I have noticed that my dog shows aggression around young kids, particularly those aged 2 to 5 years old. We can’t quite understand why this is happening. We always keep him on a leash when meeting new people, especially children. He seems to pick up on something, even when the kids are calm. We got him during COVID, and he’s only really interacted with our kids and a few close friends. Any advice would help. (My dog is a 3-year-old male maltipoo)
Keeping him on a leash in public is a must. I recommend using a muzzle if kids are going to be close by. Avoid having your kids’ friends over unless your dog is safely in another room. It’s just too risky.
You really need a leash with a harness and a muzzle. Your dog is big enough to seriously hurt a child. An adult can protect themselves, but a two-year-old cannot. Before anything else, get a harness and train him to wear a muzzle.
Until you sort this out, keep him away from kids. A moment of distraction could lead to injury. If your dog bites, you could end up with a hospital bill, and because you knew your dog had issues, he might be put down.
Consider more layers of protection and get a good dog trainer. We once had a neighbor’s dog that was teased by kids. We let my toddler throw treats over the fence with the owner’s permission. The dog ignored her unless she was giving treats, and we put up a barrier between them.
Using treats might help your dog react positively to kids, but please see a trainer first.
@Whit
I see your point but I’m not sure about that…
Bevin said:
@Whit
I see your point but I’m not sure about that…
Exactly, that’s why I emphasized using a harness and a muzzle. Dogs that show aggression need that extra security.
For dealing with your dog’s aggression towards kids, try introducing him to them in a controlled way. Keep a leash on him and use a muzzle for safety. Gradually expose him to kids from a distance and reward him for staying calm. Teach him commands like ‘leave it’ to help him feel secure. Plan one-on-one time with well-behaved kids while closely watching his reactions. Consulting a certified dog trainer who focuses on aggression can give you more specific guidance. With consistent training, your dog can learn to be more comfortable around children.
I agree with others: keep kids away, or better yet, avoid them entirely. Use a harness and muzzle.
Have your kids ever been alone with the dog? Things like pulling ears, tails, or faces can happen. Kids move unpredictably, and many dogs see them as a threat.