Snapping at little kids

[Sue Ann Richmond]

Our 4 yr old golden doodle has never been very kid friendly, and I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue? We have a 10 year old and a grandson 9 and granddaughter 3. He also has nipped at friends( older). He snaps at little kids if they are just trying to pet him or love on him. Any ideas of what to do about this?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can tell you that this type of issue with kids is the number one reason doodles are relinquished to Doodle Rescue, and the problem usually lies with the kids rather than with the dog. 

It's important to understand that what looks like "loving on him", (i.e. affection) to us can look very threatening to a dog. Most dogs really dislike being hugged, and many kids hug dogs around the neck, which is about as threatening as it gets. The neck is a very vulnerable place for a dog; think about the way dogs fight, or even play fight: they always go for the throat. Mother dogs 'correct" puppies by grabbing the scruff of their necks. 

Many adults also think that the correct way for a child to approach a dog is straight on, face to face, with a hand held out to the dog. This is also risky; dogs approach each other from the side, at an angle, never head on. 

Children also tend to bend over a dog, which also puts the dog in a vulnerable position. 

Dogs also really dislike being picked up. Nothing makes them feel more vulnerable than having their feet forced off the floor, especially without warning.

And high-pitched screaming, squealing, running, erratic movements, etc create a level of excitement in the dog that can increase the chances of nipping. 

So we as adults need to help children understand how to interact with dogs safely and correctly. Fortunately, there is an excellent website with videos and information for parents, grnadparents and children on how to do this. It helps kids see things from the dog's perspective, it's fun and not preachy, and it's gear to the child's age level. 
Here'e the website: http://stopthe77.com/

This video (from the above website) has been widely posted in many dog groups, including right here on DK. It is an absolute MUST see for anyone with kids and dogs. Please watch it right now, and share it with your kids and anyone else you know who has a dog who ever interacts with kids. And this is just one of many; the website has videos with songs for kids of every age. 

[Wendy and Myla]

Wow, I haven't seen this video before!  It's awesome!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I posted a discussion here about it last year. :)
https://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/parents-and-grandparents-...

It is awesome. Very well done. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Another good resource, from Sophia Yin, with graphics:
https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/kids-and-dogs-how-kids-should-an...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Regarding hugging, every time I mention that dogs dislike being hugged, there is always someone who says, "Well, MY dog lets me hug her all the time, she likes it". 

NO. Your dog likes you, so she tolerates it. That doesn't mean she is going to tolerate from anyone else. And it's doubtful that you hug your dog the way a child would. 

[Sue Ann Richmond]

He really isn’t a snugglie dog, never has been.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's not unusual. I know some doodle breeders use the term "teddy bear" a lot, lol, but they are dogs, not stuffed toys. :) 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I totally agree in general, but Rio comes up on my lap when invited (he weighs about 48 pounds!) puts his paw up on my shoulder and his head against mine--he does this with other people too--he wants you to hug him a bit and then he is good and settles down. Never had a dog who did that and I never initiate it--sometimes he will sit next to me on the couch and LEAN into me and he waits until I put my arm around him and then he sighs...such a sweetie.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, didn't I start by saying "every time I mention that dogs dislike being hugged, there is always someone who says, "Well, MY dog lets me hug her all the time". 

I've noticed that when dogs don't mind being hugged, it's an adult putting an arm around them from behind...not around their necks like kids do it. 

But regardless, I don't think adults should encourage kids to hug dogs, even if they think the dog likes it. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Oh, I totally agree and would not initiate it, even as an adult and even with Rio! There are exceptions to every rule but letting kids hang all over a dog is never a good idea.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Now, depending on the circumstances of these snapping incidents (the dog is on the sofa with you and a grandchild walks over to pet him), the problem may also involve resource guarding. It's possbile that somehow, your dog has gotten the idea that he is in charge in certain situations or of certain possessions, ( even including you), or that he is in a position to "correct" children, or anyone, lol. These are training issues, and you will find a lot of help with them in our DK Training Group.

https://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets

Here's a good discussion to start with: https://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/nothing-in-life-is-free?g...

[Sue Ann Richmond]

In the past I have been right there, but today I was in a different room and I heard Ollie growl and my grandkids told me what happened. Thank you for the resources!!