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dog problems :(
Hi ladies!
I dont usually post on the nest, but I'm a regular on the bump... They dont have a pets board though, so I've come over here for advice 
Sorry this got kind of long, but I'd really appreciate some input! We have a Nova Scotia Duck Toller (no one ever knows what they are - VERY similar to a golden retriever in looks, size, and temperament) puppy that is almost a year old. Finnegan
We did obedience classes with Finn, and carefully socialized him. He did great! I was already off work because we were expecting a baby (who is now 3 months old), so we went all sorts of places together so he could experience everything. Somehow, though, he has become increasingly nervous.... he's afraid of the most random things. Like long things for example.... brooms, sticks, etc. Which I can deal with, obviously. Not a big deal. But there's one thing that he's afraid of that IS a big deal: kids.
DH and I volunteer with several children's programs, teach our church's sunday school, and have lots of friends with kids. Finnegan has spent 5 nights out of the week with kids since he was 8 weeks old and came to live with us! They were always really affectionate and gentle with him, and he totally loved spending time with them! Then one day a few months ago, we were on a walk and he just freaked out when he saw two young girls walking with their mom.... he was totally terrified of them, and was barking and making a huge scene. It was scary, and the mom rushed her kids away. And since that day it's been the same with EVERY kid, even the ones he already knew from church, friends, etc. SO. Weird. As far as I'm aware, there was no trigger... no bad experience or negative associations... like with long things - as far as I'm aware a long thing has never hurt him haha.
In one of these situations, he's NOT aggressive, but he's scared and unpredictable. And when he's like that, although I'd like to think he wouldn't hurt a kid, I really dont trust him at all. Especially if he ever got cornered and couldn't get away... you know? I love the little guy, but I'm really worried about the future... right now he's great with DD because she's so young, but will he get freaky with her as she ages? And even if he doesn't, will our kids never be able to have friends over? Will we never get to take the dog to the park? Etc, etc....
I'm hoping that as DD ages, she'll teach Finn that kids are ok. If not, I have trouble seeing how we can keep him... which is heart breaking, but I'd be willing to do for the safety of my family and those we associate with.
Does anyone have experience with something like this? Training tips? Thoughts? Ideas? I'll take anything... we've tried a bunch of suggestions we've found online, but nothing has worked. It really scares me...
Thanks for the input! xo
Re: dog problems :(
What is your reaction when he does this? And at what point does he start? Is it the mere sight of a child that sets him off? Is he OK until it looks like the child is approaching him? Are the kids in this scenario typically being boisterous and loud, or does there not seem to be any pattern to it?
I try to be as calm as possible, and call him to me for a treat. I get tense, which I'm sure he can read in my body language, but I maintain my composure and talk quietly and calmly to him... I know that yelling and freaking out will only make it worse.
He starts barking and acting freaking as SOON as he sees a kid, regardless of whether they are loud and playing, or just sitting quietly. They can be either approaching us, or just doing their own thing a block or two away. It's so strange.
The pattern would be that ANY child at all, regardless of what they're doing or who they are, scares him....
puppies go through different fear stages up until they reach adulthood. so a potted plant in the living room might be fine one day and scare the daylights out of him a week later where he will bark at it because he's not sure of what that menacing peace lily is doing in the corner.
it sounds like your pooch might be in the second fear stage generally takes place between 6-14 months (but can extend up to sexual maturity in larger dogs). during this phase of his development he can become aprehensive to people, shy about new areas, etc. Generally speaking this is something he should outgrow as he develops further.
good luck!