Dogs and children;
Many people buy a dog because the children want a puppy. Very well ! My opinion is that when children are given the opportunity to learn how to deal with an animal, they can also be accountable for the care and good handling of an animal. It is of course important that children AND dogs are accompanied in a good way by the parents.
The first important part is of course the purchase of the dog. A major role here is whether parents have experience with keeping a dog. It is also important how old the children are.
In this first article on this subject, I assume for the time being, that the parents are inexperienced with dogs and they have younger children. The first obstacle that has to be taken is of course what kind of dog you want to purchase.
The inexperienced potential dog owners are already running into the first big problem here. There is a direct choice on the “dog market” of over 100 different varieties. All varieties of dogs have their specific characteristics, good and bad!
My first advice: Start with a puppy !! A young dog will, with proper guidance, be easier to handle for you and the children. This depends of course on the type of dog. Inexperienced owners, for example, I will never recommend a Terrier or type of guard and defense dog, such as Rottweiler, Dobermann etc. These are typical dogs for a more experienced dog handler who knows how to lead the dog.
It is often stated that more dominant dog breeds (including males) are better children’s friends. I totally disagree! Dominant dogs will be more likely to correct a small child if the child does something wrong in the eyes of the dog !!! More about this in a next article.
If you do not have any experience, but you want to start with a somewhat easier type of dog, then I want to recommend that you orientate yourself on the smaller type of companion dogs. Nice dogs for children can include: Cavalier King Charles, Maltese, Bichon or Pug. These are companion dogs with, as a rule, a somewhat “softer” character.
Do you want a larger dog for your children, then I would recommend a preference for, among others, the Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Flat Coated Retriever, Entlebucher Mountain Dog or Collie.
Good family dogs are also often the Golden -and Labrador Retriever, but because of their enormous popularity, unfortunately, many mistakes and deviations have been bred into these dogs .
Also preferable to start with a bitch. Female dogs are usually easier to handle than a male dog. A firm advice: ATTEND A GOOD DOG COURSE !!!
Ask your veterinarian where you can find a responsible dog club or instructor in your area.
When the dog enters your house for the first time, the first behavioral aspect immediately becomes apparent. The Ranking order !
No matter how small or young the puppy is, he will try out from the very first day, where he can place himself within the ranking order of the family.
Assume that children up to the age of about 10 years never get above the dog in good order without good supervision. Babies and crawling children will NEVER rank above the dog. Not even with good guidance !!! I will write more about this tomorrow. As an ALFA you must immediately support the children in their authority to the dog, from the first day on. If the dog distributes his first playful puppy-bites while playing with the children, you should immediately correct that, preferably by giving a so-called “snout bite” to the pup. (See previous articles for explanation) The animal must learn from the very beginning that he NEVER and in no way may use his teeth, other then for eating his food. Also teach the pup immediately that he ALWAYS has to let go of a toy and hand it in, when you or the children are playing with the dog.
The most important: Teach your children to handle the animal responsibly. Teach the children very clearly that the dog is not a toy. The children must learn that the dog has certain characteristics and they must respect the animal as a full-fledged family member. Here it often goes wrong unfortunately. Years ago I was, for this reason, the first in the Netherlands starting obedience courses for children and their dogs. With great success! The lessons were given to the children by two instructors (a teacher and a child speech therapist). I myself was always present to jump in and assist when a child (or dog) needed extra guidance. Unfortunately, there are still not many dog clubs and instructors who dare to start courses of this kind.
Tomorrow the sequel to this article.
If you have any questions and / or comments about this story, please let me know.
