Getting dogs used to children.....

Marnie

Marnie

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I went home to my parents with my two terriers this Christmas. Scooby has been before and is fine with my brothers kids (3 under the age of 10), but this was Foxy's first time. She is a little more nervous than Scooby, but I didn't really expect any problems as she is used to the kids at the yard. Unfortunately my brothers kids are not used to animals at all - they don't like it if the dogs jump up or lick them - cue lots of screaming and arms waving around. Scooby doesn't care, but Foxy was reacting by barking - she never went for any of the children, but I wasn't convinced that she wouldn't, so the dogs spent most of christmas shut in the laundry room where they could have some peace and quiet. My brother doesn't help - he keeps saying to the kids that he doesn't like dogs either so knows how they feel. My mum and dad were a bit upset that the dogs had to be shut away, but I felt it was easier all around.

How should I tackle this? Both dogs are well socialised with other dogs and people - Foxy takes a little longer to come up to people than Scooby, but will then happily play, be stroked etc. I feel that part of it is the kids, but how ever much I told them to be quiet around the dogs, and not to bend over them and then snatch their hands away, they kept doing it - I think they need some training too! However, this doesn't really excuse Foxy.

Any ideas? Sorry, this got a bit long!!
 
In future, shut the kids in the laundry and let the dogs run free!!!
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I'd say he needs to educate the kids around dogs, she wouldn't be barking and wound up if they weren't flapping and screaming. Regardless of whether he likes dogs or not, they should respect the dogs and know how to behave around them. He'd be the first to complain if she did nip one! And it wouldn't be the dogs fault!!
 
I must say, it was tempting, especially after 4 hours of them
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It didn' go down too well either when my brother said that he didn't like dogs - and I said that I didn't like children, but I put up with them
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I think you did the right thing in removing the dogs given that there was a potential problem; however for the kids own safety, not with your dogs specifically, but with dogs generally, yep the kids do need educating. They might be out one day and meet one of the "OH he doesn't NORMALLY bite people when I let him off the lead to run in the childrens playground" brigade, and it will be all down to them to behave appropriately; no responsible owner & handy laundry room there.

Plus, taught to behave properly they might actually begin to LIKE dogs.

Does your Bro. really dislike them or is he just uneasy for his kids? Or is it family politics?
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My bro really dfoesn't like animals full stop - he has never seen the appeal. My other brother and I had the usual gerbils etc and he just wasn't interested. You can tell the difference with my other brothers kids that are much more familiar with animals, they are much quieter and know instinctively (even though both under 7) when to back off. It would have been easier if the weather had been better I think, and could have gone into the garden. It does worry me about other animals they may meet - my mum said the same to him too.
 
Are you around these children often or is this just a once a year Christmas get together kind of thing? Its the children that need to be educated, not your dogs. You are right to be concerned that if they meet a strange dog and act that way they could incite the prey drive and get bitten. If you can, get the kids away from Dad and give them a private lesson on how to behave around dogs. If your dogs know some simple tricks, show the kids how to make them do them. Lots of treats and praise for both dogs and kids when things go well. Who knows, you may win them over to liking animals and become the cool, fun auntie in the process. BTW, tell your brother that people who can't abide the honest gaze of a dog must have something to hide!
 
We have 4 grown up (ish) children and we have always had lots of dogs. Three of the kids are obviously going to be dog owners when they have their own places and know which breed they want but the 4th (the oldest) has never had any interest in the dogs and will have cats as the chosen pets
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My 5 month old mini Schnauzer does the same thing when he meets children who react eractically (running, shouting, arm-waving of any sort), he is super with people and other animals and generally with kids he knows. Anyway I wanted to nip this behaviour in the bud as I have a baby due in feb so I spoke to a trainer who has showed me how to combat this problem. She gave me a training lead which is basically a really long lightweight lead that you attach to the dogs collar and leave on them (they get used to having it on as it's so light weight), when the dog barks at the child simply pick up the lead and don't talk or look or react in anyway to the dog just walk off in the other direction with the dog in tow and shut it in a room on it's own for 30 seconds. Then let the dog out. Keep repeating this and eventually the dog will learn that this behaviour doesn't get him/her any attention. She explained that dogs always prefere to be with "the pack" so eventually he/she will want to avoid being shut away. She also said that when leading the dog away always remain calm and relaxed as the more tense you are the more the dog will feed of this.

Also the trainer said telling the dog off doesn't help as the barking is simply a fear reaction and by shouting or reprimanding him you are just reinforcing the fear. She also told me to take time explaining to the kids how to behave around a dog and eventually get them feeding the dog some treats once he/she has started to relax. It takes patience but it works wonders and Wooster is coming on leaps and bounds and is super with kids now. I have used the training method with all types of situations now i.e. people ringing the door bell, barking at postman etc and it works fantastically. Anyway I hope it makes sense
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educate the kids, muzzle the dogs if around the kids and eventually they should get on!

as long as the dogs get to choose wether they are fussed & cuddled etc and do not feel treatened and there are no sudden movements, loud noises or threatening actions then the dogs should be ok with it.

xx
 
My Bitch is a bit like this- my little cousins were raised to be scared off dogs and so they would call pippa over but then scream and cry when she ran upto them!
She did growl at them once out of confusion and fear i think but i have always been really careful with her around children!
Mind you- if they are confident around dogs pippa is as quiet as a lamb!
 
I would sit and talk to the kids about how to behave around dogs, and kind of do it the other way round. The kids sound a nightmare - sorry - but I would'nt want my dogs anywere near them.
 
It's not getting dogs used to kids - it's kids getting used to dogs.

I think this is the main way 'one' should look at it - dogs are animals and don't understand - humans should at least show some respect for the animals, and the parents should control the kids.

ditto - put the kids in the laundry room next time!
 
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