Update On Soji

So over the past few weeks I've been working with him and Anabelle (my daughter), having HER feed him and give him the release command to eat (while I'm there to supervise of course). He has to lay down and wait outside of the kitchen until we're done preparing his food (which I had him doing for me before anyway), and then she puts the food in the bowl, she puts the bowl down, and she gives the release command for him to eat. I've also taught him that, whenever someone gets within a certain distance of his food/treat/whatever, he is to step away from it, lay down, and wait for instructions. He doesn't usually get treats around kids anyway, but it's a good thing for him to learn anyway.

I am much more vigilant about supervising their interactions, and am watching them every second they're together. When I can't devote 100% of my attention to them, he goes in his crate. I was doing all of that before, but I started slackin, and I learned that a few seconds is all it takes. The worst feeling in the world is feeling like one of "those" Pit owners, and it's something that definitely won't be happening again. Hopefully other owners can learn from my mistake too, because Soji IS one of those dogs that kids can climb all over, and pull his ears and tail, and poke his eyes and brandish toys at (not that I let that happen). So our situation just proves that no matter which dog it is, no matter the breed, no matter how well trained and socialized and even tempered the dog is, you should never ever leave your child with them unsupervised!!!!
But back on topic...

Yesterday, Anabelle came up to me and asked me if she could give Soji the rest of her apple (Soji loves apples). So I told her she could, and watched very closely to see what happened. Keep in mind I was RIGHT THERE to intervene if anything unexpected were to happen. So she dropped the apple, and Soji immediately jumped up and started walking across the room to get it. Anabelle held out her hand, took a step toward him, and gave the "wait" command like she'd been doing it for years (probably because she watched me do it for so long). Soji stopped in his tracks, laid down, and gave her eye contact, waiting for her to give the "okay," exactly like he does when I do it. I was proud of them both.
As always, feedback is welcome!

 

I think you have a well trained dog , that was put in he's place , future handler on your hands Congrats!

 

it sounds as though lesson was learned on both ends of the equation and it didnt end up as badly as it could have..i will say good job. you are a far more forgiving person than i am.

 

Sounds like you have everything back under control. Good job on following through and being responsible.

 

Thanks guys!