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Posted by Topic subject:   Any dogs good with kids??
askater
New Member

Posts: 4
From:shelby Twp., MI, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 05-31-2003 03:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for askater   Click Here to Email askater     Edit/Delete Message
I just returned the 7 w/o cockapoo. She had an aggressive side and since I have two young boys I thought it best. (after talking to many vet techs)

Do you have a suggestion of dog that would be good with kids? My boys are 2 and 4 y.o. We live in a 2000 sq. ft. home. A moderate size back yard but the dog will be tied outside. (though it'll mostly be an inside dog) The dog will get a lot of playing time...and I'm a very active person so she'll get a lot of walks.

A vet tech suggested a golden retriever. My dh nearly fell to the floor on the idea...he said they'd be too big for this house.

My dh cousin suggested a springer spaniel. Any suggestions???? THanks in advance.

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Jas

Moderator

Posts: 163
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 05-31-2003 10:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jas     Edit/Delete Message
You can ask 100 different dog owners and you will get 100 different answers as to which breed is best as a family dog with kids -- It comes down to not only the choice of breed or breeds but also finding a good breeder, one who only breeds temperamentally sound, healthy dogs and also works with their puppy families to help them choose which puppy in the litter is most suitable. A good breeder will evaluate their litter using a temperament test like the Volhard or Hastings method. In every litter you will get submissive shy to assertive and outgoing. Most families do best with a dog in the mid range. The breeder must also put a lot of time into frequent handling of the pups and providing stimulants and socialization. This starts them out as well adjusted pups. I would also never purchase a pup before 8 weeks of age because before 8 weeks they are still learning valuable lessons behaviors (bite inhibition) and manners they need from their siblings and mother. Its also up to the owners to continue providing their dog with proper handling socialization and training if they want a nice pet. There are some great books which provide beneficial info for novice puppy owners. Don't hesitate to screen the breeder and compose a list of questions to ask about their dogs and breeding practices.

It is also important to remember dogs look to their owners to show leadership & consistency, when this is not clear for a dog sometimes the dog will start to develop issues. I don't know if this is what your other pup felt but it can happen with any dog. We still need to be loving and kind but best not to be too soft or attentive to certain behaviors that should be ignored.

It's not wise to keep a dog tied up outside this can cause a lot of behavioral issues for a dog and can lead to aggression.

* note if you choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue the workers can also help determine if a dog is suitable for your family. www.petfinder.com is a good site to check out

FWIW
Jas

[This message has been edited by Jas (edited 05-31-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Jas (edited 05-31-2003).]

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NanankiWolfe
New Member

Posts: 8
From:raleigh, NC, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-02-2003 02:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for NanankiWolfe   Click Here to Email NanankiWolfe     Edit/Delete Message
I have heard that the Boxer is a good family dog. Also I've heard golden retrivers are good with kids. However even if you get a tolerent dog, it still involves training the dog right and wrong with the family, and also teaching the family right and wrong with the dog. but then again, its just my opinion

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RottyMommy

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Posts: 343
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-02-2003 03:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for RottyMommy   Click Here to Email RottyMommy     Edit/Delete Message
You cannot go by breed. For instance, I have 2 rottweilers that are great with kids which is actually pretty normal. And I rescued a golden retriever that was aggressive towards children and other animals and was raised by the same family from a puppy, did get into 2 fights with other dogs, and at the end was growling and snapping at their 17 month old son. So you can't go by breed. It goes on each dogs personality and how you train your dog. Yes good breeding plays apart in it but even the best breeders can have a dog with an attitude. I would trust my rottweilers with any kids. And they were both rescues. It took alot of training and patience to make them what they are today. One was badly abused and extremely submissive and the other had very little training and was domineering when she came here. I also have a lab/sheltie mix which I trust less around kids than my rotties. But that was because she was teased by kids when she was a pup. So it all goes on the individual dog and how well you socialize your dog, and showing your children the proper way to play with a dog. My neighbor has 3 labs for instance, one of them loves everybody and everything, another is skitzy and can change personalities in a second from sweet to aggressive, and the third just doesnt like strangers whether it be adults or children. He will tolerate them but doesnt like them. They were all raised there whole lives with this family. They just each have their own personality and you will find that with any breed. My suggestion to you would be meet the dog before you buy it, go to a reputable breeder, spend time with the pup before you even bring it home. Good luck

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TinaK12
Member

Posts: 15
From:USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-13-2003 07:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for TinaK12   Click Here to Email TinaK12     Edit/Delete Message
Hello askater!

I would have to agree with RottyMommy. So much depends on how the dog is trained and raised. You can get a general feeling for a breed's tendencies, but they do not always hold true. The information about breeders is also valueable. Check out this website:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

This is an excellent website in general, but this particular page will help you with selecting a breed. It asks you for some information, like your living environment, allergies, kids, etc. It will give you an idea of what dog would be best to fit your lifestyle. (By the way RottyMommy, it states that Rotts are good playmates for children, when consistently brought up and trained...kudos to you for doing such a great job!)

My brother has a Golden Retriever who is very gentle. He also has an 8-month old baby. The Golden just loves to lick the baby all the time. She is about 60 pounds. I have a Springer Spaniel mix. She is also about 60 pounds. She is very gentle around the baby, but around older kids, she tends to knock them over, because older kids are more playful (again, she is a mix...so it might have something to do with the other breed in her).

