Two days after Christmas my husband and I had to go to court to get emergency custody of his 16 yr old nephew. Some days I feel like things are starting to get to some kind of normal but between the uproar in his family and the sudden disorder in my house I seriously doubt if there will ever be anything normal around here again. I know there is a long road ahead for all of us but the most pressing thing at the moment is my nephew is not exactly a dog person, he likes them ok but he don't really want one on his lap every time he sits down, and Dylan has snapped at him several times. Emotions are kinda high and nerves are on end and I know dogs pick up on all of that, and my nephew doesn't quite trust Dylan so in turn Dylan's not gonna trust him. I have been having my nephew hand out the treats, and be the one to let the dogs in after they use the bathroom. If anyone has any other ideas I would really appreciate it I hate to think of my other options.

Just an idea, but maybe it would be best to just have him totally ignore the dogs until things settle down. If he does not pay them any attention they will probably gravitate towards people who are paying more attention to them anyway. Dogs ignore each other all the time (I see it when my older dog is done playing with my puppy) so it is a type of thing they might understand.

Then after it calms down a bit and they are used to him just being around all the time you could move to him giving them treats and things. Sounds like everyone is just a bit overwhelmed right now and if the dogs can take a step back and just all get used to each other without any "pressure" of having to directly deal with him it might help out.

Just an idea.

I'll mention that we are definitely not used to having a teenage boy in the house I forgot how much noise they make and how fast they move..lol. Thank you so much for the advice.

That's exactly what I was thinking, a teenager can be a bit overwhelming... I will send some good energy your way, I am sure you need it! I am hoping that you can find some peace in your house soon. Good luck!

You really don't want to be putting any pressure on your dogs or your teenager. This is all new to your dogs and if they are not used to noise that could be why they snapped at your teenager. Like said I would try avoid them from eachother untill they get used to eachothers ways and gets used to having eachother around. Then after a wile they might become friends just let them do it in there own time. Good luck. My thoughts are with you and your family xxxxxx

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Thank you Charlotte for my Siggy mwah xxx

There is no psychiatrist in the world,
Like a chihuahua licking your face.