poodles--children

Question
When I take my 5 month old standard on walks, he bucks like a wild horse when he sees children.  He lunges towards them, jumps really high and is hard to control.  The children of course talk to him very excitedly and in high pitched tones, which makes it worse, it seems.  Lately, I've been telling the kids while they are far off "he's not behaving today, or else I'd let you pet him." But we are pregnant with child #1.  How do we get him used to kids?

Answer
Hi Amy :-)

Standard Poodles are known to be nervous around loud noises and shouting. If the children were shouting this could of caused him to react the way he did.

It sounds like you may need to train him not to react that way towards children by saying "no...bad boy" when he lunges for the children or even making him sit down in front of you, and saying "no...bad boy" while you point your finger at him and put it on his nose.....then take him home straight after.

I did this with my Standard and it stopped him from doing it but it did take some time. Or alternatively, speak to a Animal behaviorist and see if they can help you.

Take care & all the best & please leave me a comment.

Trisha x