1. Know the Breeds:
When picking a good dog for kids, the first step is to know generally about some common dog breeds. Before going into the specifics, you can narrow down your research process by having knowledge about the common dog breeds that can be of your interest. For example, in this regard, big dogs are preferred over the small ones. Since, big dogs tend to cope better with kids than the small ones, people prefer to go with dogs like Golden Retrievers, etc. – they have proved to be excellent with kids.
On the other hand, small dogs do not tend to do that well. A very common example is the Chihuahua breed.

2. Health Issues:
If your kids have allergies, it becomes important to consider a dog’s coat before adopting it. Dogs with comparatively larger coats do not go well with kids who have allergies. Children, having allergies, are not ideal with such dogs. Hence, it is another important thing to consider when picking the perfect dog for kids.

3. Characteristics:
After gaining knowledge about the general breed of the dog and considering the health issues, you can now look into the specific characteristics of any shortlisted dog. Every dog has its own characteristics – just like humans – and must be taken into consideration when picking the right dog for your kids.
Depending on its upbringing, personality and specific characteristics, a dog can be very friendly, protective and easy-to-deal. While, on the other hand, it can become very difficult to deal for kids.

4. Give it a Go!
When you have decided to pick up a specific dog, it is time to actually give it a go. Assuming the fact that you have performed all the above-mentioned steps carefully and cautiously, there is little risk and danger in bringing the dog home on a 2week trial.
Let the kids know that it is only a trial. Observe and examine the dog for how he behaves around your kids. Establishing a bond with your dog is an extremely important step for anything substantial. Focus on building up a strong relationship with your dog by taking good care of him.

If you find the dog’s behaviour acceptable, then congratulations for you have found a great dog for your kids. Dogs need proper behaviour and training, otherwise their way of living will affect your whole family.

Sleeping on furniture is one of the things that can lead to an over protective or “bossy” dog. Dogs think and operate in terms of territory. The more territory you give them the more they feel they own and need to protect. This sense of ownership can lead to aggressive behavior and disobedience.

When it comes to a child’s bed, this is particularly worrisome. Another reason why you may want to reconsider a child-dog sleeping arrangement is for sanitary reasons. Dogs are not the cleanest of animals, they shed and drool and can even discrete spray from over active anal glands. Sleeping with a dog that may have any of these characteristics can lead to your child developing dog allergies and is a worry as far as dog germs are concerned. If your child does tend to sleep better while in close proximity to your dog then maybe all you need to do is provide your dog with his own bed or crate and place it in or right outside your child’s room. This will give your dog the sense of territory that comes naturally as well as supplying your child with the needed sense of security and safety.

The easiest way to prevent any difficulties when it comes to sleeping arrangements for kids and dogs is to never allow it start in the first place. While your dog is a puppy, train them to know which places in your home are theirs, which are communal properties and which are for human family members only. That way, there’ll never be a question as to “who’s boss”.

The PAWS programme provides workshops and training for parents highlighting the potential benefits of having a well-trained family dog for children with autism. The project helps families to choose the right pet dog for their requirements, as well as integrating their pet into family life.

This is the second time The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has funded the PAWS project, having donated £25,000 during 2010. Due to the on-going success of the project the Charity is very happy to make this second grant.

 Photo: (L to R)  Katie Bristow-Wade, India, Amy Davies, Roger Hampshire, Mike Lovatt

Speaking about the donation Roger Hampshire, Charity Steward for Oxfordshire said: “It is with great pleasure that we make this second grant to Dogs for the Disabled, for an established scheme that has already met with much success. We hope that this donation will help many more families in the coming years.”

Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive of Dogs for the Disabled said:  “This grant from the Grand Charity enables us to embark on the third year of PAWS with increasing confidence. The project has already enhanced the lives of over 200 families affected by autism and we are thrilled and grateful to the Grand Charity for enabling us to extend the positive impact of PAWS even further”

The Major Grants Scheme is just one of the initiatives driven by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity which donates over £3 million to national charities every year.

Pug
Sturdy and spunky, the pug dog is a lot like most kids. Pugs love people and will most likely follow your children around whenever possible. Playful by nature, they seem to enjoy entertaining their owners with silly antics. They’re also sensitive and intelligent enough to take to training without much trouble. The only drawbacks are that they’re prone to certain health problems and their wrinkles require special care.

Cocker Spaniel
The poster child for perky, the energetic Cocker Spaniel charms kids and adults alike. Of all dog breeds, small Cocker Spaniels often top the list of family-friendly dogs. They’re naturally gentle in play, but if they do get a little rough, their soft, furry paws aren’t likely to do any damage. This sensitive dog requires gentle training or it can become nervous and yappy.

Miniature Schnauzer
With its compact size, solid build, and friendly demeanor, the Schnauzer makes a great companion for small children. Although they’re as rambunctious as terriers, they’re less aggressive, which makes them a better choice around kids. Schnauzers aren’t yappy, but they are natural guard dogs and will sound the alarm when any stranger approaches the house. On the downside, they’re likely to attack small household pets and cats.

