Why dogs can be afraid of children: Pet owner's tips

Lots of pets don't particularly like children, especially if they're not acquainted to them - they avoid their noisy and chaotic energy.

Meanwhile, if your dog is afraid of children, that might be quite strange - it can also be a sign of past trauma.

Here are a few reasons why dogs might be scared of kids.

Loud Noises

Children often make loud noises when they play, shout, or even cry. These sudden and high-pitched sounds can be startling to dogs. 

Imagine if someone suddenly yelled or clapped their hands next to your ear; you'd jump, right? Dogs can feel the same way.

Quick Movements

Kids are known for their energetic and quick movements. They may run, jump, or wave their arms around. 

Dogs, on the other hand, prefer calm and predictable movements. 

When children move rapidly, dogs may feel nervous or uncertain about what's happening.

Unfamiliar Faces

Dogs like to know who's around them. When they see new faces, especially little ones they haven't met before, they might get a bit anxious. 

It's like meeting a stranger for us; it can be a bit unsettling.

Past Experiences

If a dog had a bad experience with a child in the past, like a child pulling their tail or ears, they might remember that and become afraid of kids. 

Dogs can hold onto these memories.

Protective Instinct

Some dogs have a natural protective instinct. They want to keep their family safe.

If they're not sure about a child, they might feel the need to be extra cautious and get anxious.

Size Difference

Dogs are usually smaller than adults. Children are often closer in size to dogs, and this size difference might make the dog uneasy. 

They might not know what to expect from someone their size.

Conclusion

To help your dog feel more comfortable around children, it's important to introduce them slowly and calmly. 

Supervise their interactions, and make sure that both the dog and the child feel safe and secure. 

This way, you can build trust and reduce your dog's fear over time.
 

• Related news:
• pets
• dogs
• children
• fears
• 26 October 2023

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