Barking when I hug my kids!

[pollypocket]

Can anyone advise me as to why my otherwise very well-behaved, well-adjusted labrador (female, aged 5) barks whenever I pick up my children or give my husband a hug? She doesn't mind me paying them attention in any other way, eg if they sit on my lap, but as soon as I pick them up (they are all school age) or hug them, she leaves whatever she is doing, stands right next to us and barks persistently till I let go. No aggression, just barking.
Otherwise she never barks (except to be let out, and then it is just one bark!).
We got her, as puppy, after all the children were over 2, so I don't think she sees herself as above them in the pack hierarchy. And she is very loving towards them, eg when they return from school. And she definitely sees my husband as the pack leader.
Any ideas? I'd love to know what causes this, as it's driving us mad! Thanks!

[nick_j007]

Set this up so you can bring out the behaviour in a predictable way.

Place a lead on the dog, and hold the lead as your kids hug you. As soon as your dog barks - well you could do a few things.

Why not try a very simple low-key response such as the 'time out'?

As soon as she barks she is placed behind a closed door until quiet. Place her near that door before you start. Once she is quiet she is brough out again right away.
Once things are looking fairly relaxed, you do the same again as above.

With swift succession and good timing this can work very well. Try to 'proof' the behaviour by getting everyone to do it.

Her affection to the kids on homecoming is fine, but I suggest a low-key calm homecoming. Once she is calm, she is asked to sit, and then calm affection can be given. A far better leadership based approach in my experience. All family members should do this.

Will she go to her bed on command? This could be very useful later on when you are over the worst of the barking.

Come back with any questions.

Nick

[mac.]

it could be a leadership problem your dog thinking she is above the children and is protecting you from this follow the advise above as this is serious.