8 month old pup and kids

[Guest Anonymous]

Hello all!
I have an 8 month old English Pointer named Anastasia.
Annie has an issue, she is afraid of kids and I don't know why!
She hasn't had any bad experiences, as far as I
know.
Whenever she sees a kid she wants to run the opposite way, she cowards back, sometimes I am afraid she will slip off her collar, if the kid keeps approaching and tries to pet her (they usually go away when they see how panicky she is, but some toddlers don't know how to read her), she will make a scared bark and tries to jump back (and she can jump
high).

I don't know many kids, only a 7 year old that I might ask her mom for help, she has had dogs since the day she was born (and before!), so she is very gentle with them.
I'd like for Annie to be a therapy dog when she grows up, but I need to help her get over this fear of hers...
Do you have any advice you can give me?
Thanks!

[JudyHoffman]

Hi Het-Hert.

My first question I have to ask (since I need a few more details) is has his dog been to obedience classes? My second question is has the dog been socialized with kids? Both are important to having a well rounded well mannered dog.

Since I cannot see what is happening I'm going to take a stab at this.

When the dog see children what do you do? I will guess and say that you encourage the dog to say "hello" and ask the kids to pet him? Stop doing that.

If you go somewhere there are kids watch your dog, watch him for signs of being uncomfortable. Keep him (and yourself) at a distance where he is comfortable with kids. If he can give you a comfortable sit or a comfortable down with kids at a safe distance then highly praise and treat him for being so good. Gradually, over the span of a few weeks lessen the distance between himself and kids. Always treating and always praising when he is relaxed. Perky ears and a relaxed tail are signs of a relaxed dog. If his ears are plastered to his head and his tail is tucked way up under him, he is not relaxed.

You will not be able to force him to accept kids, it is something he has to learn thru positive training. This really sounds like a socialization issue more than a behavior temperment issue. If you get uptight and nervous when kids are around, your feelings are travelling down the leash to him and he feels the same way you do. Be relaxed and happy.

In order for a dog to be a Therapy Dog, it is my recommendation that they pass Obedience Classes, the CGC (Canine Good Citizen Test) and then the Therapy Dog Test.

If kids walk up to you and ask if they can pet him, for the time being say no, he is in training.

As far as your neighbors child, that might be a good idea and a good place to start. If you, the dog and the child could be in the yard (fenced in, with the dog off leash) and the child could just play and ignore the dog and let the dog watch and after a little while have the girl try to give the dog a treat. If he won't take it from her hand, ask her to toss it to the dog and if he takes it, tell him he is a good boy with lots of praise. If he takes the treat, fine. If not, try again another day.

Also, do not let this dog hide behind your legs (just an afterthought). He should always be in front of you in a relaxed way. When he see's kids and backs up and tries to slip out of his collar in a happy voice say "silly boy, let's go" and coax him with a treat or a favorite toy. Try to keep his attention on your face (smiling and talking in a happy non-chalant voice)

Start slowly and build his confidence. It sounds as if he needs confidence learning classes which is nothing to be ashamed of, there are more puppies that need that than you can imagine.

[courtnek]

I agree with everything Judy said. My dog, although an adult, is afraid of my son and his friends. Sometimes the loudness of kids, and the arm flailing, and high pitched voices just scares them. Her suggestions were excellent, and if the neighbor kid can help that will work wonders.

good luck!!

:D