Fear of children is normal for some dogs. Safety, separation, and positive training are the answers.
In the current culture, dogs are often expected to be friendly, welcoming and confident around all types of people, including children. The image of a family-friendly dog who loves, tolerates and is trustworthy around children can be found all over the internet. This is unfortunate, because we know that dogs have unique temperaments, experiences, and comfort levels, and that means that many dogs are actually afraid of children and don’t feel comfortable around them.
It is common for dogs to be scared of children or one particular child. Children have less impulse control, tend to run around more and often speak in high-pitched voices, which can be overwhelming. This is especially true for dogs who weren’t raised with children or who had a negative experience with them.
Even one bad experience can create an aversion or fear that becomes hard for the dog to forget, and this causes all kinds of issues, especially when the dog lives in the same home as the child. It is also the reason why so many children are bitten by dogs.
If you have a dog that is scared of your child or other children, you must take the situation seriously and find ways to give your dog space from children so that he can learn to be more comfortable around the source of his fear. Be very careful when training your dog with children, and use only positive training instead of punishing your dog for showing negative behavior.
Safety first
- Always supervise babies and young children around a dog and never leave them alone together, even for a moment.
- If your dog is scared of other children visiting your home, set up fail-safe management — gates, doors, physical barriers—between the children and your dog. Find a safe zone that your dog can go to where children are not allowed. This might be in a room behind a secure gate or closed door. Be aware of where the visiting children are and never trust that they might not open the door or try to touch the dog over the gate. Always be there to supervise and intervene before the child reaches toward the dog.
- If your dog is scared of kids outside the home, keep him away from playgrounds and parks where children play. Never allow your dog to run around off-leash in or near a playground.
- Never allow kids to greet your dog or come into his space. Teach any kids that will be visiting your household to pay no attention to your fearful dog. This will take pressure off and give him the space he needs. Outside the home, cross the street when children approach, and don’t allow kids to approach or interact with your dog. This is a matter of safety, as a dog can feel trapped when approached on leash, which could lead to barking, snarling or snapping out of self defense.
- Never put a child in harm’s way in order to train your dog. All techniques should be performed slowly with safety as the highest priority.
How to help your dog be less fearful of children
- Teach kids to be calm around your dogs. Fearful dogs are often uncomfortable with sudden movements and high voices. Even if your dog is physically separated from the children with a gate, continuing to expose him to loud and rapid movements could increase his fear.
- Learn to read your dog’s body language and fear signals, so you know when your dog is becoming uncomfortable. Dogs communicate fear and uneasiness with small signals before they resort to more obvious signals such as growling or lunging. If your dog shows any fear signals when around children, move your dog away immediately, without reprimanding your dog or the kids. This will provide your dog more space and potentially avoid an incident or aggressive behavior.
- You can try to create a positive association with kids, if you have the right distance and calm children to help. Start having calm kids walk past at a safe distance, and when they pass, give your dog a high-value treat. Repeat this several times. If your dog seems nervous, move further away. Over time, the kids might be able to throw your dog’s favorite treats to him. The dog must always be leashed and a good distance away but if she sees that good things come to her any time a child walks past she might begin to look forward to the presence of children.
- Teach your children and visiting friends to be K-9 Safe and Smart. This will empower them with knowledge and understanding that will keep them safe.
If your dog continues to be afraid of children, seek the guidance of a positive trainer to help you with the process.
