Do you have children?

Children and dogs seem like the ideal combination. The picture in most peoples minds is that of children and puppies playing happily. Getting a dog just for your children though, is not the best choice. Dogs are not toys and they do not enjoy the kind of interaction a child initiates. Screaming and running children can be very intimidating for dogs. Hugging and pulling on ears are also activities dogs might politely let happen but they will not enjoy it. To keep children and dogs safe they need to be supervised and both should learn the appropriate behaviour to interact with the other individual.
Having children makes it even more important to choose the correct type of dog. Depending on the ages of your children there are some things to look out for.
If your children are very small look for a breed that is not too large or boisterous to prevent your children from being knocked down. Another thing to look out for is the tolerance level of the breed. Some breeds are known to have a much higher tolerance than others where it concerns noise, movement and personal space. A higher tolerance level does not imply they should be treated with less respect! Children should always learn not to jump on dogs or pull at tails and ears.

Breeds that are very protective can make it difficult for your children to have friends  over to visit. Strangers coming in and interfering with their ‘family’ can be an issue. Good socialisation and teaching appropriate behaviour (training!) will prevent these problems. Herding breeds need supervision when children are playing, collies for instance can use your children as sheep they need to regulate. Children running and making noise can trigger unwanted herding behaviour and escalated arousal levels in the dog. Something to be aware of and to manage to stop it from happening and again: training appropriate behaviour.

Other important things to consider with children are to never leave children and dogs unsupervised and to teach children dogs are not toys. Letting children walk the dog should only be done under supervision if at all. Dogs can decide to run after something that moves suddenly and can pull free putting both dog and child in danger. Pay attention to size and temperament of the breeds you are interested in.