Growling at little people

[CarrotTheFrenchie]

I travel a lot of with Carrot and she goes to work with me, so she's very well socialized with people. However, I've noticed she sometimes has issues with kids. I think she must think they are fellow dogs since they are smaller? I think she wants to play with the kids but I also think if a child is really loud or stomps around a lot, she seems to get scared. The biggest issue lately is that when she's on the train or plane with me, she's often elevated and on the seat. And if a child walks by, she will growl at them. Which is a bit of a problem obviously because I don't want to scare the kids and also I'm on the plane or train for MANY hours! I know I could help the situation by placing Carrot on the ground, but this isn't always possible. And if I put her on the ground on the train, it's hard to keep her contained. Whereas, when she's up on the seat with me, she'll just sleep. Normally, when/if she growls at a kid who's walking by, I'll give her a quick tap on the neck and "shhh" Cesar Milan style. But it's not completely successful. I usually have to stick her in her travel bag and sometimes cover her so she can't see the kids

 

[2bullymama]

This is her trying to 'protect' you ... if you are nervous or anticipating this behavior from her, she is sensing it and reacting as she sees you are 'weak'. Also, as you suspect, she is higher than the children since e=being on your lap, so that adds to her 'ego'.. I would try keeping her in the travel bag on the floor at your feet for some period of time during the travel..