Twirly Posted December 23, 2006 Share Posted December 23, 2006 I have to shut Ozzie in the bedroom when my grandchildren visit as they want to touch his face. He snarls and "teeth chatters" right up to their face whenever they get near him so i am removing him to his (my) bedroom whrn they arrive but i would like him to be sociable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 The first place to start is in training the children Dogs are living beings - and you can bet your bottom dollar that poking a child in the face would eventually wind up in a kick in the shins, so why expect a dog to tolerate it? Once you've taught the children how to respect a dog (keep quiet, no sudden movements, approach slowly and carefully allowing the dog to sniff, stroke gently, don't crowd him.... ), you may have a chance of convincing the dog he isn't under attack when these 'people' arrive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WallBuilder Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 Most kiddies are noisy and fast moving which alarms some dogs, as strix has said get the children to sit quietly and if possible ignoring the dog whilst he is in the room with them. As he starts to accept them don't be fooled into thinking everything is fine because if the kids try to push it and start to get loud and high pitched again you'll be right back where you started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twirly Posted December 24, 2006 Author Share Posted December 24, 2006 I am usually on the ball with him but the last few days have been difficult, one of the babes was taken into hospital which has meant unexpected callers keeping all the family up to date on her progress. I might add that they live in Brid and were up here for a short trip delivering and receiving pressies. So I have to admit to being distracted from the pooch. Brid being a one horse Town....she finnished up at scarbro. hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medusa Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 That must have been stressful all round, and I bet that Ozzy picked up on that too. Fingers crossed that your little one recovers quickly. I agree with Strix- it's much easier to talk to the children about the way to behave round animals than the other way round- the animals learn by experience, and if their experience is that children are scary then they have to unlearn it by experience too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotti Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 hi hun, If you get into situations like that where it's just too stressful to keep up Ozzie's training and keep an eye on him, then the best thing you can do is shut him away. However, if you're in a position to, try and do as Strix has suggested and basically create as many positive experiences with the children as possible. Does Ozzie have a cage? He won't appreciate it if he gets stuck in a new cage every time the children come, but if he already has one that he loves, or you're thinking of getting him one which he will come to love, he can go in there for quiet time away from the children. That way they can't get to him but he doesn't have to be removed from the pack. I'm afraid a dog will not tolerate anything like that and it's not fair to expect him to. Children should be taught respect for dogs and how to approach them and when to leave them alone. Granted, it's very difficult, but they must learn. If you can consider getting him a cage and get him used to the cage rather than putting him in it when the children come, he'll see it as his little space where he goes for peace and quiet and safety so will retreat to there when the children are round, thus ensuring no damaged kiddy fingers and no poke in the eyes for the doggy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted December 25, 2006 Share Posted December 25, 2006 ... Of course, this only works if the children are reminded that poking their fingers through the bars or trying to get in the cage themselves is likely to result in injury The cage is the dog's space only! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 I'll just point out right now, that Twirly's dog has not bitten these children (based on the info we have), but has endured having it's face poked about with, and has used the only means at it's disposal to communicate it's unhappiness with the situation Note: Any more posts about putting dogs down will be removed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twirly Posted December 26, 2006 Author Share Posted December 26, 2006 \I have to say no one poked him or treated him unkindly. they spoke to him in gentle tones as they know his background but they feel the need obviously to speak to his face. I have worked out that he gets distressed when there are more than say 4 peaple in the room. We went to stay at my daughters on xmas eve and some friends called with 2 boys the younger one was rolling about quite a bit and i was keeping Ozzie occupied but he suddenly made a dash for KItKat my daughters dog and set about her with the teeth chatterig and snarling which frightend the old girl but she did not retaliate. when every one had gone Ozzie was back to normal and friends with Kitkat again. I took oz home before lunch as granddaughter and her 2 younger children were due. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotti Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 Twirly, I'm afraid, although I'm sure there's something you can do to help, I really don't feel you should be advised via this forum. Due to his history and the fact that this seems quite complex, I'd really advise seeing a trained, professional behaviourist who can actually meet him and assess him. You may have to pay a good deal for this, but it will be worth it. I'd advise seeing a vet first as well just to be sure there's no underlying medical reason for this behaviour. I can't remember the website for the association of approved dog behaviourists but give me a sec and I'll go look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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