Leema Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I know dog bites are complex things, and the question 'are they good with children' tries to make simple a very complex matter. How do you answer? I could write an essay response to this question, but I need to add something simple to my repertoire that gets a point across without sending anyone to sleep. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meea Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 If children are good with them :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixeduppup Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Depends on the children. Depends on the dog. Depends on the owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 My dogs love children. One is very gentle with them, one can be a bit rough when over-excited. I'm not sure that I need to say anything more than that. Everyone's dog is different, and no dog should be left unsupervised with children in case their mood changes. And if that happens, I would most likely blame the child. Children can be a bit unpredictable with dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Its generally the other way around, children are not good with Poms, too small and breakable and most Pom breeders wont sell to a family with small children in the home for that reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I respond with " they certainly are, provided they have been carefully bred and have been adequately socialised as babies " SBT's are renowned for being the "nanny" dog. When I talk about SBT's, I am referring to pedigree dogs, not the generic brindle pound mutt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 If children are good with them :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) I get this question all the time as it seems that certain people like telling others that Samoyeds are automatically fantastic with children. I tell puppy people that Samoyeds can be wonderful with children provided both the children and the dogs are raised to respect one another. They should never assume a dog will automatically understand how to behave around children. I have met a number of Samoyeds that are fantastic with children even though they have never been raised with them but I'm not comfortable making a blanket statement like 'all are great with kids' as I just don't believe it's true. Edited July 16, 2012 by Bjelkier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willow Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I guess it depends on what behaviour they are expecting the dog to deal with... "normal" childrens behaviour varies, which can range from crying, squealing, yelling, tanties etc (dependant on the age of the child) though to a jerky baby, a crawling baby, a wobbly toddler who might bump them, a running pre-schooler who is like a human tornado I would say "It depends on the age and temperament of the child..."good with children" is not a set in stone trait...it depends on the child involved as much as the dog". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willow Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I guess it depends on what behaviour they are expecting the dog to deal with... "normal" childrens behaviour varies, which can range from crying, squealing, yelling, tanties etc (dependant on the age of the child) though to a jerky baby, a crawling baby, a wobbly toddler who might bump them, a running pre-schooler who is like a human tornado I would say "It depends on the age and temperament of the child..."good with children" is not a set in stone trait...it depends on the child involved as much as the dog". My Staffy doesn't love babies....he finds crying stressful, but he loves toddlers and older kids and will happily sit there for hours while my daughter pats him, reads to him and is patient while she is clumsy and bumps him accidentally etc. If she chucks a tanty, he beats a hasty retreat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) Boxers generally love children. Mine is very good with my children (but is always supervised). He follows them everywhere, sticking his nose into everything they do (he has 'ammended' numerous paintings in his time). I do think that they can be a bit boisterous for very small children, and are probably better suited to families with older kids. Mine has been raised since puppyhood with my then 4 and 9 year old children and we've had no issues. Edited July 16, 2012 by trinabean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileys mum Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) If children are good with them :) :) This is pretty much my answer too I usually say as long as the child is taught to be gentle & respectful with them, then there should be no problems. When my Nieces come over,my dogs get so excited & love them, but my Nieces have also been taught how to behave around dogs, & treat them gently, so we have never had any issues. I also always warn my puppy owners that adult supervision is also highly recommended with dogs (of any breed) & children. Edited July 16, 2012 by Baileys mum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Lab owners often don't get asked that question. People often ASSUME Labs are good with children, even children who do very stupid things with very stupid parents who don't supervise. Sigh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tia Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Goldens are the same, people just assume they are fantastic with kids but like any breed they need training, the children need training even the adults need training. Honey's only a puppy so she's still bouncy so I don't like any toddler near her and even today I noticed she jumped up at my 11 yr old so I got her to do the back turn and arm crossed trick to ignore her. We're all working on basic manners and look so she now will look at everyone in the eyes without feeling we're threatening her. I've also been taking treats and toys from her and then as she makes no complaints she gets them back with praise. I try to think of what kids will do to a dog as kids don't think. I think it all comes down to the childrens ages in regards to injuries to a pup or how sensitive certain breeds are and the fact new owners really need to understand it's all about training no matter what the breed is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I say as a breed yes they generally are, however the child needs to be well behaved and considerate of the dog as the dog won't and shouldn't tolerate just any behaviour. I also say that well bred Whippets with stable temperments are good with well behaved children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 With Border Collies I explain they need a certain temperament and the dog needs to be raised with children. Sometimes there will be a several in a litter that suit a home with young kids other times there won't be any. The age of the children matters too. Softer dogs are no good with toddlers but fine with 6 years + depending on the nature of the kids. With toddlers you need a tougher middle of the road dog. This is why I totally disapprove of anyone definitely allocating puppies before at least 6 weeks. They need to be that old to work out the temperaments and personalities because they are all different. I also warn them if they let the dog play excited chasings with the kids, the dog will probably herd them and nip them on the legs. If the kids want to play chasing games the dog needs to be locked up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Showpony Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) I respond with " provided they have been carefully bred and have been adequately socialised as babies " SBT's are renowned for being the "nanny" dog. When I talk about SBT's, I am referring to pedigree dogs, not the generic brindle pound mutt Hi, I throw this question back to the person asking......so I ask them about their kids ie how old, have they had a dog before etc The above highlighted statement should be applied to the kids !!!!!! Edited July 17, 2012 by Showpony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huga Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I usually say 'Mine are'. Because they are, I have two small boys and they've never been anything but awesome with them. What I hate, is when someone squawks 'Does it BITE??!!' Yep. He bites. That's why he is out in public, and I'm letting him sniff your kid who just bolted over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I would answer that most Border Collies bred with the traits I look for in a BC, and raised responsibly, should be great with children. My 4 are high drive & working bred, I couldn't ask for a better attitude to my, and other, children.I observe similar behaviour in others from their litters who haven't been raised with children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazyWal Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 My dogs love children. One is very gentle with them, one can be a bit rough when over-excited. I'm not sure that I need to say anything more than that. Everyone's dog is different, and no dog should be left unsupervised with children in case their mood changes. And if that happens, I would most likely blame the child. Children can be a bit unpredictable with dogs. Exactly this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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