My lab is terrified of any children under age 10 and I don't know why? He has never had a bad experience with children in all the years that I have had him. Whenever a child wants to pat him I make sure that they pat him calmy and nicely but he absolutely hates it and tries to run away. Its not a fear of strangers because he is not like this with adults? How can I make him not afraid?
2006-12-11 09:13:40 · 11 answers · asked by irisheyes47 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My dog is 7 yrs old, he is a very patient dog and I am not worried about him biting anyone, I have been having my 5 yr old neighbor pat him for short periods for several months now so he can get used to kids but it isn't working, he still pulls away whenever he sees the kid.
2006-12-11 10:51:19 · update #1
I too am afraid they're just to loud and energetic !
2006-12-11 09:16:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Becareful as to not let your dog get so fearful that it may bite. If your dog is afraid, then let him decide when it is okay. But still encourage him by putting a kid on you lap and treating it like a pack member. But do not force your dog. He may be scared of the unpredictabililty in children. So use caution until you are certain he is okay. Be sure to make kids ask you to pet your dog, parents do not do a very good job these days at telling their kids to ask for anything let alone petting someone dog. Can't blame them I am dog lover to.
Maybe he will never change and if that is the case, ALWAYS use caution. Don't want your dog to bite a kid.
2006-12-11 09:22:33 · answer #2 · answered by ActionStaffords 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just curious - how old is the lab? There's a strange, short period at the end of their puppyhood where they may suddenly develop new fears.
Ok then. Your reinforcements for him interacting with the child aren't high enough. So you need to use really, really high value treats that you give to him generously whenever he sees a child. I would back off from asking him to be so close (you do not want to start a wrestling match!) Bring out the steak, chicken, cheese, liver bits - and say "Yes!" and treat whenever he looks at a child. You may need to set this up with your neighbor (sounds like that will be easy). Forcing your dog close to the child is not going to work at this juncture - just reward, reward, reward for your dog looking at the child. Also, you should teach a "target" behavior to him - this is pretty easy. (link below) Your goal should be that you can ask your dog to touch the child's hand with his nose to get a treat from you. The dog will begin to look forward to touching the child for a treat. Be very slow in moving forward! Fear can very easily turn to aggression. Make it easy for your dog to make the right choice.
2006-12-11 09:36:41 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't force your dog to interactive with someone if it's doesn't want to first off..maybe find some cooperative kids who have time and will quietly play in the area of the dog, offer it treats, etc and work up to be PETTED... and DO NOT have any person PAT a dog. I don't think you'd like someone coming up and patting your head (and making it bob up and down - dogs don't either) teach children and adults to pet/stroke a dog.
2006-12-11 09:59:00 · answer #4 · answered by smurf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This was aired on The dog Whispier on TV sorry that yon missed it .This can be caused from them not having contact with small children. Or experincing a bad situation with small children . If you dont trust him Get a Muzzle fastened with Velcro and let small children get close not making any physical contact for 4ormore sessions.Work slowly thereafter. You will see change.The children should remain calm expressing no fear and avoid eye contact with him if poss.
2006-12-11 10:09:26 · answer #5 · answered by EL-BRAY 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most dogs will naturally run away from children. Children are generally loud and easily excitable which scares the dogs a bit. Have the children stay quiet and calm around the dog and eventually, he/she will begin to like them.
2006-12-11 09:18:24 · answer #6 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maby you should let your dog sniff your children then your dog might not be so scared. And your children might just be a little loud, or they yanked your dogs tail or something and your dog just doesnt want your children to do it again.
2006-12-11 09:20:34 · answer #7 · answered by Brooke 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's not unusual. They are jumpy, loud and their hands are always flying around. Not to mention their little shoes really hurt . They stick their fingers where they don't belong and scream with those high pitched voices. It's enough to drive a dog mad.
2006-12-11 09:20:02 · answer #8 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's because the baby might be a little bigger then the dog itself.Plus sometimes babies make a high pitch noise.
2006-12-11 09:23:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
your dog just isn't use to your kids yet just do what your doing for a few days so the dog can trust your kids
2006-12-11 09:22:53 · answer #10 · answered by Dennis T 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