How to introduce children to my dog?

Question

I have a 6 year old female Pitbull who has never been around kids. Well, my cousin is coming to visit me and she is young. I don't know how the dog is going to react. I don't really trust her though, since she has shown signs of agression before towards adults, especially when doing rapid movements like running and swinging hands during a conversation. And yesterday while I was walking her, a kid passed running and she tried to jump on him and started barking. I don't know if she is trying to play or trying to attack but I don't really wanna take my chances. What should I do?
Other than that, she is a very sweet dog.

Answer 1

If your cousin is coming soon and you are unsure, keep your dog separated.

You should begin to try and get your dog used to kids. You can start to do some "Classical Conditioning" by giving your dog lots of love and praise and treats when kids are around. You want your dog to be confident. Dogs that are anxious and fearful are the dogs that most often bite.

Another thing you could do is start learning to clicker train your dog for good behavior. Pitbulls are very intelligent and I've had great results with clicking them. Check out http://www.clickertraining.com or go to a pet supply store and find a book on basic clicker training. If you have a dog who knows basic commands - that will help too. If she knows hand signals and can take treats very gently, you can even have your cousin do some fun tricks with her.

I'm sure you are going to get lots of ignorant people replying to this question. Ignore them. You're doing the right thing by thinking ahead. You seem like a good owner. Remember - Pitbulls used to be the all American family dog. Petey from the Little Rascals was a Pit and he never harmed Alfalfa or Buckwheat.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 2

If your dog has already shown aggression towards adults, I would not have her around any children. Children don't always understand how to treat a dog and may accidentally hurt the dog causing the dog to snap at them. Also, children are much higher energy than most adults and their sudden movements can scare a dog. Also, even if the child does something wrong, like hurting the dog, some parents will still blame the dog and not the child. The dog can also accidentally scratch the child if they are playing together and some parents will get mad about that. It is better safe than sorry to avoid anyone including you, the dog, your cousin, and other family, from getting hurt or angry.

Answer 3

Keep your dog in a room like the laundry room with a baby gate so that she can see what's going on and smell the child and be in on the visit. But do not allow this dog and child to have interactions. Even the mildest dog will snap at a child if they aren't used to the running and screaming of kids. So keep them apart. Plus kids who aren't used to dogs will chase them and this will give your dog good reason to bite if cornered in her own house. Just tell your cousin you don't want your dog to jump up and scare the child. But tell her you don't want the child to scare the dog so to keep her away from the baby gate. Separation is the answer.

Answer 4

Don't let the child and dog out of your site and don't let the child make any sudden movements around the dog. The dog may be very protective of you and if that child wants to hug you, the dog may think that the child is trying to hurt you. If at all possible, have the child very slowly stick her hand out so as the dog can sniff her hand-and let the dog sniff her out. No sudden movements at all. Let the dog know in a kind voice that the child is nice to play with and that that the child will not hurt you. Believe me, dogs understand english. I have 3 of them and they know about 50-60 words.

Answer 5

For the safety of your cousin and I'd suggest that you keep the dog very busy with exercise before you he arrives. Just as you'd introduce one dog to a new group, the group should be tired. In this case your dog is more likely to react in a non aggressive manner if it's tired when you introduce it to someone new. Although you still can't take chances with any ones safety.

Answer 6

You need to talk to your cousin first. Kids will constantly do the kinds of jerky, frenetic movements that have already aroused your dog - and unless they are instructed by you to not behave that way around your dog, then I'm afraid you're headed for disaster. If you don't have a crate for this dog, please get one, or figure out a place for your dog to be where she can have a break from your cousin. Go out of your way to associate your cousin with good things for your dog - special treats and chewies, etc. Please don't let your cousin take ANYthing that belongs to the dog. Be sure to manage the situation so that your dog is not uncomfortable!

Answer 7

Some kids react to dogs that don't look like there mean. Some kids like little cute dog that don't look like it is about to chase them. Like my cousin when I had a pit-bull they was so scared and it always chase and bark at every body who walks pass by my house so my mom had sold it so know i have Pomeranian so know all the little kids want to hold it.

Answer 8

A dog is still an animal and it's good that you recognize the potential dangers. They can be unpredictable and unless their behavior is redirected, they can cause harm. And it doesn't matter the breed of dog, either.

Get professional help.. trainer. Check with your Vet's office. They may be able to recommend someone.

Answer 9

get the dog out of there until they leave. why take any chances with the dog?

Answer 10

I would just board her for the time that your cousin is in town. It would be better safe than sorry.