dogs and kids

[lovemyshiba]

I have a question to ask, for my neighbors.
They have 2 children, a 6 year old boy, and a 3 year old girl. They also have 2 cats.
Now for the big news--they adopted a dog today!!!!!!!:) :)
He is an absolutely gorgeous black lab, named Marley, 18 months, and the biggest sweetheart in the world. When I went over to see him, he jumped up and gave me a big hug and kiss!!!!
I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow!!
He weighs about 85 pounds.
Here's the problem: the kids are scared to death of him. They won't get off of the couch, because they are afraid. They won't pet him, or give him treats, because "his teeth are sooo big".
I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to get the kids used to the dog--they are so scared!!
The dog is great with them, but they freak out when he comes near them--they don't scream, but they get very upset. They aren't my kids, obviously, so I don't want to tell them what to do, on the other hand, the neighbors did come to us when they decided to adopt a dog--they wanted to know what they needed to buy, and stuff like that.
I just know that when they get used to him, Marley is going to be their best friend--is their any way to make the transition smoother for them??

Thanks!!

[binka_nugget]

Do the parents know about their fear? You could get a parent to hold the dog in a leash sitting nicely (maybe after a big walk or something so he'd be pooped out) and get the kids to just pet him? Or if they have a muzzle or something they could place it on the dog while the kids are assured that he won't bite since he has it on..and get them use to the dog. Tell us how everything goes! and we'll be expecting lots of pics

[Karen]

Be very calm around him, pet him, and if he rolls over for a tummy skritch, then have the kids come down and gently rub his tummy. Teach them to tell him to "sit," and reward them each with a cookie (species appropriate) when he sits.

Is he good on a leash? An adult could be hanging on to the leash, take a walk and let the children "help" by hanging on to the leash, too.

In time, they'll forget they were ever afraid. Just tell them never to bother him while he's eating, or to tease him.

[Cincy'sMom]

Although I have not read any myself, Amazon.com has several books about the adjustments of adding a new dog, or a new baby if you have a dog. Maybe there is something there that could help.

[lovemyshiba]

thanks for the suggestions

this is the first night they had Marley home, and only since about 5p.m.--I'm sure things will get better:)

I had him on his back giving him tummy skritches--the kids wouldn't go near him--his teeth really scare them!! I let him kiss me, and I petted him all over, and showed them how great he is--they still wouldn't budge. We did some commands with him--he knows sit, lay down, down, up, and give paw--he's a very smart dog.

He was pretty tired tonight--he had a big day!! Away from the kennel and into a home!! He met quite a few people, and was sleeping while I was there--again, the kids wouldn't move!!

As for the leash thing, unfortunately, he is HORRIBLE on the leash--he was living at a frat house with college kids, and they never had him leashed, so it's a new thing for him--he walks mom and dad down the street:eek:

[Aspen and Misty]

Are these that neighbors I met?

Hmm, no advice here. Maybe try getting them to coem outside and throw the ball to play with him or soemthing? I dunno, try to get them to interact. When a kid came over who was afried of Nova I fed her some Treats and allowed the child to pet her rum so that Nova's teeth weren't near her. It seemed to work.

Good luck,
Ash