I do. Jackson is very shy when it comes to strangers in general. He's not mean or aggressive, he usually just kinda backs away like "I don't know you! don't pet me!" It's almost like he thinks every stranger is like a vet or something, lol. Now my little brother and sister, he adores. They can be all up in his face, doing whatever and he could care less, he just wags his tail and kisses them.
When it comes to stranger kids, he's definitely a lot more reserved and weary. So I generally will pick him up first and then show them how to pet him. He's more comfortable with them petting him under his chin rather than their hand going overtop of his head. I usually have treats on me too that I ask the kids to give him.
He's gotten *much* better with kids in general. The other day we were visiting over my dad's house and this little girl, maybe 8 years old, just moved in across the street. Jackson went up to her voluntarily and allowed her to pet him! He also seems to like little girls better than little boys. Another thing... when we're at the dog park, he is sooo much friendlier to people and will go up to them by himself and ask for a petting. Maybe because he sees the other dogs doing it?
Overall, he'd much rather be around dogs than people but with some practice, he's gotten better with people! I think it's an important part of socialization to get them used to kids and strangers. |