[yorkietalkjilly]

Just excellent advice from Joan and Brit. The way to a dog's soul is through trust and food, and whichever comes first is your way in. Your new baby seems eager for friends to play with but no doubt is scared silly & his growls & teeth are all that stand between him & sudden death as far as he knows so he's going to rely on those tools until he learns how to trust new people in his life.

If you or your son or any readers are beginners dealing with very scared, possibly psychologically scarred dogs, the best way to engender trust with a dog is through gaining their trust and then food, of course, but they might not take food treats if they are too scared so you need to know how to approach a dog w/out confrontation by understanding how they 'read' others. They assess others by body scent and body language, then the desire for food kicks in.

If a dog smells or senses fear or uncertainty in one, he likely try to take advantage and possibly growl, show teeth, nip/bite or run away.

If he 'reads' your son as pushy, he'll likely either try to run or show aggression. I'd start out by short, unemotional sessions by having your son walk part way into the room and not stand fully head-on facing little Marleau, which could suggest confrontation, but stand sideways, avert his eyes as dogs see direct eye contact as potentially confrontational and toss treats on the floor, stand there another moment or two looking out of the sides of his eyes and walk out. The sooner Marleau comes for the tidbits, the better. A few times of that type 'introduction', then your son can sit down on the floor, ignoring Marleau, and toss treat tidbits about him on the floor, wait a bit to see what Marleau does and if he comes out to scarf them up, all the good, but then have him get up and leave Marleau wanting more until a real trust has been formed. No looking, touching until and if little Marleau instigates it, which he will sooner or later. Then, slowly and surely, allow Marleau to sniff your son up close, make what advances Marleau will and sooner or later allow your son to scratch his chest but not put his hand on his head or back, as dogs can also take that as an attempt to dominate them until they accept/trust you as a real friend. Then a few sessions sitting there handfeeding him tidbits should help start the trusting big time. Once a true bond has been formed, then feed/play as tolerated.

At 9 mos. old, your little baby is old enough to have emotional scars but maybe he doesn't. I'd assume he does just to be safe. Have son take it slow and sure and if Marleau ever shows any aggression, dial it back using the same process above until Marleau re-instigates by coming up to your son and asking for his touch.

Next, socialize as directed above and the very best way to have a wonderful pet is by giving little Marleau upbeat, fun, positively-reinforced obedience training. Fun obedience training engenders trust, teaches your dog to do what you ask w/out thinking about it and creates the most wonderful, lasting, lifetime bond ever.