Choosing a Dog Breed For Your Children

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     The challenge of selecting your child's first dog is considerable. In a sense, you're trying to pair two little animals together so that neither one hurts the other. The first thing to consider is that you need to be mindful of the breed you select, even though individual canines vary within those breeds.

Small children don't have a fully developed sense of their own strength. Nor do they well understand the infliction of pain. They might seriously injure a toy breed or other very small animal without knowing it. Even if there isn't any actual injury, if a child hurts the animal a few times it might forever thwart its becoming socialized to him or her.

You should look for a breed that is physical and rugged, able to handle, even welcome, a degree of rough play. A bulldog, for instance, makes a wonderful companion for a young master. Here's a four-legged friend who can take pretty much anything a little boy or girl is likely to do.

Just as important, the bulldog will take it with equanimity. Bull terriers are also sturdy, relatively insensate to pain, but tend to have a higher energy level and love to play. Don't confuse either with the now-notorious pit bull.

Dogs such as the pit bull, which come with a bad reputation, are sometimes questionable for reasons other than what you might suspect. Doberman Pinschers, for instance, are fine with any child they grow up with from puppy-hood. The problem here is that they're fiercely loyal to one owner, and might regard any other person as a threat to their owner. That's not good news if your child wants to have friends visit.

Some breeds are just plain friendly. This would include both the golden and the Labrador retriever, neither of which seems to have a bad bone in its body. Now, however, you enter the territory of dogs who need space and a lot of exercise. Perhaps even more exercise than is likely to be provided by a very small child. They make excellent companions for your grade-schoolers, though.

It is to be assumed that anyone looking for a friend for their children understands that an animal bred to be a guard dog, like a Rottweiler or a Presa Canario, isn't the most appropriate personal dog for children. Not only are such dogs extremely powerful, beyond what most adults can handle, but they are territorial and independent. This type includes huskies, pit bulls and German Shepherds.

Then there are dogs with peculiarities which place them somewhere in the middle of the pack, so to speak. A collie makes a fine pet if you don't mind doing more brushing than usual, but they're herding dogs and might attempt to herd your children as though they were little sheep. Whether that notion appeals to you is best left to your sense of humor. Chihuahuas are full of character. Perhaps too full. In fact, they're pushy and dominant, and known to take nips at whoever defies their will. All told, it's best to take your time and study breeds before choosing a dog for your child.

Enrolling your puppy into a dog training school is important for developing a healthy and nurturing relationship between you and your dog. Having your pet potty trained by our bark busters experts can easily save you money and headaches, and general training will keep young children and smaller pets safe as well. Bark Busters in Home Dog Training Toronto, ON (416) 988-3169 +1 866-418-4584

Enrolling your puppy into a dog training school is important for developing a healthy and nurturing relationship between you and your dog. Have your pet potty trained by our bark busters experts. Bark Busters in Home Dog Training Toronto, ON (416) 988-3169 +1 866-418-4584http://www.barkbusters.ca