He doesnt like children

[Cocker lover]

My 3 year old cocker sometimes growls and barks at children.We cant take him out that often because of that what can I do to stop him? :?:  :?:                    

[PennyB]

Why not just walk in areas away from children or at least recall him when off lead and distract him with a game or a treat if he is heading towards children. I always try to avoid letting mine run up to kids if I can even though mine are kid friendly (my two tend to bowl them over!). I wouldn't let that stop me taking mine out for a walk as they need at least an hour's walk per day offlead, for their own sanity if not yours.

If your dog does this when on the lead have you thought of using a halti/gentle leader so that at the moment you pass a child you turn their head away from the problem thus avoiding any growling etc.

Have you tried speaking to a behaviourist or dog trainer that specializes in behaviour stuff as they may be able to help. Sometimes its because dogs haven't been properly socialized with children and I know on this board and others there are a few who have dogs that don't like kids but still manage to walk them every day.                    

[*Jay*]

The only thing would be to reward him for behaving in a positive manner around children. For example, if he is in the company of children and doesn't bark or growl, just praise him and either give him a treat or play a short game with him. Have you had him since he was a puppy? Was he socialised properly with children as a youngster?  You would also need to think about what the children are doing when he growls/barks at them? Are they playing? If so, it could be their actions that are freaking him out a bit. Again, when he barks/growls, is he acting in a frightened manner or does he seem confident? If its got so bad that you can't take him out, then you may want to think about contacting a behaviourist. They may be able to get to the bottom of why he behaves like this and give you advice on how to combat it. In the meantime, you will have to look at how you respond when he does this as you may inadvertently be rewarding this behaviour.  My oldest cocker really does not like children but he does not behave in the way that your dog does. He may tolerate one stroke from them but any more than that and he will snarl and snap. He doesn't bother about them at all if they don't bother him so in a way we probably have it a bit easier than you. I really think you should get some help so that you can all enjoy your walks again.                    

[Gilly]

I take it from your post you don't have any children?

Early socialisation is a must when getting a new puppy....and it sounds as if your boy hasn't been socialised with children as a puppy.
Children can be very unpredictable....all that running around, being noisey etc can sometimes be very frightening to a dog thats not used to it.
It sounds like your boy's reaction is one of fear.
Do you have any family members with children??? If so what is he like with them???