Pocket Beagle
This small variety of beagle is sturdy and hardy, yet gentle and affectionate. Pocket Beagles love to play and their calm nature means running and shouting kids don’t bother them much. Their attractive tri-color coat is easy to care for, although it does shed quite a bit. This breed’s less attractive traits include a typical “houndy” smell, a loud baying bark, and a stubborn attitude towards training.

These are just a few of the dog breeds small and gentle enough to make good companions for children. As you search for the right dog for your family, remember looks aren’t everything. Always read up on the breed’s temperament and make sure you’re aware of the grooming requirements and any potential health problems.

Temperament

The term “temperament” refers to a dog’s general attitude and outlook. Dog temperament not only differs 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.

When choosing a dog, you do need to consider body size and grooming needs. It is, however, equally as important to take into account a dog’s temperament. If you have older kids, you may be happier with an active dog that will rough and tumble with them. Younger kids may prefer a quieter dog. Some dogs are dominant, and less suited to families with younger kids. Submissive puppies may be scared of noisy kids, and defend themselves with a nip.

Important Aspects of a Dog

Another important aspect of dog temperament is train ability. 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 demeanor. Many breeders are now performing temperament testing to match each pup to the most suitable home.

After you chose a dog with a suitable temperament for your family, you need to teach your kids how to behave around it. Both dogs and kids need training to live harmoniously.

Dogs and Kids

Just like kids, 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.

Kids also need to learn how to behave around unfamiliar dogs.

If your child wants to pet a peculiar dog, they must always ask the handler. Some dogs have a nervous or suspicious temperament, and may nip if approached.

Kids Fear of Dogs

Many youngsters are scared of dogs, and for these kids, the sight of a dog darting at them is the stuff nightmares are made of. If a dog does rush at your child, teach them to stand very still, don’t scream and don’t look into the dog’s eyes. If the dog knocks them over, they need to roll into a little ball and be very still and calm.

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, dogs and kids can live in harmony and share many merry times.

The post Dogs and Kids appeared first on Best Dogs For Kids.

Dogs have always been man’s best friend, irrespective of their breed or size. They have served mankind for generations together and there is hardly a doubt that they would continue to do so. Having a puppy of one’s own can be a great idea; it is an experience that can leave a person changed emotionally and mentally. They are the best stress busters that one can find. You can adopt a puppy to experience the love and warmth that only a dog can give. Adopting a puppy is as much an enjoyable an experience as it is demanding, one must be aware of the immense responsibility that dog adoption demands. It would be a good idea to learn about adoption from various sources before taking the step.

Why adopt?

Adopting a puppy can be a very rewarding experience for the family members. You get the satisfaction of having rescued a puppy from disease, abandonment or even death in some cases. Apart from this you can be sure that you have a puppy that you took an instant liking for. When going in for adoption you also know that your puppy does not come from one of those cruel puppy mills or business oriented pet stores that don’t pay enough attention to take care of the puppy.

Adoption tips

If you are interested in adopting a pure bred puppy, your best bet would be traditional breeders who know and care for the health and well being of the puppies they have. You could also approach an approved, genuine pet rescue shelter for your adoption needs. Choose your puppy with care and listen to your instincts, take your time to decide on which puppy you would like to adopt and then make your decision. The internet is also a great source to find the puppy you are looking for. Filling a simple form and fulfilling a few basic formalities will be sufficient for you to adopt a puppy. You may have to pay a nominal adoption fee and also compensate for vaccines, medicines and so on.

How to select the right puppy

• Visit multiple centers before narrowing down on one puppy
• Initially make a note of the dogs that grab your attention or interest you – about 4-5 should be good
• Consider which dog meets your criteria of size, space of living, breed (if you are particular) and nature of the dog
• Test the dog’s readiness to come to you by extending a hand to it
• Assess the activity level of the pup
• Ensure the puppy is free from diseases or infections that might affect you or your kids
• Make thorough enquiries on the dog
• Go ahead with adoption

Hey Madeline,

I have a dog/kid question to ask you.  Next week we are having a “Neighborhood Night Out” Party, pretty much the same as a Block Party. I think it would be a Great Opportunity to socialize my puppy, but is that stepping over boundaries?   There would surly be a lot of kids there, would that be asking too much of the puppy?  (She’s five months old now.)

Stella

Hi Stella!  Good for you to be thinking of your puppy’s welfare.  Socializing a puppy is pretty much a whole topic in itself but there are some basics before deciding to bring your pup along:

• Will you be able to give your puppy your full attention and support?  Are you free to leave if it turns out to be too much?

• Are you willing to bring really good treats?  You have the power to define many of your puppy’s first experiences.  I see a lot of people just hoping the dog will be OK with some experience or another when they could be actively making it good by mixing in a few treats.  Other people and the environment in general seemingly conspire to untrain puppies.  Don’t let it happen!

