Afraid of my Yorkie... Let me preface this by saying that Roxie loves visitors, especially children. She wants everyone to play with her! However, my 6-year-old nephew is terrified of little Roxie. :( He rarely visits my house, but usually when he does it is a holiday and Roxie is upstairs in her playpen, out of everyone's way. There have been times, like yesterday, where my nephew comes here and Roxie is not confined (as she usually isn't, and has free roam of the main floor). My nephew locked himself in the bathroom and wouldn't come out. With much coaxing, we got him out of the bathroom, but then he went to sit in the stairwell because he knows Roxie doesn't like to go up the stairs. When I asked him what he was afraid of, he said he didn't like when dogs lick him. Is there anything I can do to help this situation? Or am I just going to have to confine Roxie every time my nephew comes over? BTW: My nephew has 4 siblings...the two older children LOVE to play with Roxie. The two younger ones are a bit nervous around her, but they don't hide from her. |
Sorry, just a quickie...:) Is it ALL dogs that he's afraid of, or just your little girl? Sally + Harry x |
My Nieces are the same way, they are only 2 years old. I think they are afraid of her because she is so hyper but they just freak out whenever she comes anywhere near them. |
He is afraid of ALL dogs, but Roxie is so small and she really isn't hyper, so I guess in my mind I can't understand the fear. However, I love my nephew to pieces and I don't want him to be uncomfortable or afraid to come to my house. |
Of COURSE you don't want him to be afraid of visiting....it's a horrible situation. May I also ask - has he always been afraid, or has something happened with another dog? Sorry, I sound like Judge Judy! :) Sally + Harry x |
I've asked my SIL, and to her knowledge nothing has ever happened to make him afraid. |
A shame to confine Roxie in her own house when she has done absolutely nothing wrong. I don't think she is the one with the problem. Of course, I have to admit to always taking the fur kids side:D But I do think you need to consider who has the problem here. |
Ok, this is what I did with my niece, who was a similar age at the time...:) It was with our mini Schnauzer (Sam), so slightly larger. Firstly, I didn't keep him away from us all - but I DID keep him on his lead. Then I was in control of who did what, and when. I made Sam sit next to me, and gave my niece some doggy treats. I told her she didn't have to give them, it was up to her. We all then carried on with our day as if there was nothing different and nothing 'in the air', but kept Sam, on the lead, next to me at all times. It didn't happen quickly, but I realised she was rolling some of the treats gently towards him. She jumped and ran away a few times, as Sam reached for them. I think it was the speed, and the little sticky-out tongue....but each time she visited it got gradually better and better. Softly, softly...:) May I add, it ended up that they were THE best friends, and used to curl up in Sam's bed together....:) Good luck! Sally + Harry x |
Harrysmum had some pretty good ideas. Truly, the only way to overcome a fear is to face it (gradually is best). So, as suggested, gently get the dog and nephew used to each other (i.e keep dog on lead at first and let nephew give treats for a sit command and such)...gradual exposure should do the trick |
I don't understand when kids are afraid of dogs. I have always adored animals. That being said I had a repair man come over to do some work and he brought his boy - about 8 years old. At that time I had Gina, the sweetest little girl who loved everyone. The kid saw Gina and freaked out. He "told" me to lock Gina in a room. I told him, "This is Gina's home. If you don't want to be around her then go sit outside", which he did. I know this little guy is your nephew but maybe you should just let him lock himself in the bathroom and after a while maybe he will come out of him own and realize that your little girl is not going to harm him. I call this "tough love". |
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My sister was extremely afraid of dogs as a child, however she was able to over come this because of the adults in her life. With their patience, kindness and love she grew up to have a great love for dogs. Children often see things differently then adults, as we all can attest to, as adults it is our responsibility to help them when we can. I can feel your pain for your little nephew, I hope he will one day be able to enjoy your fur baby as you do. |
Change the situation. You are going to someone's house who happens to have a very large snake, spider, or whatever you are deathly afraid of. You don't have a choice, you have to go to this house. This person insists that their large snake, spider, or whatever you are deathly afraid of, won't hurt you and this large snake, spider, or whatever you are deathly of, comes up to you and jumps on you, and everyone insists that it's ok and you need to touch it. How would you feel? Just because we love our dogs, doesn't mean that other people don't have very real fears and fobias. Something to consider. |
I've seen adults afraid of dogs, even little dogs. My yorkie is a child lover, she always has loved children, I was astounded one time when I had Suzi at the childrens park in the apartment complex next door, when Suzi was approached by a toddler, Suzi emmiditaly roled on her back, that is very submissive behavior, and the small child did pet her, nicely. I never even taught Suzi to do it, she just had, and was so happy and amazed. With that said Suzi is a very hyperactive yorkie and once when under a yr old, she scratched my father who is in his late 70's which made him bleed, after that experience my father is uneasy around Suzi even though he has always had dogs on his own. My son will tell Suzi in a firm voice, careful Suzi I am wearing shorts! Since Roxie is not hyperactive, but loves to give kisses work with her, Suzi also loves kisses too, and a few times she has gotten me with her teeth, accidently from being so excited licking me, and yes, that hurts. Maybe sit your yorkie in your lap, and have your nephew sit next to you , gently pet Roxie and softly talk to your nephew about Roxie at the same time, see if he will give her a small treat, by placing the treat flat on his palm of his hand, see if that helps, he may even laugh cause it could tickle his hand a little. I would work patiently with Roxie and your nephew in intervals, just 5 minutes at a time until you can slowly help your nephew feel comfortable around Roxie and not be so afraid. This will take time, and respect thefact that right now, this little boy is scared, but it can be worked on, and resolved. I would not push the child into liking Roxie, just help him learn that Roxie is a good girl and likes him, a little patience and kind words will help him be more comfortable. I know when Suzi has got me from licking me so hard with her teeth it hurt. |
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