Everyone's afraid of my dog!

[BetsyB]

So most of you have probably experienced people being scared or a little apprehensive about meeting your dog. I have three children who have lots of friends who come over to play. It seems all of these kids are afraid of Mackensie! She always wants to be with my kids and their friends, whether they are out in the yard, or inside playing, but their friends freak whenever she goes near them! Just yesterday, my daughter had a friend over to play. Mackensie was an ANGEL!! She was very polite, never jumped, just went up to the girl to sniff and of course kiss her. The girl has two German Shepards at home, but when Mackensie went up to her, she shut herself in my daughter's closet, and everytime the door opened and Mackensie went in, she would run away from her. I had talked to the girl ahead of time about expecting kisses and sniffs, and she said she was fine, and that she loved dogs. I brought them all out to the kitchen and tryed to show her how nice Mackensie was by making her sit, stay, down, smile, and then shake hands, but it didn't seem to make a difference! Any suggestions?

[ELubas]

How old are the skin kids?

[BetsyB]

My kids are 10, 7, and 3. Their friends are all around 8 or 9 years old. Most of these kids have dogs at home. Why is it they're afraid of my Mackensie? I'm always showing them how well she listens, and she has never done anything to make them afraid such as biting, or jumping. I've asked them all why they were afraid, and they all say she looks scary, and runs really fast. Tonight a little girl told me her mom said Boxers are the same as pit bulls, and that she wasn't allowed near them. What's up with that?

[Indy's mom]

So once again we have learned that ignorance is not bliss. I'm so sorry that you and your children are going thru this.

You might try and have a calm, friendly chat with your children's mom's. Invite one or more over for coffee. Let them meet MacKensie, see for themselves that she's about as harmful as a butterfly. Explain your dilemna and that you are not trying to force any child to play with her, just that you don't want them to be frightened of her either.

I would also do my best to keep MacKensie entertained in another room until the other children have decided that they are not only not actually afraid, but want to engage with her.

Best of luck to all of you.

[ELubas]

Originally Posted by Indy's mom

So once again we have learned that ignorance is not bliss. I'm so sorry that you and your children are going thru this.

You might try and have a calm, friendly chat with your children's mom's. Invite one or more over for coffee. Let them meet MacKensie, see for themselves that she's about as harmful as a butterfly. Explain your dilemna and that you are not trying to force any child to play with her, just that you don't want them to be frightened of her either.

I would also do my best to keep MacKensie entertained in another room until the other children have decided that they are not only not actually afraid, but want to engage with her.

Best of luck to all of you.

I agree-this is a parent problem more than a kid problem. I think you need to nicely get the message across that you would never keep a dangerous dog around your own kids and thier kids need to respect your dog, as they need to respect all dogs. And these kids sound old enought to understand all that. Good luck with "Mommies"

[dafzichu]

I am not sure I have any advise, but I can tell you when I was in high school my parents had two boxers (well, they still have them now) and most of my friends, who were teenagers, were scared of them and continue to be scared of them. I find it ridiculous b/c they are the most loving awesomest dogs, but people are weird. I thought it was just my friends, but I guess it is others too.

[BXRBESTFRIND]

What would of worked for me when I was a kid (bear in mind I was fearless with dogs) But if I was afraid what would intice me would be the thought of missing out on some of the Fun
So can you have one of your other kids play with your pup and carry on like its the best thing in the world peeking the friends interest?

Kinda going off of what Indy's Mom said but a little more proactive.

At 10yrs old if I heard my friends sister having a ball with the dog Id have no choice but investigate and try to include myself.

Playing off thier curiosity is a good way to by pass unfounded fears!!

Good Luck

[totallyhip]

I would speak to the parents. It may even just boil down to the fact that the child is scared of all other dogs that don't look like hers. Maybe she is only use to her dog and her dog alone?

[BetsyB]

I spoke with the little girl's mother last night and asked if she was afraid of all dogs or just Mackensie? She said her daughter is terrified of dogs. Even though she has two of her own, she is really afraid of all other dogs. The mother says she was never bitten or otherwise hurt by a dog in the past, but she has always been afraid they might bite or jump. They all came over tonight for a few minutes and the mom approached Mackensie first petting and loving and acting like it was no big deal. The the girl's little brother who is 6 went up to pet her. She was the perfect angel!! I was 99% sure she wouldn't jump up, but have to admit having fear that she would, just because this would be the worst time for her to do it since she's supposed to be showing what a nice girl she is. Then the girl got out of the car and walked over, but didn't want to pet Mackensie at all. I feel we've made some progress though, and the mom has told me she'll be trying to enforce what a great dog Mackensie is and working it into conversation so hopefully the next time she comes over ahe may be a little less apprehensive! So proud of Miss Mackensie!! Woo-Hoo!!!

[MaggienDeuce]

Way to go Mackensie, such a good girl. Sounds like you have done all you can to make it better. Maybe the little girl can get over her fear, for her own happiness if nothing else.