Nevertheless, not all dogs are suitable for kids. For instance, dogs that have been bred as guard dogs can be aggressive and unpredictable. But if you get them Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, mixed breeds or even Boxers or Pugs, the relationship between dog and kid can be wonderful. (Of course, you need to ensure that your child doesn’t constantly hassle the dog by pulling its tail or ears!). These breeds are friendly, affectionate, non-aggressive and patient.
When and if you decide to bring a puppy home, takes time to set down a few ground rules for your kids. They will be excited and many kids below 10 tend to see puppies as live playthings. The kids must learn to respect the pup and should never ever be allowed to beat him or kick him or harm him in any way. Also, kids should be discouraged from manhandling the pup. I’ve observed many parents allowing their kids to carry the puppies, up and down the stairs and even the road. If your kid drops the pup, he could fracture his bones or, if on the road, either get run over or panic, run away and get lost. If your kid wants to take the pup for a walk, ensure that an adult accompanies the child and dog.
Of course, your puppy too will need to be trained. Young pups have a habit of chewing and biting (affectionately). Since their milk teeth are sharp, their bites can really hurt. Make it clear to the puppy that biting is NOT ON, not by whacking him, but by saying a stern ‘No’ or a by a gentle tap on the nose. The pup will learn. Also, give him toys to chew on; that will keep him occupied and his chewing and biting will be confined to his toys.
Do remember, a dog is NOT a toy. Just because your child has been hankering for one, do not gift him or her a puppy unless the whole family is ready to have one. If you or your spouse dislike dogs or fear them, how will you rear one? If you are not committed to raising a dog, it’s unfair to bring one home. Secondly, does your child really want a dog? Or is s/he asking for one because a friend has one? Don’t make an impulsive decision. Talk to your child, probe gently, make him/her understand it’s a long-term commitment. If your child is six years or more, take him/her to a dog shelter and let the child interact with puppies. Let the child get used to petting and playing with pups. Thirdly, while dogs can help teach a child responsibility, patience, understanding and kindness, no young child is competent enough to train or take over the complete care of a puppy or dog. It is the parents who must take responsibility for the pet. You could teach the child to groom the pet, even clean up after the pet, give the dog its meals (after you have portioned it out) and help you when you bathe the dog. But, as mentioned earlier, a child cannot take a dog for a walk alone.
Dogs are pack animals and to them, the adult member/s are the pack leaders. Chances are that they will listen to you and not your child. Until you are confident about your child and your pup’s relationship, don’t leave them alone. Most dogs bite out of fear or in self-defence. You need to ensure that your child doesn’t pull the dog’s tail or ears, try to take away the dog’s food, get too rough when playing with the dog, etc. As a parent, you need to ensure that the child learns to behave with the dog. If a dog is getting annoyed, s/he will give warning signs. The dog may walk away, hide under the couch, give a gentle growl, it’s tail will be down, it’s ears may be flattened back…there are many indicators. If the child is troubling it too much, it may avoid the child. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to pick up the cues and ensure a harmonious relationship between the dog and child. Both can be trained to behave in a suitable manner.
