Dutch Shepherd Forum

So today for a coffee and Olaf was peacefully laying on the floor (as usual). Out of nowhere there was a baby crawling on the floor cca 2 meters from us. Olaf pointed his ears forward and was very interested about the baby, he also shifted his weight forward (still laying down). At that moment he might growled silently, Im not sure. He got up, i put him down to sit and then he barked 2 times. I pulled him a bit and said NO. After that we went away.

child was accompanied by super cool parent who said nothing, didnt panic, acted like it was normal. i asked him to lift the baby while we pass by to exit the bar.

I think Olaf was confused by a crawling baby, he must have thought its a little strange dog, but that doesnt mean i will, or should tolarate that kind of behaviour.

I also think my reaction was too soft, i should`ve made a bigger fuss over it.

Any thoughts?

Sometimes making a "bigger fuss" over something backfires and the dog thinks there really was cause for alarm after all. I would just let him know it was none of his business, put him back in the down, and continued from there as if all was normal.

alspyce wrote:Sometimes making a "bigger fuss" over something backfires and the dog thinks there really was cause for alarm after all. I would just let him know it was none of his business, put him back in the down, and continued from there as if all was normal.

I agree. I noticed with Odin, when I don't make a huge fuss he quiets down fast.

I dont make big deals out of things either, with a baby around just make sure Olaf cant get to the baby in case the baby gets close. If I am out and about I have the dogs stay very close to me just in case a stray child wonders near, but I stay calm.