Proud of Becca, question about kid introductions

Becca is full of surprises. We were just at a friends down the street. She had been vegging out under a chair. Their son grabbed Becca by her face and pulled. We jumped up and intervened. Becca was scared, but did not bite, snap or even growl. I let her know what a good girl she was. The incident was totally unexpected. Usually he ignores that we are there.

I have been working with Becca and the neighborhood kids, training both her and them. Most of them know not to run up to us and don't start patting from the top. How do you introduce kids who are developmentally delayed and unpredictable?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on July 23, 2012 at 4:19pm

Well you clearly demonstrate to the child how to say hi to the dog and then have him do it. After that you make sure that your dog is totally protected from the child. Unfortunately it is always the dog's fault in our society especially with a very young child or a child that is developmentally delayed.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Snickmom on July 23, 2012 at 9:48pm

I would suggest treating every encounter with the child as if it were the first. We learn by repetition and any child can learn given enough practice. If he isn't emotionally old enough not to grab, then wait until he is.