The best dogs for children … So many myths, legends and fears surround many things when knowledge is lacking. This is very evident when I hear parents cry: “My son wants a dog. What should I do? What are the best dogs for children? What do I teach the children? To help! “ Parents want information about the fear of dogs. How does a child overcome the fear of dogs? How can you prevent a child from developing a fear of dogs in the first place? It all starts with the selection process.
I was asked this question by a couple who were a little scared of dogs in general, because neither of them had dogs when they grew up. Their children had requested to have a dog, so the parents wisely stepped forward for help: “What should I do?” They both wanted their children, who were four and seven at the time, to grow up comfortable with dogs and without the fear that plagued them. First, however, they needed to understand certain guidelines for children and dogs.
So I sat down with the parents privately and explained some key points that could make or break this effort. “Understand! You children must understand what you can and cannot do with a dog. If the child is too rude and you don’t correct him, the dog will.”
“Second, if your dog shows disrespect to your children, FORGET IT! They are not experienced dog people, and the animal will take advantage of this. The specific dog must have the right personality to begin with.”
“Third, let me show you how to discipline the dog correctly. Your kids will follow suit and you want this done right.”
The couple had agreed that they wanted a rescue dog. They also wanted a medium-sized dog with moderate energy. They told me there was no sex preference.
At the shelter, I watched many of the dogs jumping anxiously at the gates of the kennels. His overexcitement was NOT going to work with kids, or inexperienced adults.
At last I was attracted to Belle Lady, a very small laboratory cross. She was almost all black and she greeted me with a sweet wiggle as I approached her kennel. I let her smell me. Then I put the leash on him. I walked a good distance with her. I tested her by pulling and tested her behavior with cats, cars, distractions, people, and her tolerance level. After all, the best dog for a child is not a particular breed, but the sweet and gentle personality of an individual dog that responds and respects his authority and that of children, and whose needs for exercise and attention are favorable to the style. of family life. .
With Belle, he was sure that he had found the perfect match for this family. However, homework is important. So I had a long conversation with one of the people who had worked with Belle at the shelter. His conclusion was identical to mine.
The next day, when the children weren’t going to school, we all went to the shelter to look for Belle. The children obeyed their parents and listened carefully to my every word. Belle was allowed to smell them first, then they followed Belle behind them.
The family had to work hard, but they gave Belle the limits she needed. She spent the rest of her days happy, healthy, and loved!
This family did not know the race or mix of races that would be best. They didn’t know much about the starting dogs. But they did know how to get help and they had the wisdom to listen and do what they were instructed to do. They learned that children and dogs mix if done right, with any breed! The best dogs for kids? Almost any breed. Just do your homework with the individual dog, present it correctly, take your leadership position and DO IT WELL