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Puppy Doesn't Respect Kids, Help!

2K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  martinc 
#1 · (Edited)
My 10 month puppy, Georgie, does not seem to be able to contain her excitement over children. I now have to leave the dog park if there are kids there. Last week, she jumped on and for the first time, humped a boy at the dog park. While on leash she is great, and I always keep her on leash around kids (except for the dog park). I live in an apartment and we really need the dog park for an off leash run every other day or so, otherwise Georgie tries to run during our walks. We have done obedience classes and she has a good come when called, leave it, down, and I have a safe word that I use when I want her to stop and run to me. None of that worked the other day at the dog park. This wasn't a problem in the past, but a few months ago I had visitors with children who are terrified of dogs, so I had to keep her away from them. I think this is when the problem started.

Any suggestions about how I might deal with this? We are going to the local playground on leash, and I am having her sit and stay and I let kids greet her with a sit and shake command. I don't know what else to do. Please help. I am worried that I will have a dog that can't be trusted off leash around kids. How can I can teach her that kids are above her in the pack? I don't have kids by the way.
 
#2 ·
She's in her boxer teen years, I don't know if there's much you can do other than keep her leashed like she is around kids. Taking her and making her sit still while she's being petted by kids will help. You may not see the results of this training until she comes out of the crazy teen years, just keep after it. IMO I wouldn't think a dog park is the best place for little kids to be running around loose :)
 
#3 ·
No it isn't a great place for kids, but I live in a city and families bring their kids. The boy was running across the park (just like a puppy himself), and it was mortifying to have my 50 pound dog (who doesn't look like a puppy to a parent) humping the poor boy. Thanks so much for your reply. Some people have told me that she will out grow it. I hope that's true. Meanwhile, I guess we will leave if kids are there. Why set her up for failure and stress myself out. And I will keep after the training and rejoice when she is over this teen phase.
 
#5 ·
I wouldn't worry about it too much. I don't know about the dog parks by you but around here there is actually a rule that no children under a certain age (8, I think) are permitted in the dog park. Fortunately my pup hasn't been one of the dogs who has jumped all over the kids who come despite the rules, but if she did I'd feel torn about it. Sorry that she did it (esp since she knows better), but not sorry all at the same time, lol, if that makes any sense.

If I were you I'd just try to go at times when there aren't as many kids and when you do see kids try to avoid them by going to the other side of the park. If all else fails stand near the kids so you can correct her should she choose to jump on them. Tell the kids (and their parents) that she is young and still in training and see if you can get the kids to help you teach her by responding appropriately.
 
#6 ·
Thanks everyone for the support! Yes we have a no kids rule. There isn't even an age limit, just no kids. I do get annoyed that people bring small children, but I also know that she should not be behaving this way. I hope to have it under control before school is out for summer. Meanwhile, I appreciate the advice and support. I will let you know how it goes over the next few weeks.
 
#8 ·
Its a sad day when dogs have to leave a dog park because of humans...

The reverse should be the norm!
 
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