8yr niece coming to visit and terrified of dogs!

[svg1982]

Hi, So I have a 6mth King Charles Cavalier, and my niece is staying with my parents along with her mum, dad and brother, for a week very soon. The last time I saw her, was pre-puppy, and we went for a walk in the park. There were dogs about 5metres away from her, on leads, and she was screaming and literally trying to climb up her father (my brother). I am dreading the visit. My dog goes everywhere with me and I'm worried that she is scared of the puppy and I'm not allowed to take him with me when we go out. My puppy is small, very well behaved, quiet and not aggressive in the slightest, it I understand that her fear is all-consuming and irrational. Because I don't see my brothers family that often, I plan to see them a lot ( probs everyday) when they are staying, but really worried about how I should approach this. My puppy is around my other young nephews and nieces a lot and they get on really well. He has been well socialised with children, so I am in now way worried about his behaviour.

Any advice would be great!!!

[RTKangaMummy]

Do you have a crate for him?

So that their 1st meeting is calm and no chance of him going near her

Or having him on other side of baby gate so DN can get used to him being around but stil know that he can't suddenly run at her

Then go for a walk all together so he is walking in front of her and DB so she can see him and then hopefully if you keep going for walks gradually slowing down she may walk alongside him and not really notice what is happening iyswim

Then gradually when back from really long walk when you have a tired puppy and tired DN they might be able to be in same room together watching TV or her playing board games or whatever she likes with him next to you kept on a lead at all times as long as he has access to water bowl next to you

Good luck

[RTKangaMummy]

But don't talk about dog to others when she is around just explain to DB you have it sorted

[RTKangaMummy]

I mean don't talk about the problems she has with dogs etc when she is there iyswim

[KittyBeans72]

my stepdaughter is scared of our dog. we've put tubs of treats in every room so if the dog is in her way she throws a treat on the floor, the dog goes for it, and she can walk past. so far (fingers x) it's working well.

she also sometimes just randomly walks past the dog, chucks the treat and carries on.

the idea is that the dog 1) gets out of her way, 2) she starts to build confidence with him without having to interract and 3) he starts to see her as the font of non-conditiional (no having to sit or down or find) treats.

[Booboostwo]

If she screams at dogs that are minding their own business at a distance from her I think she will really struggle with the puppy.

Have you spoken with her? Maybe she has some ideas about what frightens her which you can then avoid and what she thinks she might be able to put up with.

Is there anyone who can have your puppy for a few hours while your niece visits?

[BagelGoesWalking]

There are few things more sweet than a Cav puppy but I could always have him for the week and not give him back

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Has your brother prepared her for the fact that you have a pup. He should be doing this and sending photos will help her to visualise and prepare.
Meeting on a walk for the first time is often a good step as pup is occupied and less likely to excited by child.
All adults need to remain very calm and not attempt to force the issue we all just walk quietly along.
If your pup is used to a crate this is good for quiet time, but this is a massive but if your niece falls in love with your puppy ( I have seen it happen Aunty's dog is totally different to a random dog) your niece must not under any circumstances try to interfere with the pup in the crate.
If your pup has good sit, down, stand and recall. Demonstrating this can help with some fears as it illustrates that the pup will do what it has told. But recall should only be demonstrated if it is rock solid.

[KittyBeans72]

you could always crate the niece.