• In short, socialization should be about, “Make it good or make it stop.”  You are your puppy’s advocate.  There is nothing your puppy “has” to do in the name of socialization or pleasing other people.  If an interaction is not going well, stop.  Assess the situation and make a better plan for next time.

Socializing Puppies with Children

Are we all just hoping for the best here?

When taking a puppy out around kids, you’ve got three different things to be on top of:

1. What the kids might do to scare the puppy
2. What the puppy might do to scare the kids
3. What the puppy might learn behavior-wise that you do not want her rehearsing (e.g., jumping up or pulling on the leash)

This is not that different than socializing your puppy in any other situation, with the exception of #2.  Even kids that want to greet your puppy can change their minds in an instant or get freaked out when the puppy turns out not to be a stuffed animal after all.

My main goal with my puppy is that he enjoys being with ME “around kids.”  We’re a team.

This is nice because the kids are standing still and the puppy is being directed to look for a treat on the ground. They are all peacefully "Standing Around," simply being companionable with each other.

 

Here are a few suggestions:

• I mostly like to have my puppy notice kids and then eat a treat and move along.  No big deal.  I don’t take him up to children on purpose to “socialize.”  I don’t want it to concern him what children are doing in his vicinity.

• If you are going to allow kids to meet your puppy, coach the kids to “ask the dog” by standing a few feet away and offering inviting body language — patting a leg, kissy sound, crouching down, speaking sweetly.  It’s puppy’s choice to approach the child.  Children do not get to invade your puppy’s personal space.  See previous posts here and here.

• Direct your puppy’s attention to the ground by the child’s feet by placing a few treats there.   Keep your comfortable, familiar hand on your dog’s head and clearly direct the interaction — where and how the child may pet, how long, etc.  If it’s going well, that’s a good time to stop and go on your way!  Too much time will just get your puppy too excited and distracted or increase the probability that something will go wrong.

• If your puppy does not want to approach, accept her answer and advocate for your puppy.  Do not try to coax her or have the person offer treats.  If  you notice a gap in her coping skills, make a plan for how to build those skills for next time.

• I have a rule that kids must bring their parents with them if they want to meet my puppy.  No parents across the park on their cell phones.

• Expect that parents will be angry with you if you say, “No,” to their child’s request to pet the puppy or if you redirect children who rush up.  See if this post helps.

• Guide the interaction based on what is developmentally appropriate for different age children (see next section).

 All Ages Are Not Created Equal!

There is much difference between infants, toddlers, preschoolers and “kids” (generally over age five).  Here’s how I divide up what I will allow with my own puppy:

Infants:  I have to admit that I have been guilty of stalking other people’s infants.  It just seemed infinitely easier than having to have another baby of my own.  I like my puppy to be able to see and hear babies and think nothing of them because he’s busy doing something with me or just relaxing and taking in the world.  I don’t let him stare or get close enough to investigate the baby, of course.  The baby is there; the puppy is here; all is well in the world.

Toddlers:  Again, in the name of honesty, I will disclose that I avoid them like the plague if they are on the move and likely to charge at my puppy.  Just the other day, I had my puppy sitting by my side watching the goings-on at a busy park path when out of nowhere, a toddler rushed us, “I am going to touch that dog!“  I stepped in front of Teddy and blocked her path just as her mom scooped her up and carried her away, “You need to stop and ask!  Don’t rush up to dogs!”

Around toddlers, my puppy gets marked for noticing them (“Yep” or click) followed by a treat and probably more click/treats as he walks away with me.  Running, screaming toddlers?  No big deal, let’s go.

Does this sound weird or over-protective to you?  “But he has to get used to toddlers so he’s okay with them later!  Isn’t that what socialization is for?“  Think about it for a minute.  There is nothing I want a toddler to do up close and personal with my puppy.  What are the chances a 16 month old baby has a good idea?  I think there’s far more risk of sensitizing a puppy to being wary of toddlers if you keep rolling the dice and hoping nothing scary happens.  Plus, why should toddlers be allowed to physically explore and experiment with dogs?  They can have more opportunity when they are developmentally able to be successful.

Preschoolers:  I like my puppy to watch preschoolers from enough distance that he’s comfortable and still able to eat treats and be attentive to me.  In real life, mostly you want your dog to let preschoolers do their own thing without care.  Usually, puppies need at least a little bit of foundation training so they can be around exciting activity without needing to join in so I look at preschoolers as that sort of impulse control training opportunity.

Do I let preschoolers “meet” my puppy?  Maybe.  I draw my line at the point where a child can have a reasonable conversation with me. If it’s, “Doggie, Doggie, Doggie!” then it’s “No, No, No!” from me.  These are the very kids that need to hear, “No.”  And, their parents need to hear that it’s not safe for kids to rush up to dogs.  It doesn’t matter if my dog is “okay” with it.  The next dog might not be.

Kid-Kids (Over Age Five):  Kids are great!  If we are talking about kids who will follow directions, that is.  And, really, that’s most kids if you give them clear instruction and encouragement.  Kids can be a big help in puppy training and it’s a nice chance to teach kids safe, kind ways of interacting with dogs.