Our 8-month-old Aussie/doberman is 100% fine with our son. His friends and other kids in the neighborhood are the concern. They make him anxious and he barks at them and their scooters/bikes. We’re trying so hard to desensitize him/keep him in his pen/have friends over at nap time/etc., but it’s impossible to stop our son’s friends from coming over to see if he can play. He’s a little kid and deserves a great life full of friends. Our pup deserves to feel safe and not scared too. We started adolescence and a fear period so it’s even worse. He’s such a smart dog and we’re in obedience training and he does so well. He loves his “brother” (our son). It isn’t realistic to only expose him to neighborhood kids from far away. Even if he’s inside and sees them outside the window he barks and scratches at the window, etc. Is anyone willing to share what worked for them? Is this just adolescence/fear period and he will learn this is normal and part of our lives?
Forgot to mention: The reason this is new is because our son went to an aftercare program more often when he was a younger puppy. We still had play dates, but he was kept tethered or in his pen. He didn’t bark like he does now, but he would be anxious to meet and sniff the other kids. He never growled or nipped. He was more like an excited greeter and wanted to jump (same as he does with adults). We are training this too and he’s still excited but learning and eventually goes down into lay down or sit position when meeting new people.
submitted by /u/EmmieRN
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