Daughter Getting into Dog's Water

I would also explain that she dumped the dog's water out and now he's sad that he has no water. Good time to teach sympathy.

I think a combo approach will work best for you. Continue to correct her for playing in the inappropriate place (dog bowl) and tell her "that belongs to scruffy (or whatever you named it)". You can tell her it has germs in it or whatever you want, BUT, you should also encourage her to ask you when she wants to play in it, so that you can provide an appropriate place for her to experiment with water. Whether that is a big dishpan and cups, or giving her extra time in the bath (with cups and pouring stuff to play with).

Remember, it isn't just "play" for your daughter... she is actually learning about the world and the properties of water by playing with it. You could even show her how, if you put it in the freezer it won't "move" anymore...lol. She won't understand the science, obviously, but it might be a fun moment of "magic" for her.

Your daughter is playing, she wants to play with water, probably feels she needs to as well. So get a large dishpan, some measuring cups and some water and that can be her play station.

Don't punish her. When she does it, hand her a cloth and have her clean it up. (you will have to finish drying it after she's done) the fascination will end but it takes time. My two year old did the same thing for about a month except he would also try to drink it! Eeewwwww.

ETA you could also try leaving less water in the bowl, if possible, so there's less to clean up. You would have to check it more often to make sure puppy doesn't run out of water.

We have 2 dogs and 3 kids so we've been through this. Just keep saying no to your DD and redirecting her to something else. You can put it up from time to time then put it back down for the puppy. It's a pain but your daughter will stop.

Why not keep the water bowl put away until it's time for puppy to eat/drink? Unless its really hot in your home the dog probably doesnt need constant access to water.

We call it "the baby pool" and try not to worry about it too much. We keep a little water in the big bowl, but then also have a bowl in the dog's crate and one upstairs for the cats. It works for us until LO, who is 19 mos old, learns to leave it alone. For now, it's just too tempting and too much fun for him. Best wishes.

Instead of disciplining her, tell her no and redirect her. Kids are naturally drawn to wanting to play with water. So, ask her, "Do you want to play with water? Okay, let's help Mommy wash some dishes." Then pull a chair up to the kitchen sink and fill with some plastic dishes and some non-toxic dish soap and let her have it.

And/or make her a sensory table/box: buy a shallow plastic storage box and place some rice or sand it in, or shaving cream, etc. (google "preschool sensory box" and I'm sure you'll get tons of good hits). Add some sccops, small toys, etc. If you don't want to direct her to playing "dishwasher" at the kitchen sink, redirect her here.

If you are potty training the puppy, it's actually beneficial for the puppy to not have constant access to it's water. I have my son help clean it up ( like mentioned earlier). Then I taught him to pick it up , pour it our in the sink & sit the bowl up on the counter. When we 1st started this, he was a little too short & it was kind of messy but it's just water. Toddlers love tasks & helping. So anything they can "help" with , will distract them from mischief.

I believe she just likes to play with the water as well. Maybe explain that the water is for the dog to drink and have her help you fill it up. Put some water in a small plastic cup and have her pour it in the bowl to give the puppy some water. And when she makes a mess, give her a towel to help clean it up. Having her clean it up may speed up the "maybe it's not so much fun" realization. Good luck!!!

My mom has one that is big and has a carbon filter in it so that when the baby plays with it the water is clean and "safe". He can get in it and splash around, but, he can't dump it over. This might be a way to go, but I know she paid over $100 for it, but it was worth it for us.
Otherwise, I say just give the puppy a little water and clean it up as it goes until he gets tired of it and moves on. Remember its new and fun, eventually it will be old and boring and something else will catch his attention.

They do make dog water dishes that are 'spill proof'. They aren't perfect, but it's a lot harder to dump it out.

~ http://www.amazon.com/Buddy-Bowl-44oz-Original/dp/B0044M0...

I have also known of people using really BIG water bottles (think gerbil...) and training their dog to use that... Of course, that won't work too well if you have a large breed... but if you have a small dog, it might work.

http://www.amazon.com/DW-44-DRIP-DOG-BOTTLE-44OZ/dp/B004H...

The puppy needs water, it's too hot in Texas to go for very long without it. So I'd just put it somewhere that is in plain sight and remember to put it down and offer it to the puppy several times per day. We keep our cats water on the washing machine so my grandson can't reach it too. A puppy can't jump of course but the washer is in plain sight so I'd remember to put it down several times per day.