Barking at children

My corgi Miles has gotten into a habit of barking/herding children. We don't have children of our own, so when the occassion arises at a friend's BBQ or at a dog park, he will bark and scare small children. When it happens I pick him up and bring him over to the children to show them how to greet a dog properly, but it is still embarrassing. Any suggestions? Have you had to deal with your corgi on this issue? Thanks!

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Comment by Ginny and Diggory on July 8, 2008 at 1:47pm: I feel ya.... Ginny also has a thing for kids. As much work as I have done trying to get her to not jump up on them, she still does it. She just loves them. The only time she ever tugs on her leash is when she sees a kid and really, really, really wants to go say hi. She puts her ears back and wiggles her butt and then *POW* jumps up on the kid. I try to hold her until she settles down and then she is great. She always looks at me like "gee, mom, can't we get one of these?" I think she likes them because they're down on her level and high energy, too. But sometimes it's too much and I worry about her jumping on the really little children. As long as she's on her leash, I can control it, but otherwise, all bets are off. Good luck with yours...

Comment by Sam on July 5, 2008 at 10:56pm: I would make all introductions on lead and keep her attached until she settles. Little kids are often quite attractive to corgis that have not been around them. Their swift movement and squeals evoke a instinctive drive. Toddlers ambulate much differently then adults which also is unusual to a dog. Some dogs may be fearful, this only you would know. You have to decide if the bark is an excited bark or a worried bark. Does he try to approach them or get away from them. If he seems interested orking with the children to give commands and treat is an excellent idea. May even do well to let an older and more responsible child take her for a short walk, supervised of course. You may also encourage them to join you in a game of ball with Miles so he learns they can be fun to be around too.

Comment by Sarah C. on July 5, 2008 at 9:08pm: My Corgi did this when she was a puppy, mostly with the neighbor children. It was very dangerous because she would run out near the street when she made archs around them. We got the neighbor children to give her snacks and commands. First I stood next to the girls and gave her commands like sit and down, and they gave her the snacks, then I let them go solo. Now she will sometimes bark at kids to let us know that there are people in our yard, but besides that she will go next to them and sit patiently to be pet and be given tasties, so I guess it worked!