Dear Bif, I have a five year old, purebred, neutered male, Shiba Inu that was not raised around children. He had no contact with them until he was 1.5+ years old. I noticed he reacted to children under ten years old, by snapping at them when they try to pet him. I try to keep him away from children because of this action. He has not actually bit a child but has connected with their clothing.
My question is now do I go about changing this behavior? He meets adults and goes wiggly when he sees them. Children are a different story. I do not believe he has ever been hurt by a child.
I am at a loss as to what to do in this situation. He goes to obedience class weekly and has a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) award and has his AKC CD title.
The snapping takes place almost immediately to meeting young people. Can you advise me? Thanks in advance. - Debbie

Hi Debbie, He has apparenly been obedience trained well, and I applaud his achievements. Lack of socialization and/or fear of children are the only causes available. It will not be easy to get him used to kids without putting a child in danger. Talk about your options at obedience class - but take no risks! Be very careful as you increase his tolerance to children; a muzzle could provide a measure of safety. But never leave them alone together. This could all be caused by his first meeting with a child that scared him. Working with a good trainer may be required to help overcome, or at least control, this problem.

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