Need HELP with dog growling at children, please! - Page 3

@hundmutter... thank you, that seems like a really good way to make him more comfortable around kids. Unfortunately, the youngest relative we have accessible is 17 and hes completely fine around him.

@Laura...when he growls his ears are up, he is still and looks alert..his hackles rise slightly right on his shoulders.

After everyones input and some PMs I am going to really try to find a trainer. Some people have been kind enough to PM me suggestions. I have made a few calls today and am waiting for them to get back to me..I'll continue to work with him myself until I can find one within our current budget. I really appreciate everyones input.

I don't have anything to add to the good advice you have already received. Just wishing you the best with getting past this with your young dog. I've lived with a problem GSD and it's not fun, so do whatever you can to get the professional help you need. Good luck and don't give up on him.

Have you kept in contact with Vader's breeder since getting him? Have you discussed this issue with her?  I'm a bit puzzled that you're soliciting suggestions here when the dog's breeder [who is also a member here] is extremely well-qualified to advise you and assist with this problem. 

You mention that he's still recovering from surgery to correct OCD--if he's still recovering, he's also likely still having some discomfort, and not likely to be inclined to suffer children gladly if he wasn't well-socialized with them prior to the procedure. For the present time, I'd go out of my way to AVOID putting him in situations where children are involved or present, rather than try and handle things yourself when you're really not experienced enough to do so.  Call your breeder; it may mean having to take a weekend trip to NC, but it would be worth doing so to prevent the bad situation that's just waiting to happen.

Has the dog ever been injured or abused by a child in the past at all?, as this could be the reason for his aggression towards children, another reason he could be reacting to children like this is if he has ever been tormented by a child either with food or toys as a pup. I am an experienced dog handler and behavior specialist and i hope that  i can help you with your problem.

I was trying to keep quiet, but I can't anymore. Growling at a child is POOR TEMPERAMENT. It happens. No one's "fault" unless the breeder knowingly bred a dog who'd produced aggression toward children in the past, and I doubt that's the case!  The fact that the OP's dog only does it to small children is even more disturbing- this isn't likely a strong dog who simply does not like attention from any strangers. This is likely a dog with temperament issues that will never, ever, go away. They may be masked by all the happy-happy ideas of having kids give him treats, but imo, that's a bad idea. The dog isn't safe or stable, and I'd keep him far away from children for LIFE. Good for the OP to realize and not trust him. I had to say this after the "abuse" card got played because 9 times out of 10, that's a crock. There are far more dogs w/genetically poor/weak temperament than there are dogs who were legitimately abused by children and have a valid reason for growling at a toddler. Hackles and growling at a toddler are inappropriate. 

For the record, I'm not even a person who loves children or thinks all dogs should, either. I am simply stating that a GSD who growls at toddlers does not have good temperament and the OP is better served heeding his warnings (as she is doing) than looking for excuses (as some others have offered) because that could get her, the dog, and a child in a lot of trouble some day. I commend her for seeking help and second the idea to speak with the breeder. If this was a dog I'd bred, I'd be extremely upset and determined to try to remedy the situation one way or another. I would also appreciate being notified and consulted with prior to taking it to message boards with well-meaning, but uninformed posters of all walks of life. The posters on this forum have vastly different experience levels. The breeder has more experience with these lines than anyone else in the thread, most likely.  Best of luck to all involved. 

Jenni78, hard,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but intelligent and sincere post
Safety first, professional help makes it possible.

Ibrahim

Ibrahim, I was trying to express seriousness of the situation without berating anybody. Nobody did anything wrong here (yet) and no one has gotten hurt (yet). I didn't mean to be "hard", just sincere and serious. 

I have sought the breeders advice.

And no he has never ever been abused, nor around any children unsupervised.

He may still be uncomfortable from surgery but these children are not running all around him and jumping on him. They are simply in the same vicinity.

I do not like to hear it is poor temperament as he is a social friendly dog on many accounts. However, I do understand there is something amiss with him being so uncomfortable around young kids. I am truly hoping it is lack of exposure and a fear stage. However, I will still work to correct or control this.

Thanks for alls honest input, I will continue to consider everything brought up.

I agree Jenni, a valuable post

Cborso, I'm glad to hear you've sought advice from the breeder. S/he will have more experience with that direct pairing than anyone else here answering, and will likely be your best bet for practical advice. I hope the breeder is being helpful and I hope they were contacted prior to posting on here. Not that this isn't a valuable site- it is. But the breeder knows your puppy, knows you, and knows the parents. The more "knowns" in the equation, the more likely a workable solution will be formed quickly.