Canines and Kids
Dogs make great friends, protectors and playmates for children. Children learn responsibility while enjoying the unconditional love of a dog. Kids observe the life cycle of growth and development from puppyhood to adult dog. They may joyfully watch the birth of a new litter or suffer their first experience of loss at the death of a beloved dog. For all these reasons and many more, parents entertain the idea of buying a puppy for their child. Sometimes, dogs are members of the family when the new baby arrives. Regardless of which comes first, the canine or the kid, dogs are part of the lives of many children. While it is true that canine companions and kids go together like chocolate chip cookies and milk, there are issues which parents must be aware of in order to protect all members of the family (both the two legged and four legged variety).
When purchasing a dog for your child:
If your dog is already a member of the family when you bring your baby home:1. Infants and toddlers are too young to understand the fragility of a new pup. Postponing the puppy experience until your child is about age four is a good idea.
2. It is never a good idea to introduce a new puppy at Christmas time. The excitement the holiday season is frightening and confusing for a new puppy. The dog is often lost in the shuffle and the gift of a lifetime becomes anti-climactic.
3. Dog breeders recommend that the best time to separate a pup from his litter is around the age of 9 weeks.
4. If you have an allergic child, think twice about getting a pet.
5. Most puppy mill puppies are exceptionally bad, even dangerous for children. Always buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, not a pet store. Pet store puppies obtained from puppy mills, were separated from their mothers and litters too early, shipped in crates, caged in a store, exposed to scary smells, sounds, sights and handled by many people. This trauma affects the dog for the rest of his life and often results in an emotionally disturbed adult dog.
6. Toys are too small and delicate for children and big dogs may be too overwhelming for small children.
7. Puppies have very sharp teeth and like to chew on everyone and everything. If a puppy nips a small child, it is probably because he sees the toddler as a littermate and is inviting him to some really fun puppy play. Unfortunately neither parents or toddlers think playful thoughts when those sharp puppy teeth penetrate soft toddler skin. It is best to keep toddlers and puppies at a safe distance.
8. Do your homework before buying a dog. Tragically, a few dogs have been in the headlines recently because of fatal attacks on children. Certain breeds are very protective and friendly toward children. Other breeds see little ones as prey. Only buy breeds that are children friendly. The following is a list of breeds which tend to be friends and protectors of children: The Retrievers, especially Goldens and Labradors The Spaniels, especially Britanny, Springer, and Cavalier King Charles The Hounds, especially Basset, the Beagle, and the Coonhound Boxers, Border Terriers, Boston Terriers, Standard Poodles, and the Bichon Frise. You can find a more complete list in the book The Right Dog for You.
9. It is a great idea to rescue dogs from an animal shelter. If the dog is a mixed breed, look for physical characteristics which resemble the child friendly breeds.
1. Like it or not, your dog views your family as his pack. Parents must insist that a new baby be seen by the family pooch as superior to him in the hierarchy of the pack. When introducing an older dog to a new baby give the dog commands while the baby is sitting on your lap. The dog will interpret this position of favor (your lap) as a position of power.
2. When your baby first comes home, be sure to give your dog logs of extra attention in order to avert the canine version of sibling rivalry.
3. As your baby grows remember, the dog food bowl should be off limits to the crawling child. Most dogs do not take kindly to the idea of sharing their food (and most children should not be eating dog food anyway).
4. Keep a watchful eye on toddlers. Never allow a toddler to play rough with your dog by pulling his tail, ears, tongue or other appendages. Many dogs will take it upon themselves to discipline your youngster or bite back defensively, as he would if a littermate were tormenting him.
5. If your child develops allergies, consider moving your dog to outdoor quarters. Feeding canned dog food or dry dog food plus a tablespoon of vegetable oil will cut down on the amount of dander (the allergen) which your dog produces. Frequent outside brushing and once a month bathing may also help.
6. Before your baby comes home from the hospital, be sure that your dog is up to date on his immunizations. Remember, discipline is the key (for both dogs and children). A well socialized, well disciplined dog is usually safe around all members of the family.