Socializing around children

[Angela's mom]

Hello Everyone,

I haven't been around for a while, really busy with the start of school. Molly is doing great, really growing! However, we do have a problem. She doesn't seem to like kids. Whenever we are around children she growls or snaps at them. She hasn't actually bit one yet but I'm afraid she will. She is nine months old and weighs about 45 pounds now.

I know she needs to be exposed to lots of children to desensitize her. But there are not a lot of kids around our neighborhood and when we do meet one or two they are usually afraid of her jumping and barking and growling. Inviting children to the house is not really an option as most of the folks I know don't have young children.

What I need to know is when we meet a new child whether it's on our walk, at Petco, in the campground, where ever, how is the best way to handle the situation so Molly feels secure and the child is safe?

 

[antipunt1]

heyas; i'm sorta a newbie but i'll shelf out info that'll hopefully be useful/accurate

i've heard that this socialization window closes at usually 12 weeks. this doesn't mean you can't train Molly to like kids. It just means its gonna be a HECKA LOT harder. supposedly 8-12 weeks is when dogs start to learn who to trust, what things are, etc. etc.

hopefully there'll be an experienced poster that can give you advice about post 12 week desensitization! I think i heard it was like very very gradual reintroduction with tons of positive reinforcement as you bring her closer and closer or something. Having no young children around is kinda a bummer for this. gl!

 

[Angela's mom]

Thanks. . . we did puppy classes last spring. Maybe it's time for another round. AKC offers obedience classes nearby. That may be a good idea.

 

[lizzybeth727]

Actually the window usually closes between 12-16 weeks (although you probably get differing opinions from different people). Even then, though, it's definately possible to socialize a dog and work through behavior problems. When I got my dog, she was a year old and very reactive to dogs. Now she's 4 and almost never reacts to dogs in anything but a friendly way. That came with a lot of training and practice! But it is possible.

Exposing her to a lot of different kids may not be a good idea. If you don't notice the warning signs that she doesn't like a kid, she will get to practice bad behaviors while she's around them, and you may be making the problem worse.

I'd suggest you find a trainer who can help you determine the root problem - is she scared, aggressive, excited, etc., and then how to fix the problem. Obedience classes are fine, but just make sure you get the right trainer who will be willing to work on this problem with you specifically. Most obedience classes only work on basic obedience behaviors (sit, stay, heel, etc.), so be sure and talk to your trainer about how s/he will specifically help you with this problem, before registering for the class.

 

[Angela's mom]

Great advice Lizzybeth, thanks!