Hi Ailsa in a world full of children (particularly if you have some of your own) it is almost impossible to restrict a dogs access to them altogether.

I totally agree with you this is not something that can be sorted out on the internet and one reason why I don't think people should be posting to say 'I will PM you' and giving advice on dogs in private when they haven't even seen them (as was discussed in a recent thread) .

The best we can hope to do in these situations is to exchange experiences/make general suggestions with regard to teaching children how to behave around dogs and how to gently introduce dogs to children .

..Heidi it's also good that people like you post in detail about your experiences, your doing so may give those who read your post the confidence to do the same, and others who read the thread may find some useful information too.
It's lovely that so many people take the trouble to post in these threads with helpful suggestions that we can all share and discuss openly. But thats what forums are all about isn't it
I hope the new behaviorist will be able to help you move forward with Dingo.

Hi Heidi, i'd agree with everyone else, sounds like he got a fright, if you feel nervous don't let her in if Dingo is around as he will pick up on your feelings and may try to 'protect' you.

Best of luck. x

Good point Random now that this has happened once Heidi will be apprehensive when children come to the house, these 'feelings' will be picked up by Dingo and may make him more nervous and protective.

Hi Mini
I didn't mean restrict access full stop, sorry I meant in the house.

I'm sure he is taking it all in though! Good for Sophie as the girl also needs to know that her behaviour was not appropriate.

Spoke to Dingo's behaviourist tonight and he feels that Dingo was startled awake by the door opening and this was quickly followed by my daughter's friend jumping and and screaming. Dingo was reading the friend's behaviour as submissive so therefore he had to dominate the situation and also the fact that Sophie's friend hid behind Sophie, Dingo was making a move to protect my daughter from what her had perceived to be a threatening situation. We've got to carry on as normal around children who are confident around dogs and until this nervous friend can be educated in the correct way to respond to a dog, he has to be kept away from her.

My daughter Sophie was listening to the whole conversation and it has been decided that her friend will not be coming into the house or the back garden any time soon.

My only concern now is I normally take him with me to the bus stop to put Sophie on the school bus. I don't want to transfer my concerns about Dingo's reaction to kids on to him. Dogs, they do make us work hard don't they?

Heidi

Hi Heidi that all sounds very positive (and pretty much in line with what everyone here suggested)

Dingo is a lovely little chap, I am sure if you can work through this it will all be worth it in the end

Dingo is an amazing chap, he's been through so much and has plenty of love to give still. We will work through this and we will come out the other side with grins on our faces. We will not be beaten.

Heidi

yes isnt this just a super thread,,, keep us posted on dingos progress,x

It is so useful when people post what they are doing - I'm really enjoying posting about how Shona and I are working together to get Bryan to stop his on lead barking