Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had experience with a dog that doesn't like children. One of my dogs dislikes some kids for no reason. I first noticed this when he was a very young puppy. Since then, I have tried everything I can think of. I took him to a behavior therapist, but she saw no evidence of him not liking kids. She even had her daughter feed him hot dogs without a problem (but, she felt my dog was 'sensitive' and could tell it was staged). Anyway, she told me that I should get him to areas where there are children and possibly use a muzzle on him. I finally did start using the muzzle, because even when he is ok with some kids, his behavior is unpredictable. BUT, I only use the muzzle when I know there are going to be children very close to him (ex: at Petco). In situations where I can control him, tell kids they can't pet, just say hi at a distance, etc (ex: at the park) I don't use a muzzle.

So, hear is the question part: When he is on a muzzle at Petco, he is very good with children, even seems to WANT them to pet him. He walks right up to them, doesn't try to get away, behind me or anything and doesn't growl (!?!?!). He acts as if he feels just fine about them! WHY? Why (whyohwhy!) doesn't he act that way without the muzzle? By the way, if he has the muzzle on during a walk (I did this at first, until I really learned that I just can't let ANY kid pet him) he acts very sad, slows down, doesn't trot, tail down, ears flat & down.

By the way, he is the sweetest dog to people that he knows and likes, even to my little relatives (age 8 - 13). I don't think anyone believes me about the severity of his actions unless they see it. People also tell me he can pick up that I am nervous. BUT, I don't think this is 100% true (maybe partially) because there have been times he started growling at a child that was probably at least 50 feet away. Also, it started when he was a baby, I had no idea he didn't like kids and wasn't nervous at all with him at that age.

Anyway, really just wondering if anyone has any insight with the behavior change and the muzzle! Sorry for such a long, babbling post.

Thanks,

G.

Have you had your dog since it wa a pup
Do you have children yourself ?
Lel

I don't know what petco is but perhaps it is the behaviour of the children that is different. my dog has been brought up with children but she has now started to bark at children when out on a walk, She doesn't like their unpredictable movements. They move fast and erratically. Maybe the dog feels insecure out on a walk?

Don't know why, but muzzles and haltis seem to give a dog more confidence, and it could be that it is this that makes him able to deal with the childrens petting.