How can I prepare my dog for a lot of kids being around over the summer?
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My dog does not have a lot of experience around little kids. This summer, my sister and her four kids under age 5 are coming to visit for three weeks. My pup is not aggressive, but gets very shy and timid around little kids. I fear he will either run and hide or get snappy out of fear. The kids are well-behaved but always want to cuddle him because he has a fluffly coat. He does not like it and will retreat to his crate or my room. I am hoping to get him more comfortable around kids before they come. Any ideas on what I can do to desensitize him? We plan to spend a lot of time hiking and out in the community, and he usually comes with me. He is good with older kids, but seems fearful of the younger ones.
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This is totally understandable, and your pup’s reaction makes a lot of sense! Little kids move fast, make unpredictable noises, and don’t always respect boundaries, even when they’re well-behaved. Since your dog’s already nervous around younger kids, it’s great that you’re thinking ahead and want to work on desensitizing him before the summer chaos hits.
One helpful first step is gradually exposing him to younger kids in low-stress situations. Try visiting parks where little kids are around but not directly interacting with them. This helps him get used to the sounds and energy from a safe distance. Reward him with treats and praise anytime he stays calm. You can also ask a friend with a toddler to do a short, controlled visit. Just have the child sit quietly and toss treats near your dog (without making direct eye contact or approaching), so your pup starts associating little ones with positive experiences.
Since your dog already retreats to his crate or your room, ensure those safe zones are extra cozy with a comfy crate bed and off-limits to the kids when they visit. It’s totally okay if he needs breaks. You might also consider training that builds confidence and teaching him a cue like “go to place” so he knows he can always retreat if he feels overwhelmed.
During the visit, supervise interactions closely and teach the kids to be gentle and calm around him—maybe even turn it into a little “doggie manners” game for them. Over time, with patience and positive exposure, your pup should start feeling more comfortable. And since you’ll be out and about a lot, that’ll give him some good breaks from the packed house, too.
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