When Higgins was little and first encountered my 2 small grandaughters, he was fearful and backed away, then was agressive towards them. We stopped RIGHT AWAY and slowed down the introduction very carefully. We explained to the 3 and 6 year old that then needed to NOT approach him right away, but just enjoy watching him fur awhile until he got to know them a bit. The we went and got his favorite fetch toy and taught them how to throw it for him, and how to play tug with him. He LOVED it! And he enjoyed the fact that they were ALWAYS ready to play with him. When we left Rhode Island, they were all sorry to be separated.
Higgins was never wary of our older grandkids, in the 7-14 range. But he is still wary of small children. SMART DOG! We are very careful when kids are around. I think it is perfectly normal for such a small creature to be fearful and perhaps full of false bravado.
Higgins is very picky about people and dogs. LOVES some and is a bit aloof with others. I watch very carefully. I think dogs have a wonderfully accurate sixth sense about people and animals. The other day he made an affectionate fool over a rather disheveled looking guy. Ran right up to him, dropped and rolled and wanted his belly rubbed, laying right on the guys shoes so he couldn't walk and had to respong. Of course, the guy turned out to be a REAL puppy lover and became Higgins instant friend. Now I probably wouldn't even have acknowledged this man, but Higgins has taught me not to judge so quickly. With others, Higgins will always be polite, but sometimes sort of aloof. If he is EVER (not yet) aggressive, I will take that a a clue to that person.
If he should ever become aggressive, I would seek professional help. A Yorkie we dearly loved, who lived next door to us, was a SEVERE ankle biter, and the owners finally gave the dog up since they couldn't catch him to keep him fenced when they were at work. He bit several people in the neighborhood and lawsuits were threatened. It broke our hearts because the OWNERS were at fault. Every time he would do something wrong, she would give him a swift kick! I used to yell at her for it all the time. Not a strong enough kick to injure him, but it sure hurt. No wonder he bit peoples FEET! We would have taken Tutu in hand, but the neighbors were calling attorneys and we simply couldn't afford to go that route. I tried very hard to work with him to stop the aggression, but didn't succeed. While he lived next to us, he went through the screen at the bottom of our door three times! Would race in and jump in my lap as I sat in my recliner and snuggle right in. Tutu is one of the big reasons we got a Yorkie, and I think of him often. |