My dog growls and yelps when kids touch her. Is she in pain or scared?

Question

Hi there! I have a question regarding my dog's behaviour around little children. Recently I found out that Bella doesn't like being touched by children. At first she tried to hide from them when they try to touch her and then she growls and then she yelps really loud when some of them try to touch her chest. What do I need to do to protect her and help her? Why does her chest hurt when being touched on the chest? Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 2 months old | 4 lbs

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Bella's behavior suggests that she is fearful of children. Some dogs simply don't like interacting with kids - kids smell different, they move differently, they sound different, and for some dogs (especially those who weren't exposed to a variety of kids when they were puppies) this can be scary. Since her behavior started with hiding and growling, I suspect the loud vocalization she has been doing when they try to touch her chest is a fear response rather than pain. When her initial signals (hiding, avoidance, growling) aren't working to communicate that she wants to be left alone, she has to escalate the signals (the loud yelp) when they touch her, which she is perceiving as a threat. There are ways to help her become more comfortable around children, but you must do so very carefully, because so far she has used very clear signals of being frightened - but she hasn't yet (from the sound of it) resorted to biting, and any dog will bite if they feel they have to, if their previous methods of communication (hiding, growling, avoiding, vocalizing) aren't getting the message across. Only let calm, mature kids try interacting with Bella. Let them offer her a treat - but don't force it. If she chooses to hide or avoid them, they should let her be. Trying to show her positive associations with kids is the best way to get her a bit more comfortable. Honestly, though, most adult dogs who are fearful of children simply need to be provided with a safe way to be allowed to avoid kids. Give her a "safe place" (such as a kennel, or a bed in the corner) and reward her for going there, and instruct ALL children that they aren't to follow her there. Some dogs aren't relaxed unless they are actually completely removed, and are more comfortable being put in a quiet room while kids are around. This might be the best way to protect both her AND the kids. She is telling you that she's fearful and uncomfortable around kids - so if kids are around, she may be much happier being put in a safe quiet place in the house. Hope this helps.

My dog growls and yelps when kids touch her. Is she in pain or scared?

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