Children and Dogs

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."