We went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving, and brought all three dogs. My sister and her husband brought their three kids, ages 1,3, and 6. I had Sisci crated in a closed bedroom because we're still working on her coping skills with non-dog people. Two years ago my sister's oldest kid did really well with Brisbane, Ru, and Josie the ancient GSD. We practiced being a tree when we want to dogs to leave us alone, and making inviting gestures when we want them to come see us.
Apparently none of it stuck. My sister's kids are currently crazy about "puppies", have zero interaction with actual dogs, are easily spooked, and are also utterly incapable of following directions. The kids could not seem to grasp the concept that dogs don't usually bark at each other, so barking at them is rude. They could not seem to grasp "stop barking at the dogs" either. Despite constant, endless directions from every adult in the house, they shrieked, jumped up and down, and waved their arms when they wanted the dogs to approach them, and when they wanted the dogs to go away, but in a slightly different pitch.
Like, seriously kids, I understand that you think you love dogs and find them very exciting and want to pet them, but also find them overwhelming, but please try to use your brains anyway! Stop calling and waving to Briz and then shrieking and crying when he looks at you. Especially you, six-year-old. You were way better at this when you were four.
I'm pretty sure the kids learned absolutely nothing from the entire experience. Brisbane and Ru were reinforced in their secure knowledge that ignoring spastic children means endless treats. I learned that nothing freaks Ru out like a small child crawling on the floor, panting and yapping. I've never seen him hackle up over his entire body and rage-growl like that.
The kids have been begging my sister for a puppy. She keeps asking my opinion when I think they'll be ready. I said at this rate, never. She was relieved.
Apparently none of it stuck. My sister's kids are currently crazy about "puppies", have zero interaction with actual dogs, are easily spooked, and are also utterly incapable of following directions. The kids could not seem to grasp the concept that dogs don't usually bark at each other, so barking at them is rude. They could not seem to grasp "stop barking at the dogs" either. Despite constant, endless directions from every adult in the house, they shrieked, jumped up and down, and waved their arms when they wanted the dogs to approach them, and when they wanted the dogs to go away, but in a slightly different pitch.
Like, seriously kids, I understand that you think you love dogs and find them very exciting and want to pet them, but also find them overwhelming, but please try to use your brains anyway! Stop calling and waving to Briz and then shrieking and crying when he looks at you. Especially you, six-year-old. You were way better at this when you were four.
I'm pretty sure the kids learned absolutely nothing from the entire experience. Brisbane and Ru were reinforced in their secure knowledge that ignoring spastic children means endless treats. I learned that nothing freaks Ru out like a small child crawling on the floor, panting and yapping. I've never seen him hackle up over his entire body and rage-growl like that.
The kids have been begging my sister for a puppy. She keeps asking my opinion when I think they'll be ready. I said at this rate, never. She was relieved.
