Sheltie is afraid for children

I have had a home daycare for many years and over that time 5 shelties have been a part of our family. The first 2 grew up with my own children and we never had any problems. Our 3rd was when my own kids were grown and he grew up with daycare kids and was included with all our daycare activities. The 4th pup is a very hyper little girl and until she was around 3 I kept a close eye on her with the kids. She is now wonderful with them. Covers them with kisses when they come in. Our latest pup (he is 2) is another I keep an eye on but I am hoping he will mature also and become more loving with the kids. Our last 2 are not always included with the kids activities because of their hyperactivity so this could have something to do with their behavior. I think if you can keep him exposed to children, probably indirectly at first he will become used to their sudden movements and noise level. Very gradually introduce closer contact and the child should always have lots of treats to give the dog, so it knows the child is a friend. Good luck. :smile2:
 
That would only work if the dog had not bitten a child before. Since it has on two occasions I see two problems here. One, that the dog is afraid of small people and will react badly. The second is that it hasn't learned that teeth on human skin is never allowed. No little kid should ever be put in harm's way to teach someone's dog that kids are okay. By all means, start far away from kids and gradually work to getting closer and closer but please muzzle that dog if it is near kids. My son's ex fiance had her upper lip almost taken off when she was a child by a small dog that was known to have problems with children. It had been put in the bedroom by the owners so they could celebrate their little girl's birthday. It got out and attacked Emily. She was in hospital for quite some time and bears a nasty scar. I wouldn't wish it on anyone's child.
 
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Muzzle here is a good idea. Than I can take here too my friends house en she can be there with here son without scaring me that's she's gonna bite.

But at first I want too know what the trainer of the dogschool is saying about Nomy and here behaviour. Before I try things on my own ;)

But thank you so much for the reactions. I will keep all the tips in my mind and I'm looking forward to do some training with Nomy to help here with here fear of kids.

I will write an update when we are starting training.
 
We did an exercise in the reactive dog class I went to that might work if you could find a willing child. Give the child a handful of really good treats. Have your dog on a leash. Have the child walk toward your dog but, not too close. Keep them 10-15 feet apart. Have the child toss several treats to the dog, then walk away. Do this several times gradually getting closer only if the dog is not reacting. It is important that the child doesn't talk to your dog, look at them or react fearfully. Only do this for a short time maybe less than 15 mins. a day. Try to keep the stress level down for the child and the dog. It may be too much to expect that they will ever be playmates.
I have a reactive dog and 2 kids. Finley gets along fine with my kids but, not always with their friends. I recently taught him "go to mat". In his case I use his dog bed. Then I tell him to "stay". And give him treats every 30 seconds for staying. This has worked far better than just a "stay". He must feel more secure in his bed. I guess the idea is you teach the dog there is something else to do when kids are around. Otherwise your dog may think his job is to chase away the children. This will likely take months of regular training.
 
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