Ask him if he has ever hit, punched or kicked the puppy when you were not looking.

Anonymous wrote:(1) train your dog not to jump on people
(2) talk to your kid about not hurting living things, how he would feel if he were punched for being accidentally playful, and punish him appropriately (take away TV, video games, etc)

Ha, we posted the same sentiments at the same time.

Are you training your puppy not to jump? Are you educating your child about how he should interact with a puppy, and encouraging empathy?

Where did he punch the puppy, in the face? I'd get with the other parent if there is one and have a big, serious conversation about how one should treat animals.

You say he's very "physical," what does that mean?

(1) train your dog not to jump on people
(2) talk to your kid about not hurting living things, how he would feel if he were punched for being accidentally playful, and punish him appropriately (take away TV, video games, etc)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rehome the puppy.

Are you serious? Why rehome the puppy?

Okay, OP should put her kid up for adoption.

Anonymous wrote:Rehome the puppy.

Are you serious? Why rehome the puppy?

What's a big deal? Probably just his instinctive reaction. He's only 6. While we all want/expect our kids to know how to behave, it's YOUR job to parent him, telling him of what's right and what's wrong.

If it's the second time, I'd be concerned. The first time? Teachable moment.

Was it an instinctive reaction to pain?

Maybe when the puppy jumped on him it hurt and he lashed out at the puppy to push him off?

Why is your 6yo not in school at 11am on a Wednesday? Is he sick or something else that might explain his reaction?

Rehome the puppy.

Does he generally like the dog and this was out of the blue? Or does he find the dog annoying and it just escalated?

You lecture him today about emotional reactions, and give a punishment. You talk to him again tomorrow, and all the following days for a week. Lessons only sink in if they repeated.

The puppy has already forgiven him, BTW.

Does his father beat him? Any other abuse going on?

My advice is to talk to him once you have calmed down. Explain how it is inappropriate to hit anyone, especially something or someone who is smaller and weaker than you. He may not understand how strong he is and how weak the puppy is. Good luck because I agree it is concerning.

He’s 6. I’m honestly in complete shock right now. I’m shaking. I sent him to his room so I can calm down and figure out what to do.
I don’t know what kind of consequence to give. I can’t keep them apart. I already supervise every interaction. He’s very physical but has never been mean like this. I’m so sad right now.