Help with kids

[emilyroserob]

Hello all.  I have a question about dogs and children.

I've had Pyper and Yoshi since they were 8 weeks old each.  Pyper is 2 and a half and Yoshi is 1 and a half.  They were both socialized as best as I could from puppy...walks through neighborhoods, dog stores, parks, everything.  Pyper is perfectly socialized and nothing bothers her (great with dogs and people).  Yoshi, on the other hand, is really weird with strangers, rarely warms up to them upon the first, second or even third visit.  The other day, we had a child at our house.  They've been around plenty of children from parks, stores, etc but I don't know anyone with a child (until now) to condition them.  I told the mom to make sure her daughter did not run, scream, or approach Yoshi as she is very unpredicable.

I put Yoshi on a leash and attatched it to my jeans so she would not leave my sight, and had high value treats for positive reactions.  (never got to use much sheesh)

At one point the little girl ran to Yoshi as fast as she could (giggling loud) and Yoshi lunged with all her force, a full out attack.  she was on my hip (thank god) and could not reach her, but it scared the absolute daylights out of me.  No one else noticed so I think I am scarred moreso than anyone else. 

I have done done socializing in public places and Pyper is fine around children, obviously this is a problem particularly to her (she's a shiba/eskie mix) and I really don't know how to fix it.  It never gets better with any methods I've used for Pyper.  She attacks this girl almost every time she gets near her even with high value reward treats, positive association, everything.

Any ideas besides a behaviorist? There is not one near my for a LONG, long ways.

[snowflake's mom]

I don't have any advice, as I've not been through this, but I just wanted to post my support and that I hope you find a solution soon.  Hopefully others will have good advice.

[Steve]

I know this is stating the obvious but kids move differently - and it just simply bugs some dogs.  Remember Terry?  She hasn't been on in a while but I remember that she always had a muzzle with her for Cassie and in certain situations the muzzle went on for safety.  I'm not saying don't work on training but it's a tool that you might want to have at your disposal...

[Geno]

If you can find a child that is willing, you need to work on this problem. Here's some "suggestions", but you should take Yoshi to Obedience classes if you can.

1. Yoshi needs to be exercised good before the visit.

2. Give the child the treats with Yoshi on a leash and even muzzed at first. Just have the child stand there totally ignoring Yoshi. Maybe standing sideways. Once Yoshi calms down (you may need to issue some corrections), have the child toss her a treat. Eventually actually giving the treat.

3. Nothing bonds humans and dogs like a good long walk. Have the child walk with you and Yoshi. Eventually you can put 2 leashes on her with the child holding 1 leash and you holding the other (to keep Yoshi under control).

4. You can have the child walk past Yoshi (on a leash and calm). Have the child go faster and faster.  Yoshi needs to stay calm. If she gets out of control, go slower. Give treats (really yummy ones that she only gets during these exercises) only when she remains calm.

Most importantly, YOU need to remain calm! Dogs read your body language. There is nothing better than formal training if you can afford it. All of this requires time, patience, and work.


Geno

[snowballsmom]

so you dont know at this point if it is all kids, or just this one?
if it is just htis one, it might just be the way it is. my dogs just plain dont like certain people.
if it is all kids that is more workable but it comes from having dog-savvy kids available too.

[emilyroserob]

so you dont know at this point if it is all kids, or just this one?
if it is just htis one, it might just be the way it is. my dogs just plain dont like certain people.
if it is all kids that is more workable but it comes from having dog-savvy kids available too.

She was always a little uncertain of children, but now since this child was in our house she gets tense and in attack mode when she sees young ones.  I've always been very calm and have exposed her to things so this is weird for me.  She is so food oriented and I cannot even get her to take a high-value treat when the child is around. I've already ordered a muzzle for the future its just...so strange it came out of nowhere! And it is SCARY aggressive.  I carried Yoshi next to me on a leash and every time she saw the child she was baring her teeth and snapping. The most frightening thing I've ever seen, and she's never been aggressive before at all.  So...quite disheartening.