurt again, which he will if nothing changes. I hate this. Is it unreasonable of me to try to find him another home where he can get attention? or is it crazy? Or is it crazy to keep an animal that I know will hurt my child? - Ok, yes to that last one. Arg. I am not a "you are no longer convenient please go" type of person. I can't do a seperate walk, I can't leave the dog at home (it doesn't happen as often in the house and it's a softer landing) I can't carry my son-he needs to walk and our family walk is the highlight of his day. I love this dog in a way but I feel like crap that I don't love him more, that I can't put him before my needs and that I am so mad at him all the time for his behavior.