Children and Dogs
by Rena Murray
Best dogs for children ... So many myths, legends, and fear surround many
things when knowledge is lacking. This is very evident as I hear parents
cry: "My child wants a dog. What should I do? What are the best dogs for
children? What do I teach the children? Help!" Parents want information
on the fear of dogs. How does a child overcome the fear of dogs? How do you
prevent a child from developing a fear of dogs in the first place? It all
begins with the selection process.
I was asked this question by a
couple who had a little fear of dogs in general, because neither of them had
any dogs when growing up. Their children had requested to have a dog, so the
parents wisely stepped forward for help: "What should I do?" Both wanted
their children, then ages four and seven, to grow up comfortable with dogs
and without the fear that plagued them. First, though, they needed to
understand certain guidelines for children and dogs.
So I sat down privately with
the parents and explained some key points that could make or break this
effort. "Understand! You children must be made to understand what they can
and cannot do with a dog. If the child is too rough and you don't correct
him, the dog WILL."
"Secondly, if your dog shows
disrespect to your children, FORGET IT! You are not experienced dog people,
and the animal will take advantage of this. The specific dog must have the
right personality to start with."
"Third, let me show you how to
discipline the dog properly. Your children will imitate you, and you want
this done right."
The couple had agreed that they
wanted a Rescue Dog. They also wanted a medium size and moderate energy dog.
I was told there was no preference of sex.
At the shelter, I looked at
many of the dogs who were leaping eagerly at the doors of the kennels. Their
over-excitement was NOT going to work around children - or inexperienced
adults.
I was drawn at last to Belle
Lady, a very small Lab cross. She was almost all black, and greeted me with
a sweet wiggle when I neared her kennel. I allowed her to smell me. Then I
put her leash on. I walked her a good distance. I tested her on pulling, and
tested her behavior around cats, cars, distractions, people, and her
tolerance level. After all, the best dog for a child is not a particular
breed, but an individual dog's sweet, gentle personality which is responsive
to and respectful of your authority and that of the children, and whose
exercise and attention needs are conducive with the family's lifestyle.
With Belle, I was sure that I
had found the perfect match for this family. Homework is important, though.
So I had a long conversation with one of the people who had worked with
Belle at the shelter. Her conclusion was identical to mine.
The next day when the children
were out of school, we all went to the shelter to get Belle. The children
obeyed their parents and listened intently to my every word. Belle was
allowed to smell them first, then they walked Belle behind them.
The family had to work hard,
but they gave Belle the boundaries that she needed. She spent the rest of
her days happy, healthy, and loved!
This family did not know the
breed or breed mix that would be best. They did not know much of anything to
do with dogs starting out. But they did know to get help, and had the wisdom
to listen and to do as they were instructed. They learned that children and
dogs DO mix if done right, with any breed! The best dogs for children? Just
about any breed. Just do your homework on the individual dog, introduce him
properly, take your leadership position, and DO IT RIGHT!
About the Author
For help with Children and
Dogs, Puppy Selection, or Bringing Your Puppy Home, contact RENA MURRAY at
http://www.PawPersuasion.com/
for COACHING! This Dog Behaviorist-Dog Obedience Trainer blends best of the
Dog Whisper Behavior and other methods in no-nonsense Articles, FREE
Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, and Blog -
http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/ . See PawPersuasion.com.
