Aggression Towards Kids Next Door

[Lil Miss LeiLani]

I got home from work last night, and found OH at the window holding his mobile phone - I asked what was going on and he said he caught the oldest son (the only one who didn't come over to see the dog those times) on the fence, throwing things over in to our yard. So, straight away we went and told the mother and sorted it out. Of course the boy denied everything, but the mother made him come over and get everything out that he threw over. So at least now she is aware of whats happening, I also told her that I had spoken to a few breeders (as well as Zorros breeder) who said obviously the dog had been scared by the kids and thats the reason for his behaviour. I also asked her how the dog was in the mornings now and told her we built a fence so he couldn't get out in the mornings. She said he was much better, and seemed happy that we had done something about it.

So, we'll see what happens now !

My only concern is - what happens if we meet children out and about and they ask to pat him - what do we do ???

[sidoney]

I would tell them that they don't get to pat dogs that they tease and throw things at, and if they want to be friends with the dog they should be nice to him and not do things to him over the fence.

I had a similar problem with kids next door. They want to get the dogs to react and do stuff. I have had words with more than one group of kids and parents.

[poodlefan]

What Sidoney said.

Kids that torment dogs need to learn that their behaviour has consequences. I'd tell them that due to their behaviour, your dog doesn't like them anymore.

Edited June 8, 2007 by poodlefan

[Lil Miss LeiLani]

Thanks guys !

I think i may have not worded myself correctly in asking about kids wanting to pat the dog - i didn't mean the kids from next door (as I will tell them what you both said - that because of their behavior and teasing the dog etc that they aren't allowed to see/pat him) - i actually meant just random kids while we are out.

eg: Going to the pet expo at redcliffe on sunday - what if kids come up wanting to pat him ?

[poodlefan]

Thanks guys !

I think i may have not worded myself correctly in asking about kids wanting to pat the dog - i didn't mean the kids from next door (as I will tell them what you both said - that because of their behavior and teasing the dog etc that they aren't allowed to see/pat him) - i actually meant just random kids while we are out.

eg: Going to the pet expo at redcliffe on sunday - what if kids come up wanting to pat him ?

If you are at all unsure of his reaction (and with children you don't know I would be) then I'd say no. It's your dog's behaviour you need to focus on and until you can access a few dog savvy kids to help him, I'd tell the kids that he's shy with kids he doesn't know and doesn't like being patted.

You also save yourself potential grief from an adverse reaction to inadvertant rough handling. Your dog has nipped a child before - better safe than sorry.

ETA: I have one dog who is scared of kids. However she's more than happy to sit for a treat from them. I control it by providing the treats. You might try that if you think he can handle it.

Edited June 8, 2007 by poodlefan

[Lil Miss LeiLani]

I wish i didn't have this problem !! I need to round up some kids I know as you said, and get them to pat the dog and see his reaction.

I know he is fine at the dog park etc, just on leash may be a different story.

I know what you mean- better safe than sorry. But we are wanting to have kids in a few years and i don't want to have any problems with the dog & our kids etc, so I wanna try and nip this problem in the bud if there is chance of a problem.

I did give the kids next door treats to give him which did seem to help - until the 8yo went in for a pat anyways which scared him !

Also...what is ETA ???

[sidoney]

I do that too pf. Take the dogs when picking up son from school and give kids treats to give the dogs.

BTW would not put this dog under that kind of pressure just yet but positioning further away at school release time so there are not so many kids, and rewarding dog with kids around could be OK.

Also possible to get chosen kids to toss nice visible yummy treats near dog, dog associates treats with kids without having to be too close, as dog feels more comfortable then kid/s can get closer and eventually hand feed.

Also not sure where nipped kid patted dog. On top of head? Not a good place. Better to pat from a lower approach while relearning - over the eyes can be intimidating.

ETA: ETA means edited to add.

Also, your own kids should be fine since they will be a part of the everyday family - dogs will behave differently to their own family kids. Dog next door is a fear biter but fine with their grandchildren (who lived there for a time).

Edited June 8, 2007 by sidoney

[poodlefan]

I'd say no patting until dog is willingly accepting treats. Keep kids stationary and let dog approach. Now that he's concerned ALL initiatives to approach need to come from him. If the kids won't abide by your rules, no interactions allowed.

Agree with Sidoney's suggestion to start with the kids tossing treats and progress to hand feeding once the pup is more confident.

[Lil Miss LeiLani]

Sounds like a great idea - will bring along treats for kids to 'toss' in front of the dog.

Yes - the girl did go straight in for the head (twice - even after I told her not to pat him there), so that freaked him out. We can pat him on the head with never any worries, but he was obviously unsure with this one.

When we went to the markets last week, when a kid would go past and zorro was well behaved & not bothered by the children, I gave him a treat and praised his good behaviour.

Its a shame I don't really know young children to socialise him with. I will have to do something so he can be around them (not in his face tho!). We are taking him to hydrobath in the morning, so possibly there could be some kids there, I will have to suss out his reactions & mood to see how he copes with kids there - ie: pulling on the leash, barking etc. I will bring treats along so they can throw to him and see how that goes.