by Andy Sands, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Hello again Suncoast, and welcome back to Training Tuesday! Today, we wrap up the series “Kids, Dogs, and Holiday Celebrations.” It is my hope that you have gleaned some very useful tips from this series as we have entered into the holiday season. And, in fact, I hope that all of the Training Tuesday blogs of 2015 have been beneficial to you. For the last few weeks we’ve been discussing how to properly introduce a child to a dog that is well-socialized and potentially friendly to kids. However, that is not always the case. Some dogs will be anxious or fearful around children, so today, we discuss how to help your fearful dog make friends with kids.
Let’s Be Friends
The best way to make sure your dog is safe with any new child is to do some basic desensitizing. This process will be very similar to the method we discussed in part 5 of this series. Remember to always have high-value treats ready. A high-value treat is something the dog likes extremely well; something he would walk over hot coals for. As soon as your dog notices a new child anywhere nearby, and has no adverse reaction, praise him, and quickly pop a treat in his mouth. Do this as often as possible, every single time the dog looks at the child and has no reaction. Eventually, you will see the dog look at the child and automatically look back at you for the treat. Basically, what you are telling the dog is that a child is a good thing to have around—he or she is a predictor of a tasty treat. Whether in the neighborhood, or as children come to visit for social gatherings, you will replicate this process. Once the dog gets to the point of looking at the child, then looking at you for the treat, you may proceed to the next step in the process.
Instruct the child to stand sideways and offer a treat in an outstretched open facing hand, while the child is avoiding eye contact. Allow the dog to safely take the treat from the child’s hand. Repeat this several times before allowing the child to change his or her stance to face the dog. Once the child is facing the dog, repeat the process of having the child offer the dog treats in an outstretched, open hand. If you are dealing with a small dog, have the child kneel straight down and offer the dog treats in the same manner. Praise the dog each time in a “happy high-pitched” voice. If the dog approaches in a friendly manner, the child may scratch the dog under his chin, or on his chest. Repeat this process for each new child, without exception. It is keenly important to be aware of how children move around strange or novel dogs.
A dog that is not used to children will find it extremely upsetting to have a group of active kids playing in close proximity. In this case, it’s best to put the dog in a separate quiet space away from the commotion, and allow the dog to be introduced to the children on an individual basis, and in a controlled environment.
Everything that we have been discussing the last several weeks has revolved around holiday celebrations and social gatherings. The intent is to help you help your dog be less fearful or anxious around large crowds or children. My hope is that the steps that were outlined each week will help you as you celebrate with your family; furry or otherwise. Now that you’ve done everything possible to make sure your furry friend has been properly introduced to small humans, you can take a deep breath. Bring on the dog movies, the hot cocoa, the ugly sweaters, and have a happy, safe, and fun-filled holiday season!
