He's likely just dying to get out there and play with them so helping him redirect all his energy and wonderful doggie enthusiasm and love of fun should help. Does he get outside for a lot of exercise himself? A good walk each day and lots of running, playing and fun times keeping him on the go should help a lot, work off his natural energy. Once his own needs are taken care of, he'll be easier to train.
You'll just have to disagree with excessive barking and teach him another behavior to replace the barking that is excessive. Also, thinking about what would help your dog out during times when he's really wanting to participate in an activity he can't be part of and maybe giving him a treat-filled kong toy to keep his attention during the kids playing out front can help him get through it with some fun of his own. Or fill a plastic soda bottle with the lid off with his kibble diner inside & let him have to bat around and knock the kibble out to eat. Exercise, distraction & training/redirection will probably help him best right now.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |