Schanauzer Socialization?

Question

What is the best way to socialize a dog to small children? We have none in our family. My dog gets very nervous and barks meanly (really meanly) at the sight of small kids. I can't even get him to relax... I don't want to have to worry about him biting a child....

oops... I meant schnauzer...

I forgot... he is 9 months old (if that helps).

Answer 1

I have two Schnauzers and made the mistake of not socializing one early on. He started exhibiting the exact same signs and I realized I hadn't done my part. He literally sounded like he wanted to take their head off. Soooo...here's what I did.

Since dog parks around her only allow children over 10 years of age, I started taking him there. He still barks at kids on bicycles/bicycles on general but he's had so much exposure that he's learned that while little, kids are not so bad.
Then...
We would also take small trips to Petsmart, and basically came to the realization that he'll always hate them through the fence, but in the same room he couldn't love them more. Take small steps, work slow, you have nothing but time to get him used to kids so don't rush it, keep it pleasent, and he'll come around to a tolerable level if not total acceptance.

Just remember Rome wasn't built in a day, so be patient.

Answer 2

It sounds as though your pet is an adult, so traditional socialization is out of the question. You now need to use repetition. Take him for walks in the park and to playgrounds but keep your distance. Stand off a ways and let your dog watch the children. Don't encourage any of the kids to come over and pet him.
Move a little closer over a period of several days always making certain to keep the children away. You want your pet to reach the point where watching the children becomes boring. He may even lay down and go to sleep, while you're standing there. That's OK.
When you think he's ready for a closer encounter try it first with children at home, that he already knows. Use a husher, it's a very gentle muzzle, just for safety sake. When he allows the children that he is already familiar with to pat him and welcomes their touch then things should be more relaxed for him.
I know that we all enjoy seeing our pets romping and playing with children but don't be upset if that doesn't happen, because some dogs just don't care to be around children. He will however be less nervous and the barking will dissipate but he might refuse to play with them.

Answer 3

I'm afraid to say you may not be able to or it could be very hard. I have a 1yr. old Schanauzer and he's the same, we can't break him of it. But we raised him around 2 kids so he's good with those2.