If you have kids at home, you’ve probably asked yourself: Why does my dog bark at kids?
It is not news that some dogs bark at kids. When barking progresses to growling and showing teeth, great care must be taken to prevent this misbehavior from developing into aggression.
Dogs can bark at kids for a variety of reasons. These include showing irritation, frustration in response to inappropriate play, or even signaling the possibility of a bite. If barking is excessive, you should consult a professional who specializes in canine behavior to help resolve this issue.
To help you better understand the subject, we created a list of reasons why dogs may bark at kids, as well as tips to help resolve this misbehavior.
Why does my dog bark at kids?
Dogs can bark at kids for a variety of reasons, including:
Inadequate Socialization
If your dog was not properly socialized as a puppy, he may have negative reactions while being in contact with children, such as excessive barking.
Prior Negative Experience with Children
During the critical period of socialization, it is essential to protect your dog from any negative encounters with a child. Prevent children from teasing your dog and be on the lookout for any behavior that could traumatize your pup. To learn more about how to properly socialize your puppy and the critical period of socialization, be sure to check out the article below.
Read More: How to Socialize a Puppy Properly
Frustration
Many dogs bark at children out of frustration at not being able to play together. Dogs are friendly and sympathetic animals and therefore, they are always looking for interaction. When they can’t interact, they can get frustrated and start barking.
How to solve this problem?
Make a list
Make a list of situations that have made your dog bark at children in the past. It is necessary that you think through each event carefully so that you can accurately determine what circumstances led to the barking. The first step to solving the problem is to identify what triggers this type of behavior.
Avoid Unwanted Barking
If you notice that your dog starts barking in specific situations, start by avoiding those triggers. For example, if your dog usually barks when he sees a group of children playing in front of your window, close the blinds so that he isn’t triggered to start barking.
Gradually Expose Your Pup to His Triggers
While avoiding the trigger will help temporarily, it will not resolve your pup’s underlying issues. It is important that you slowly start exposing your pup to his triggers. And in the process, guide him to feel safe and secure and to make the right decisions when presented with his trigger. To learn more about the Socialization Process, check out the article below.
Read More: The Best Way to Socialize a Puppy
If you are not confident in creating neutral or positive exposure sessions for your pup, we suggest you reach out to a Balanced Dog Trainer for help. Exposure is a slow and long term process, and when done correctly, produces great results. But it can very easily go wrong by creating more negative experiences for your dog, and further reinforcing their reactivity. So be sure to do your proper research and hire a professional if necessary.
Ask for an Alternative Behavior
When a child approaches your dog, you can ask your pup to perform an alternative behavior. This will take your pup’s main focus off of looking at the child. And instead make him focus on what you asked him to do. Be sure to reward him for listening to your command. In addition, reward him for the good choices he makes when choosing not to bark at and react to the children.
Use a Muzzle
Using a muzzle can help in situations when children appear out of nowhere trying to pet your dog, especially in densely packed Urban Environments. The muzzle can prevent your dog from biting back. If necessary, use the muzzle to protect your dog and any children who could potentially trigger him.
Provide Supervision
If you have children at home, you should always supervise their contact with your dog. Never leave a child alone with a dog. Teach your children from an early age to respect your pup’s space and to never startle them.
By following the tips above, as well as hiring a professional Balanced Dog Trainer if necessary, your dog can stop barking at children. It will take a lot of time, consistency, and patience. But it will be well worth the effort!
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
