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Permalink Reply by Charlie on May 6, 2008 at 6:35pm

How old was the little girl and how old is Luigi? When Charlie was younger and still had the really sharp puppy teeth, I just politely told any child under about 8 years old that they could not pet him because he might jump on them and knock them over, or nip them with sharp puppy teeth. Young children don't have good control of their motor skills, and their awkward movements can be scary to a young dog.

After Charlie had his less-sharp adult teeth, he was allowed to meet older children. When a child asks if they can pet Charlie, I say "Yes, if he will sit down, but he might try to jump on you. Do you want to help me train him?" Of course, kids love that! I usually carry some kibble or treats on our walk, give some to the child and show them the hand signal and voice command for "Sit". That will calm Charlie down enough for them to pet him, and if he gets too excited, have the child make him sit again for food and petting. Charlie associates children with giving him food now, and is starting to sit for children without being asked (after months of work). On the occassion Charlie is really worked up and won't settle down, I just say "Sorry, he's not acting very nice. I need to walk him right now and get home. Maybe we'll see you again soon." For the most part now, I will introduce him to younger children too, but I make him sit down and hold on to his leash just under his chin so he can't jump.

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Permalink Reply by Luigi on May 6, 2008 at 6:41pm

These are great tips! So Luigi is only 5 months old. He is the alpha male so he can be aggressive towards other male dogs and now I am seeing this towards children. He is in puppy school, so I think that is helping. I think the treats is a good idea. Part of what may have scared him is the little girl pet his head first without letting him smell her hand. He is still very young and gets frightened easily. Thanks for the great tips!

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Permalink Reply by Sam on May 6, 2008 at 10:25pm

If he is not neutered make that appointment right away. I suspect that he has more fearful issues then you may be aware of. Showing aggression at this young age is typically triggered by fear. I hope in your class they are working on attention exercises. This will be very important for you in the future. If not ask if they will. Good instructors love good attention from dogs. Take him to many places but always instruct people to not pet him until he has been allowed to sniff. Always suggest that folks put their hand out before touching him and watch for his response. If he backs away tell them he doesnt feel like visiting now. If he is accepting to the hand encourage them to stroke under his neck, not on his head. Many fearful dogs are threatened by something on top of them. It would also be good to have some friends help. Give them some of the tastiest treats you can find, something different then he usually gets. Have them offer a treat, as he takes it give him a small stroke on the chest and be done. Hopefully he will seek out more and more attention. Try this in different places as he becomes more accustomed. Bring him to a park where children are and observe them from a distance. Let him get used to the sounds, smells, actions. As he gets more comfortable begin to get closer. Keep working on this until he seems relaxed and at ease. Then may be the time to have some younger folks join the treat and pet game.

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Permalink Reply by Luigi on May 7, 2008 at 5:35pm

Thanks Sam!! Yes, I just recently brought him up to San Francisco to move in with me and he is very scared of everything right now, so that could have a lot to do with it. I will ask the instructor about attention excersises, good idea! Thanks for the great ideas!!

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Permalink Reply by Kitty's Corner on May 8, 2008 at 12:20pm

Right from the start we made an effort to get Kitty around lots of different people. We invited people to meet her ,pet her and found out that she really liked kids.She,especially,loved my grandchildren(ages 5 and 2) and wanted to be all over them.I,also,took her to meet about 100 of my dance students at a rehearsal, which she loved! I think its about exposure,-slowly and gradually and lovingly.

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Permalink Reply by Kate on May 8, 2008 at 12:38pm

Sam mentioned part of what I was going to say. Oakley doesn't like to have her head patted (which is what most little kids do, they dont' "pet".) So, I've found that if I bend down behind her so that I'm on her level and then ask the children to pet her under her chin she is MUCH for receptive to small children. She has actually started seeking them out.

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Permalink Reply by Kalia and Charlie on May 8, 2008 at 4:46pm

I generally don't allow kids to play with Charlie unless they are family. They are too unpredicatable and are about the same size as sheep. I read Corgis might try to herd them around and nip at their ankles. I have experienced this first hand with my Charlie and even tho he isn't trying to be mean, it hurts. If I do let a kid pet Charlie I tell them they can pet his back and I hold his face gently in my hands and pet him so he can't get scared and bite the kid without going through me first.

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