Puppy and small children

[Mare1]

This weekend Abby met her first little person. A four year boy.
She was not nice to him.
Abby is 9 months old and a small mixed breed, she usually is very nice around people after she gets to meet them. But I think because the little boy was more at her level she couldn't handle it. Barking, growling, pracing at him, not friendly. I could even calm her down.
So I put her in her crate for the time he was here.
Now, that I look back, I know I did the wrong thing, because now Abby probably thinks she can do that kinda of behavior everytime she is around achild. I was afraid she would nip him. So I removed her from the area.
What should I have done? She is not usually around small children, but I don't want to have her nippy towards anyone.

Thanks

[mrsgrubby]

Early socialization is the best thing for all dogs, but it is never too late.

Do you have any parks by your house? Any schools?

First I would start by walking her aways away from them so she can get used to the noise and smells of kids. Then when she is comfortable I would try walking her closer and closer to where the kids are.

Don't let the kids run up and pet her for awhile, days, or even weeks, until she gets very comfortable with seeing them.

Then try to introduce her to a quiet calm child. Start by the child being very quiet and feeding him a treat. If he nicely takes the treat try another one. let the dog come to the child, don't let the child approach the dog. have the child stand still, no touching or talking to the dog. Let the dog sniff the child.

If the dog feels comfortable have the child offer a hand for a petting. don't let the child "loom" over the dog. No petting on the head or bending over the dog. this will make your dog uncomfortable.

Try having the child pet him on the back.

I would also begin taking your dog to other places where there are more people and different types of people. like going to the pet store or other places where there are lots of people. Bring lots of treats in your pocket. Have people offer your dog a treat rather than try to pet it.

Explain to them that your dog is not super socialized and you are working on it now, especially with children. Ask them to give him a treat but not pet him. Eventually your dog will associate strangers with treats and will look forward to meeting new people, even kids.

Hope this helps some.

[bigdoglover]

Good post, Mrsgrubby!!

Did you do the right thing? Yes. You removed her from an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. Dangerous for her and the child. That is the best thing you could have done at the moment. Now you know how she is, and can start socializing her slowly. Why risk having the child get bit? You did fine.