DOG AFRAID OF CHILDREN

[GKGOSLING@AOL.COM]

I RESCUED TRAVIS A MALE GERMAN SHEPARD,BORDER COLLIE,GOLDEN RETREVER MIX FROM A POUND 2 YEARS AGO. HE IS NOW 3 YEARS OLD HAS BEEN A GREAT DOG BUT HE IS AFRAID OF CHILDREN. HE DOES NOT ATTACK THEM BUT HE GETS VERY NERVOUS AND GROWL'S IF THEY COME NEAR HIM. MY WIFE AND I ARE GOING TO ADOPT A GIRL NEXT YEAR AND I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PREPARE TRAVIS FOR A CHILD IN THE HOUSE.

[adunphy]

Growling at children is a very serious matter - especially if you are planning on having a child in your home at any time. Its good that you have some time to prepare. I would recommend hiring a personal trainer to come into your home to evaluate your dog, work with you and your dog and discuss if it will be safe to have your dog around children. Please post your area if you feel comfortable and we can make recommendations for you as to someone who will be able to work with you. I have a 2 year old and one on the way with 2 dogs - even though my dogs are good with children there are still precautions that need to be taken.

Amy
The Dog Trainer Search

[bree]

My 3-year-old female golden is the sweetest dog I could ever ask for EXCEPT when around children. As soon as she sees a little person that she isn't expecting she begins to growl, if she is off leash she will run at them and bark, especially if they are on a bike, skateboard, toboggan or anything else that moves. Her tail wags and I don't think she would ever bite, but she scares the kids and the parents. If she is introduced to them slowly, and as long as they aren't coming at her or making any quick movements, she is okay but the fact is she doesn't trust them and I can't trust her. My friends are starting to have children and I would like to have kids of my own. I need help. Aren't goldens supposed to be wonderful with children??? What happened to mine???[/b]