Barking at little kids?

**Amber** · 07-24-2004, 11:37 PM

Me and a friend went to the park because we were bored. I brought Elvis with us. There was a lady my mom worked with was there with her 2 kids. maybe around 4? Anyways we were talking about Elvis and stuff, and when her kids came over to pet elvis, elvis sarted backing up behind me, and barking like crazy.

It was his first time to meet little kids. But he is so friendly with adult strangers, and I just don't understand why he acted differently with those kids. They were doing nothing bad to him. But then it makes sence when they say schnauzers don't do well with kids 10 and under.

But I gotta share something funny the little boy said to me. I was sitting on the swing holding elvis like a baby, when he comes up to me petting, and holding his foot and goes "I like his foot"

LOL, it just cracked me up laughing how he said it! too cute.

But my point for posting this is what can I do to make Elvis feel better around little kids? He seems to get nervous.

**Tonya** · 07-25-2004, 12:23 AM

Kids are so goofy and awkward, they probably intimidated Elvis. That is pretty cute what that kid said. Kids say the funniest things.

**pitc9** · 07-25-2004, 07:53 AM

Keep talking him places where little kids are around, and make sure you tell the kids to be nice to him!! After awhile, he'll get used to them, and realize that kids are okay!!!

**bckrazy** · 07-25-2004, 10:52 PM

when we got our border collie, he was also wary of kids. he hadnt had very much continuing socialization and he was afraid of quick movements and screaming and running around him... which is what kids do

so we exposed him to as many kids as possible. every day when i walked him i would ask a neighbor kid to just offer him treats, let Gonzo aproach him, and pet him gently if he wants to be petted. i think the biggest thing is dont let a kid run straight at Elvis - it can be very scary and intimidating for a young doggy. tell the kids to give Elvis room, and let him check them out if he wants to. border collies are also notoriously bad with kids, especially when poorly socialized, but Gonzo got over it and now jumps around and wiggles at the end of his leash when he sees a child... it also helped to have him grow up with my baby brother and baby niece

good luck with Elvis! its good that youre starting him off early

**Buddy Blaze Lover** · 07-28-2004, 10:27 AM

Ok, with my border collie, Blaze, it's the opposite!! He loves kids, and hates adults!! Of course, I think it's just the dog, and the breed has a lot to do with it. Another thing is that if your dog hasn't been around kids, how would he know how to react around them? Have him spend more time with kids! For Blaze, he's been around youngsters his whole life so he's really gentle and loves my little 2-year-old brother! AND since he hasn't been around adults or strangers much, he's ALWAYS barking at them!! So I guess it's just a "getting used to" kind of thing!

~KT and BLAZER~

**LorraineO** · 07-29-2004, 01:17 PM

Just ask the younger kids to be slow and gentle,, not to pet him right away but rather offer them thier closed fists instead to sniff,,, A hand is like a mouth to a dog so when they close thier hands,, its not so threatening. Dont crowd around and dont use a loud voice,,,, after a while,, youll see your pup wont be so nervous!

good luck!!