Hi all,

Has anyone any suggestions as to how I can stop my 6mth old mini
schnauzer jumping up at children.

I know he just wants to play, and I think that because they are nearer his
size and pay him attention they seem interesting and fun! However although
him being boisterous and jumpy is fine to an adult, some children get a bit
frightened. If the child runs away he also chases them, thinking its a big game.
Sometimes it is funny to watch, but not all parents will be quite as understanding
as they have been to date.

Therefore I have no choice but to keep him on a lead near young children,
however I feel I am in a vicious circle as surely unless he comes into contact
with kids he won't learn how to behave.

We have no children, and he does not come into regular contact
with children other than strangers in the park.

There are no young children amongst our family or friends we would slowly
introduce him to either.

Is this something he will grow out of, or should we be doing something to
stop this now?

Happy Easter, Louise x

Hi Louise, I dont think will grow out of it. Could you perhaps take him to a school when the kids are leaving and talk to some of the mums that are waiting and ask if they wouldnt mind getting their kids to help you with stopping you pup from jumping up. You must stop him jumping up even at adults. I have the same problem with my pup he loves kids & runs over to them at present he's only 12 weeks but he is rapidly getting bigger and will soon knock over the kids he is with.
Im sure others will have more suggestions as well. Hope you are able to get your pup trained. Best of luck.

Happy easter as well

Hi again. Theemx is correct that all dogs need to jump up as this is part of doggy rules on how to meet members of the family (pack) when they return each time. Licking the leaders face on their return is normal but for us not acceptable. Why not? from the eyes of a dog do you not kiss the wife when you enter the door. (No have you seen the wife) So whats wrong with us dogs then. Well a dogs mouth is not the healthest of places and we object seeing as the dog may have just liked its where ever. The normal way to stop this by most trainers etc is on entry just ignore the dog for a while until the dog settles and then call the dog for a greeting that does not intale having your face washed. I do allow a dog to lick me on occasions in order to develop a bond and establish me as leader.

Theemx is also correct that children are lower down so easier to reach and when they step back the dog follows and can knock them over.this is why it is best to keep to caution and train not to jump by simply turning your back so the dog cannot lick. This may not be so easy with a big dog the then stands onto your back but they do accept this rejection body posture and you only need to do it for a while until you have stopped the jumping up. As this is rejection and hurtfull for the dog but there is no need to show anger but as you turn away hand a titbit to the dog backwards so the dog knows you still love them. After that you can cuddle them all you like.

If you do try to gradually intoduce dogs to children who are willing and have parents approval do it from the side so they walk up to a child on their side and keep walking whilst the child pats the dog this way you do not have a frontal position where a jump up is possible. I know some do try jumping up from the side but you then must try something else. My daugter does this for me by feeding the dog titbits dropped on the floor and then changes to giving titbits from a hand held low again to stop the jump. Watch the childrens normal reaction to feeding titbits if worried they tend to bring their hands up to their faces so the dog often follows.

I must say this to anyone reading this because they have a similar problem but where the dog actually shows aggression towards children there is a major problem. Keeping them away from children hoping the problem will go away only makes the problem worse. Training with children is potentally dangerouse. In such cases only a good instructor or behavourist should even attempt this as they have the skill to read the dog together with lighting reflexes and timing necessary to retrain the dog. Owners with such a problem do not have this experiance nor the necessary skills so an accident can be the result. A good instructor etc can also retrain the dog a lot faster.

Hi Louise- I don't think he'll grow out of it unless you teach him -if you havn't got a ready supply of children :D maybe take him to the park and ask parents if its ok if their kids come over to say hello but keep him in a sit .
personally i would never allow a dog to chase at all -I don't allow Murphy to chase my own children ( though some days I am sorely tempted :D )
children are exciting tho'-they squeek and squeal and flap arms about ,usually with something tasty in their hand !
I think I would just try to introduce as many children to him as you can while he's young -Most people are willing if you explain what you are doing
happy easter to you to ;)
Liz :)

Hi, I have just returned from Spain where there was a shelter dog that lunged at children. I used a can of compressed air in my right hand and hold the lead in my left. As soon at the dog attempted to jump up I fired the gas across the dogs muzzel and immediatly as the dog backs off give major praise and comfort. The dog knew I did it but I was not anoyed at it. After 5 squirts it then just looked at me evertime it saw a child. I then spent the next 4 hours letting him watch children at play and then introduced him to children. I went back this week to check he is ok and he is. It is important to stop a dog jumping up particually at children even if the dog means no harm. The timing is so important that you do not have time to admire your dog jumping back you must IMMEDIATLY give loads of praise and comfort to show you are not angry. Never train this off the lead as you cannot get to your dog to give the praise. Its gone.

I think your dog might settle down as he gets older, but, if he is encouraged to jump up at ANYONE then you cannot rely on him maturing to solve the problem.
It is a very very common thing, especially with little dogs. They really want to be near the face of whoever they are talking too, and if thats an adult, then if you are a small dog, that a long way up!!!!!!!!!
Teach him to sit EVERY time he is to interact with a person, the only way to get ANYTHING is to sit!!!!!!! that way, he CANNOT jump up if his bum is on the floor.

Oddly enough, there are some dogs who just seem to be able to tell who they can jump at, and who they cant. My Rocky does not jump up at children (hes no saint though, his trick is to run at them barking his head off!) but he will jump at people. I dont know why he doesnt jump at children, even if they have food, or his ball, he just sits and waits, or ignores them. Very odd, since i have no children myself, nor do i know that many, but the local kids are building a den (for den read pile of tat!!!) in my garden, and one of them had their younger brother out there, must have been about 3 or 4. Anyway, Rocky saw him, and went over, child screamed as is scared of dogs, so i held his hand, and Rocky just sat in front of him!!!!!!!! totally unfazed by the sticky screaming child that he had NEVER met before (neither had i!!!!!! strange wut i find in my garden huh) Eventually, after about ten minutes, an icepop, and a bag of crisps, this little lad Morgan has decided taht Rocky is his new best friend, and wants him to come round to tea!!!!!!!!!! (Rocky politely declined, said he wanted to stay home wiht me).

So, you never can tell with dogs, 14 months is young, there is plenty of time to teach appropriate behaviour when greeting people.

Em