In the minds of most children, dogs are warm furry cuddly companions who love to be hugged. However, we know that this isn’t always the case. Children and dogs can be great friends, but this combination can also lead to problems. Different dog breeds will have different temperaments, and all children need to learn to be respectful towards dogs. This will help reduce the incidence of dog attacks on children, and allow them to live peacefully together. Children suffer a majority of the dog attacks around the world each year. In reverse, an exuberant child can easily injure a small dog or puppy.
The term “temperament” refers to a dog’s general attitude and outlook. Dog temperament not only varies between breeds, but between individuals within a breed. For example, working breeds are known to be active and may not like to sit still, whereas terriers can be tenacious and quite strong willed.
CHOOSING A DOG
Before choosing a dog, consider your children's ages, the number of children in your household and their general personalities. Take some time to think about this, since you, your child, and the dog will all lose out if you make a poor match.
When choosing a dog, you do need to consider body size and grooming requirements. It is, however, equally as important to take into account a dog’s temperament. If you have older children, you may be happier with an active dog that will rough and tumble with them. Younger children may prefer a quieter dog. Some dogs are dominant, and less suited to families with younger children. Submissive puppies may be afraid of noisy children, and defend themselves with a nip.
Another important aspect of dog temperament is trainability. Intelligent dogs who are easy to train, and learn what’s expected of them quickly, are easier to teach to fit the family lifestyle. However, these dogs are often easily bored, and may be destructive if they don’t have enough mental stimulation.
It’s often easier to predict temperament with purebred dogs, as they tend to have a characteristic demeanour. Many breeders are now performing temperament testing to match each pup to the most suitable home. Of all the dog breeds out there, a few are clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to their natural ability with kids. The best breeds for children are gentle, easy-going, and physically sturdy enough to take a few over-exuberant squeezes and occasional clumsy handling. If you’re looking for a great dog for your kids, here are a few dog breeds to consider.
These breeds are: American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Schnauzer. Although these dogs are usually wonderful children's companions - patient, playful, and gentle - individuals of these breeds can have genetic or social defects that can lead to aggression. American Pit Bull terriers are often purported to be dangerous with children but in reality, pit-bull types often make the best children's companions. The bully breeds are sometimes called nanny dogs or nursemaid dogs because of their fondness for children. Like every breed, Labs, goldens, and the bully breeds all need proper socialization and training to grow up to be friendly around children.
Many breeders refuse to place dogs in homes with an infant or toddler. They may be concerned that the dog will not receive enough attention or that a toddler is too young to have learned restraint when playing.
Don't forget shelter dogs. Sure, the mutts at your local shelter may not hold prestigious pedigrees, but many have already been socialized with babies and children. Because they’re almost always adults, you won’t have to guess at their personality like you would with a puppy. Remember, a lot of people give up their dogs because of a move or financial problems, not because there’s something wrong with the dog. Also, most shelter dogs will have been neutered and temperament tested before adoption.
Dogs of any description, though, should never be left alone with children. Keep sleeping infants secure and out of your dog's reach.
CHILD BEHAVIOUR
After you’ve chosen a dog with a suitable temperament for your family, you need to teach your children how to behave around it.
Just like children, dogs don’t like to be disturbed when they are asleep. If a child takes a dog by surprise, then the dog may bite in fright. Teach your child not to disturb a sleeping dog.
Don’t let your child annoy your dog while it is eating. It may think your child is trying to take its food, and protect it aggressively. This can happen particularly if your dog is chewing on a bone. If your child is old enough, encourage them to take the dog to obedience training. This will help the dog see the child as above them in the pack, and it will become more respectful of your child.
UNFAMILIAR DOGS
Children also need to learn how to behave around unfamiliar dogs.
Teach your child to ask the dog’s handler before attempting to pat a dog. The handler will indicate whether the dog is likely to be receptive. Some dogs have a fearful or suspicious temperament, and may nip or bite if approached.
Many youngsters are afraid of dogs, and for these children, the sight of a dog rushing at them is the stuff nightmares are made of. Teach the child to stand very still, if they do happen to have a dog running at them. They should not scream and they should never look into the dog’s eyes. If the dog does knock them over, they will need to roll into a little ball and be very still and quiet.
Smaller dogs are statistically the most common biters, although typically they do less damage because they lack strength and size. A large guardian dog that is possessive over a toy or food can be dangerous. Ultimately, a child cannot be the sole caretaker of the dog. In all likelihood your child will do little of the care taking. If your child chooses not to care for the dog despite endless promises, you will be the feeder, walker, cleaner, scooper, and love-giver for your pet. If you don't want to be that person, don't get a dog.
If you choose a dog with an appropriate temperament for your family, and demonstrate to your child that dogs need to be treated with care, they can live in harmony and share many happy times.
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