Socialization, or lack thereof, is one reason your dog is unfriendly towards kids. Emotional stability, energy levels, and history of abuse can make your pet aggressive toward kids.
Interestingly, suppose you, as an adult, exhibit erratic, highly energetic, and overly emotional behavior. Don’t be surprised if your dog does not respond well to you.
At the same time, the dog’s age and sometimes genetics can be a reason why your pet is more friendly to adults than kids.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Pet May Prefer Adults To Children
Lack Of Socialization
Suppose your dog does not have positive contact with children during his puppy socialization stage. In that case, he may perceive them as frightening or overwhelming.
You should know that socialization is a crucial dog training stage that gradually introduces puppies to new sights, sounds, and experiences to build confidence and eliminate fear.
Traumatic Events
Suppose your kid subject your pet to a series of unpleasant dress-up sessions with a child or pulling at its fur, and now he associates all children with unpleasant experiences.
Now and then, you overlook a child jumping on a dog or continually taking his bone away, which may appear harmless to us, and it may be stressful for dogs and may cause your dog to be unfriendly toward kids.
Unpredictability
Predictability and consistent activities and behaviors appeal to dogs, giving your pet a sense of safety and security in its surroundings.
On the other hand, children are more unpredictable, and they frequently do not think before acting, reacting as they feel in the moment.
As a creature of habit, your pet values routine and stability, and it can get this from an adult. However, it has to do with spur-of-the-moment decisions for them with children.
Energy Levels
Children can also be more lively, moving their bodies and hands quickly and frequently. Adults are also energetic; however, they are more adept at reading the room. They can understand when a pup is tired or wants to cuddle on a couch or window sill.
Initially, it may be fun for your pup to respond to your child’s high energy by jumping, chasing, or snatching with their jaws.
At the same time, it will prefer the more regulated and structured world of adults. It is because adults understand it is not about playing always.
Emotional Stability Could Be Why Your Dog Is Unfriendly Towards Kids
The third reason dogs perceive children differently is that youngsters are more likely to express emotion, and they might move from pure delight and giggles to sobs in the blink of an eye.
Due to their instability, the dog is likely unsure how to react to such mood swings. It can cause stress in dogs. Your pet will probably show aggression to your children to keep them away so they do not have to deal with these situations.
How You Can Make Your Dog Friendly Towards Children
Suppose your dog appears uncomfortable in a setting involving youngsters; the best action to take is to control the situation and remove him.
Keep children from approaching your dog to say hello, and always keep a safe gap when in public with children. However, you can do things to make your pet friendly with your children.
Positive Reinforcement
Suppose you want your dog to be friendly toward kids. Positive reinforcement is an excellent method for assisting dogs in becoming more at ease with children. When kids approach, the idea is to give the dog its favorite treats, and the dog will learn to associate children with yummy treats in this manner.
You can also encourage children to give treats to your pet when they approach it. Once they have become accustomed to them, it is easier for the pup to associate with the kids.
Always keep the safety of the youngster in mind. Allow the youngster to interact directly with the dog only if the dog shows no signs of fear or aggressiveness.
You can also allow direct interaction if your pet appears to be looking forward to the meeting and reward it accordingly.
Basic training that draws a connection between them and something your dog enjoys, such as dog treats, can start to change your dog’s perception of children. Give your dog high-value dog treats if it becomes affectionate with children.
Stop giving the treats once the child has left. Your pet will eventually associate something that typically makes him uncomfortable with something it likes, indicating it has started to correlate receiving treats to spending time with children.
When You Resocialize Your Pet, It Can Make Them Friendly Towards Kids
It would help if you employed a gradual, step-by-step manner in desensitizing your dog. During this process, you must ensure your child’s safety.
The idea is to introduce your pet to your child in a relaxed environment and distance where the dog does not show signs of fear.
Be on the lookout for aggression or stress triggers such as yawning, lip licking, trembling, quivering, ears down, and tucked tail. Be wary if your pet starts barking; its fur is standing, snarling, growling, or snapping is all signs of hostility with the potential to bite.
Suppose your dog is unfriendly to kids. You should back up to a distance where the dog is more comfortable if the dog becomes nervous, afraid, tense, disobedient, or refuses treats.
Remove your dog or get it to calm down. If it obeys, reward it with its favorite treats. The dog may get closer to the child after several sessions.
Once the dog has become acclimated to the presence of the child or children, your dog will become friendly towards your children. Additionally, your kids can begin practicing giving verbal commands and interacting with your pet.
Conclusion
Most dogs are people pleasers and are willing to please their owners. Some dogs may be friendly toward kids, and others may be aggressive. However, if you want to get a pet, there are factors to consider before deciding. Suppose you have young kids; you should choose a dog that can tolerate and endure kids’ antics and energy levels.
