Diesel is 7 months old and has been wonderful for my 3 year old autistic son since we brought him home. The trouble is he plays very rough. I have tried correcting Diesel and my son both with no luck. Diesel is very strong willed and has the attitude of " I'll do whatever I want" and my son has trouble understanding that just because Diesel does it doesn't mean its ok. Having Diesel has really helped my son start to break away from the typical "autistic" stereotype but he is constantly scratching and play biting my son. I know it isn't malicious in any way but the scratches and occasional bruises have caught the attention of his preschool teacher, and anyone with school age kids knows what a headache that could become. Is there any way to correct their play in a way that both of them may understand?

Well, I don't know much of anything about autism, so I won't pretend to give you advice on that topic, but for Diesel, I think you just need to teach him a couple new commands that will greatly help.

1. "off" - i know some use leave it, but i like the shortness and the ability of the word to not be misunderstood with anything else. I use "off" as my all purpose, 'stop biting, spit out, walk away from, stop staring at, or obsessing over, get your teeth/feet/mind/nose away from that,' command. I taught that by starting with a treat, holding it in a fist and allowing him to sniff or paw at me. The second he stopped, he got the treat. Once he is starting to get the point, start using the command word, and then start to incorporate other objects, toys, shoes, anything he is attracted to.

2. "easy" - generally meaning, 'take it down a level or two.'

3. "place" - technically, my command is 'go to bed' but I think one word commands are better, so i would use place. I'm not sure if this is possible or not, but you could teach your son the same thing. When they get to rowdy, you could say, "everyone, go to your place!" Make it a fun game if possible.

4. "tug" - this can be helpful, because it directs the play drive to an object instead of a person. I wouldn't let your son start this right away, but you should start playing tug with Diesel and once you feel safe with the game and the release 'off' you can show your son how to do it.

I think generally when things get to too intense of a level of play from either your son or your dog, you just have to be able to either redirect the dog, or remove him (the dog). It sounds like he is having so much fun he forgets to check himself and keep his level of play to a level appropriate for a child. I'm glad to hear he's had such a positive impact on your son's autism!

Hi there!
I may not know the best way, but you could try body blocking Diesel when your son and him are playing together.
What I mean by body blocking, if Diesel is coming at your son in his mouthy manner, put your arm in front of him before it happens. If he tries to jump, same thing... until Diesel understands that that isn't how you play with your son.

You could get the inevitable rough play out of him yourself, tire him out and then allow your son to play with him. And then all association with your son from Diesel, he will start to learn that he needs a calmer demeanor. Your husky is still a bit too young for running, you want to wait until he is a year and a half before you run him, but when that time comes along, I would suggest any running activities, daily. Then after Diesel is tired out, he will probably just want to cuddle with your son or play a lot nicer, because all that energy will have been maxed out of him. Also, for now, decently long walks are certainly okay at 7months... you could take both your son and Diesel with you for those and all three of you will bond well

As huskies age, they tend to be a child's best friend. You will see it more so after Diesel gets out of both puppy and teenager age. (usually about 2-4 years old) But until then, your kids excited energy is feeding into Diesel and making him more excited... just imagine Diesel as another toddler and that he has terrible 2's for a few years.

I am really glad that Diesel is helping your boy come out of his shell, it is always amazing to see how powerful a dog's friendship can be.

Pictures?

What kind of games to you let them play? Just from my own experience, I wouldn't allow my son to play tug of war with Loki because play always got too rough. I wouldn't allow rough housing either. They are allowed to play fetch and other similar games where the play is directed at the ball or toy and not with each other. Loki caught on pretty quick that my son isn't a toy/other puppy and now they do just fine together.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I will be trying them all. They have such a strong bond that I am afraid of disrupting. Diesel waits at the door for my son to come home everyday and if my son spends the night away Diesel gets depressed.

Also I would love to share pictures of them but I'm new to this site and haven't figured out how

In the top of the area where you post, look in the block that has the youtube. Click on the one that has the floppy disk on the left. Upload the image as it shows, then when it is ready copy the text in the midle bracket and paste it to your post.

I'm really glad you got some good serious answers because mine isn't ... you do realize that in their minds (and probably both of them) they are about the same age ... they're both still puppies!  

I can - regrettably - understand your concern about your son going to school with scratches and bruises. Maybe you could "shortcut" their potential concerns by picking him up from school one day with Diesel with you and let them play in the (hopefully enclosed) school yard. I don't know a teacher (or anyone really) who couldn't understand the fun that a boy and his dog have when they play - even if it does come up bruises.

Since you're, I think, a single mother, I can understand not putting a whole lot in your profile but would you mind giving us your name and maybe the state you're in (besides confused and hassled )  and maybe even "owned by Diesel & your son".  You sound like good people and I really hate having to constantly refer to "your son" when "Jimmy" (or whatever) would be easier and more friendly.

I didn't even realize there was a place to fill in that information. I did find it and fill it in though

In addition to what Al says about taking your pup to school with Colin, maybe write a letter to the teacher and explain the situation, or even at the next conference? Any educator would understand that a husky (more so a puppy) is high energy, and if they don't, I am sure they would be glad to learn.

I explained it to his teacher but unfortunately she had already reported it to my son's father who to put it kindly is always looking for something to complain about. The teacher seems to understand but it's her job to report everything.

Thanks Danielle for filling out the profile.  Is dad trying for custody or just trying to make life miserable for you?  
That's a beautiful picture of Diesel and Colin in your sig, btw.

er ... upstate New York - where, my original home (many years back) is Alexandria Bay  ... and of course feel free to ignore the intrusive question.

His father just does what he can to make life miserable. He didn't take the divorce very well and dislikes the fact that Colin would rather spend time with me than with him. Nor to mention he hates Diesel.