Cali is afraid of little kids...

[Deena Womack]

Since I don't know much at all of Cali's history, I tend to watch how she reacts to many things. When we first got her, she was so timid of so much. If I moved too quick, she would run and hide. We learned which things bothered her and reassured her over and over that it was ok. I have been slowly trying to introduce her to new things and for the most part she has been quite willing to check them out with lots of reassurance and knowing that either DH or I are right there never out of her sight. Anyway, she and I were going to take a trip to the dog park today, she was like yippee a car ride and I told her we were going to the dog park. Not sure how much she understands but she was excited that we were going bye-bye. So I decided to stop at the pet store on the way to pick up some grooming essentials. Cali did really well in the store, sniffed everything and everybody. She tolerated being petted and talked to without any issues. All of a sudden a little boy, probably not much older then maybe 12-14 months, toddled around the corner. Pacifier in mouth and couldn't be much taller than 2 feet if that, (cute as hell by the way) and Cali immediately is cowering behind me. What the heck!! The boy's mother is stating "aw look the dog is scared of HIM." I am in my puffy chest motherly way states back "oh she hasn't been around small children much." And I look down and Cali is scared, she is behind me refusing to move forward. I didn't get it at all, the child was in no way intimidating. I wasn't sure at all how to handle the situation,I was petting Cali's head and telling her it was ok, which most times works but not so much this time. She seemed so afraid, so I decided it was probably a good time to go and the child and it's mother follows us. Cali was really frightened, we got out of there and she was fine. My children are all adult size now so she really doesn't get much interaction with small children. I don't think she would hurt anyone but I guess my question is Cali tolerates most adults even when they are strangers, why would a small child seem so intimating to her?

[Deena Womack]

Ann and Michele,

We believe Cali to be "almost" 2. We don't really know but the vet picked a birthdate and we are going with it. I just want to say that I do appreciate everyones thoughts on this as it has helped me look a this from different perspectives. Thank you for your responses.

[Deena Womack]

Thanks Adina. Putting in that perspective that you did makes alot of sense. IF she hasn't been exposed to the little toddlers, it is hard to imagine what was going through her head. Just like for us adults, exploring the unknown can be frightening, I didn't really think in those terms. I am not really worried about it to make it a big deal, rather just very curious. She has come so far that I think it threw me off guard and left wondering why. Her exposure to small children will be minimal so it is hard to say if this is something that we can overcome but I know what to expect now the next time around.

[Adina P]

Deena... Please know that it is not uncommon for a dog that was not raised with kids to be totally spooked by them! I know it doesn't make sense from our adult perspective, we know that most kids are totally harmless generally speaking. But for a dog they are strange little spooky creatures! They are small, they look very different, they walk funny, they move funny, the squeak and make rapid motions. It takes a special dog or one that was raised with kids to be very good with them. I would not push Cali at all in this area. If if it's a big concern to you that she's afraid of kids, you will have to have one dog savvy child to work with. The wrong child can just make her more afraid or feel cornered. Most kids are not very good approaching dogs properly. They go straight to pet the head or the face and they make fast motions with their arms and hands that are kind of scary. I'm sure there are things you can do to make her comfortable around kids, but I would not approach this without reading a ton on the topic or having a trainer or behaviorist to guide me.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

I'm just curious - how old is Cali? Our dog Penny took to adults immediately but also used to get freaked out by toddlers and youngsters. Not sure if its' because they could look her right in the eye or what, but she would get very scared. She was also greatly spooked by anything with wheels - bikes, strollers, etc. She's now four, and I'd say she outgrew the kid thing when she turned three. Suddenly she was an "adult" and understood what kids were all about.

[MBKANE]

Kensi has done the same thing a few times. She is so outgoing and friendly with everyone but when a young boy who was about 3-4 tried to come up and pet her she started barking and hid behind me. Very strange, I am wondering if the fact that he was close to her height and size if she felt threatened?

[Deena Womack]

It makes sense about the "things" to touch them and encourage Cali to touch them. I will remember that, and maybe next time I will ask the parents permission to touch the child (I don't want to upset anyone) so maybe in time Cali will adapt. But its not like she is around small children but I was just curious as to why she seemed so afraid. I appreciate everyones thoughts and input.

[Belinda Stevens]

I have had the same problem with Stella. I noticed this for the first time at Pet Smart. I have since introduced her to my niece. After barking at her for 5 or 10 minutes she finally moved in close enough to get to know her. You can see pictures of them meeting in my slideshow. She has gotten over little little kids and now is scared of older smaller kids.... it never ends!

[Jojo]

Our big boy is afraid of our hedgehog... Emma (our hedgehog) can chase him around the house and he will RUN away... lol.