You might find this useful for helping your son to feel safer around Sid

http://www.safetyarounddogs.org.uk/sashi_code/

It would be a good idea if you can go to a puppy class with the family, this is very necessary for socialising puppies and it may help your son too, as there may be other classes to go on to which he can join in with.

www.apdt.co.uk also if you go to the website they have some good articles on puppy biting, home alone, adolescence and all sorts

Sarah Whitehead wrote a good book about dogs and children, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Puppy-Traini.../dp/1872119549

If you check out her website http://www.cleverdogcompany.com/pupp...g-classes.html you may find a puppy class near to you, they would be ideal as she has an interest in dogs and children.

Also you could try www.puppyschool.co.uk

Hth
Wys
x

Good evening!!
Thought i would do a quick update. Firstly thank you for all your replies and help.
I am so pleased to say that we are now almost 5 weeks on and the situation is amazing!!

i am so happy i made my son face his fears - especially because it was a situation i could help him control.

His confidence has soared and Sid has settled into our family so well!!

They sit on the couch together and cuddle, he takes him out for walks and plays ball in the garden. Puppy classes start next week too.

Sid no longer cries when we go to bed and sleeps until we get up and no longer leaves a mess in the kitchen.

So after a shakey start as first time dog owners I think it is the start of a happy friendship all round!!

cant wait to learn how to post pics!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hooray! A happy ending for all concerned - Sid has certainly fallen on his feet.

Look forward to seeing the pictures - I love lurchers. I lost mine last May, aged 16, and I really miss her.

Thanks jantet

I had read so many lovely things about them I didnt hesitate to agree to him when my son brought him home.
I dont know anyone who has one though - he is a funny character and quite vocal!!!
Aww wow i hope we have Sid for as long as you had yours xxx

Thank you for posting such a positive update!

Thank you so much for coming back with an update. It can be so frustrating when we read about issues then never find out what happens in the end.

What a result that you have helped your son accept the puppy. It can only be a good thing and his fear could have worsened as he got older in adulthood. So well done that really is brilliant

We all love a happy ending.

I am so happy that you persevered, it is good for both dog and son.

I look forward to seeing the pics!

Thanks guys. It's so good to be able to share our story! As a new dog owner I thought I was failing miserably and ending up thinking i would not be able to cope - like so many in the beginning when it isn't all rosey I suppose!
I am just so glad we persevered - we have done Steven a massive favour too
Sid is currently making himself comfortable sitting on my head!! Hahahaha don't know how I will manage that one when he's the size of a horse !!!!
Xxxx thanks everyone - an amazing site we have here x

Good news then. I was going to say it would be a good idea to get your son 'involved' in the training.

I feel quite sorry for any child who is patently scared stiff of all dogs. They miss out on such a lot.