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Originally Posted by FirstYorkie  What you DON'T want to do is punish him for barking at the kids. He needs a way to tell them "Back off. I'm scared and I may get ugly". Punishing a dog for barking because he's afraid leads to a dog who bites with no warning.
I also would not recommend our natural inclination to pick them up and hold them while introducing him to kids. There is no way for him to back away when he's held and he will be more likely snap.
What I would do is carry treats in my pocket when you might encounter kids. Use older kids first who are more capable of following your directions. Ask them if they would help you train your dog. Most kids will jump at the opportunity. Have them first just drop treats for him. If he's comfortable going to get the treats, let them hold out a treat in their palms. When you first go to this stage, ask the kids to please not pet him. That would be pushing him too far. To make the explanation easier you can just say, "He's in training. He's not supposed to be petted by strangers right now".
When - and only when - he acts totally carefree about going to get treats from an unknown kid, you can then let them try giving a treat and petting.
Take your time and go slow with this. He needs to build up ALOT of positive associations with children. |
this is good advice - and I've actually done this a bunch...not enough I suppose, though! I guess I should just keep at it. It's weird because his reactions change based on the child - some kids he's OK with, others not so much. In addition, I've watched the Dog Whisperer many, many times...and my pup understands commands, walks behind me and shows all the signs of a dog following the pack leader. I think that from a Dog Whisperer stance - Cesar might say it's that because he's barked at kids before - I get nervous and he picks up on that energy right away. I dont think its that my dog doesnt look at me like a pack leader, but that because I'm nervous he's going to bark, he gets nervous and barks. I think I'll also tire him out a bunch and then try some introductions. The only problem is I dont have kids and I dont know anyone that has kids...so it's a little tough. I've also sat with him in playgrounds to let him get used to the sounds and movements. It's mostly the wild, loud kids that scare him...which is just normal kid behavior. Anyway, Thanks so much for the advice!!