Showing aggression toward children
You indicated in an earlier question-and-answer regarding "'Molly,' a dog who was showing aggression toward children, that perhaps the problem might be with Molly's inexperience with small children while a puppy. We have the same problem; however, we ensured the puppy was exposed to lots of kids in a controlled environment. For example, we were extremely careful not to leave the pup and kids alone without supervision. Even today he will bark at kids. We have been following your suggestion not to leave the dog and kids alone together, as we are concerned he may do something, although he has not exhibited any other behavior but the barking. Note: He is a herding dog. Does this have anything to do with it?
Every case is different; barking occurs for many reasons. Does your dog bark as children are entering your home? This may be dominance-related, having nothing to do with early experience with children but perhaps having to do with being too high in overall ranking status in your home. Does he bark when tied up or restrained and children are out of reach? This might be in part because he is a herding dog, but more likely is a result of being a frustrated (as well as dominant?) herding dog. Barking does not always mean aggression is impending, but it does indicate there is a high level of excitability and/or frustration. Barking typically is an outlet for energy that is unable to be directly acted upon, whether because of restraint or inhibition. Many times barking is specific to an aggressive drive. Herding dogs are exceptionally susceptible to this sort of frustration; they have an innate drive to "round 'em up, and can be very excited by any fast-moving objects, including children, cars, bikes, cats, etc., that are out of reach. You would be wise to seek hands-on help from a qualified behaviorist or trainer in your area if you want to have the best shot at understanding and reducing your dog's barking. Meanwhile I'd err on the side of caution until you are certain there is no bite lurking behind your dog's bark by continuing to supervise all of his interactions with children. Ask your vet.
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