Anyway, I think you will find this website very useful.

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Maisey
Member

Posts: 309
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-14-2003 02:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey   Click Here to Email Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
I totally agree with Jas's post..but I had to just tell you this. I live in a 1100sf house with my husband and two girls. We have a Poodle, which is like having a corner pillow on our couch, an Aussie/Lab mix who is 45.5 pounds and a Catahoula Leopard Cur puppy that currently weighs something over 50 lbs and will probably top out at 85 pounds. We do have a medium sized back yard...but they are never out there without us. My dogs go everywhere with me, including work. Both larger dogs are herding/working breeds and they see being with me as their job. My Catahoula pup literally follows me from room to room, I haven't gone to the bathroom alone since I got him. I wanted a companion dog...and I have it! If you are a person who really needs or wants the space..then a 2000 sq. ft home probably isn't big enough for a med-large sized dog for you. What I am trying to show you is that every persons idea of the perfect dog and situation is different. I am so happy with my full home and heart I could burst at times, yes I trip over a dog occasionally, yes I have space wars in bed at night, but it all works in a possitive way for me and my family. The type of dog you choose is very important, but asking which breed is good with kids is in my opinion the wrong question to ask....every breed will have dogs who are good with kids and dogs that are not, that is a personality and experience thing. What you need to be asking are questions like, do I want a dog that I have to groom weekly or monthly or once a year? What health issues may be a problem in this certain breed? Do I want to exercize my dog every day? more than once a day? only occasionally? Do I want a working dog who will be VERY active and forever a thought ahead of me? Do I want a couch potato dog? An athletic dog? Hunting dog? Many dogs are bred for certain things..for instance, I have a friend who bought a Beagle, Beagles are great family dogs, the problem is, she and her husband work 12 hour days, and are very busy people. They have a huge backyard that is fenced, they bought the dog tons of toys and bones...and left him there day after day. He now digs, chews things up and barks non-stop. She doesn't understand why. She says HE is a problem dog with issues. Beagles were bred for their voice...they are meant to be vocal and loud so that when hunting the hunters could locate them over large distances. They are smart, and active dogs. They like their people. This Beagle is now suffering the consequences for HER poor choices. She did not research the breed, or put time into thinking about what sort of dog would fit their lifestyle.
Each dog within a breed has it's own personality and character, each one comes with it's own experiences, good or bad, they effect the way the dog behaves. My Poodle spent the first year of his life being sat on by a little boy, teased, pinched, swung around by his tail...he does NOT like boys and cannot be trusted around them. We understand that about him, we protect him from little boys and protect little boys from his fears. Please consider carefully the dog you make a part of your family, understand it is a commitment for long term. Teach your children by example that it is an important decision and that animals are not throw aways in life. (I am not implying that you would do otherwise)There are tons of online tests to help you decide some of those questions, and they can be fun to do with your whole family. (What you want and what your hubby wants may be more different than you know) Make the process of finding the families perfect match a fun one. Good luck! Smiles, Maisey

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puttin510
Member

Posts: 616
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 06-16-2003 02:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for puttin510     Edit/Delete Message
I agree with everyone whom has posted, I stress that any dog can become intolerant of children that are constantly abusing them, thus that is their reason for lashing out and trying to protect themselves. I am not saying your little ones have done this but just make sure you teach you kids to love and respect any dog you get. Boxers, golden ret. and labs are always good choices for kids.

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Maisey
Member

Posts: 309
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-16-2003 03:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey   Click Here to Email Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
I am thinking maybe she didn't want a larger dog... maybe look at:
Cocker Spaniel
Springer Spaniel
Sheltie
Bichon Frise
Dachshund
Schipperke
West Highland terrier
Pug
Pembrook Welsh Corgi
Vizsla (medium sized)
American Eskimo (miniature)
Border Terrier
Boston Terrier
Rat Terrier
Shiba Inu
Bull Terrier

These are just some small to medium sized breeds, you will still need to look them up and research each breed. Some will require grooming regularly, some may need more exercise than others, etc. Remember to ask what health issues are within each breed.
Also remember that your local animal shelter is a great place to go...a mixed breed dog is a wonderful choice as well. The shelter people will be able to help you match up a dog with your family. I am posting an addy at the end here..you answer questions about what you want in a dog and your lifestyle, it gives you a list of possible dogs. There are many sites that offer these quizzes.
http://aolsvc.decisionguides.aol.com/dogs/start.jsp

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Maisey
Member

Posts: 309
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-16-2003 05:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey   Click Here to Email Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
Just thought I would tell you for interests sake... I went and took the test for the first link provided in the post above, it gave me a list of 52 dogs in alphabetical order. Within that list were both dogs that I currently have and am very happy with.
The test I gave you a link for gave me a huge list too, but it matched by percentage and ranked them for compatability. The number one dog that they had matched to me 100%, I would never consider..just not my type of dog. But both dogs that I do have were in the top 10 and ranked no lower than a 94% match. Only two of the ten dogs were ones I would not want to have, the rest in the top 10 were ALL dogs that I would love to have. I found it interesting and fun. Give it a try!

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katkrazy
Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-20-2003 12:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for katkrazy   Click Here to Email katkrazy     Edit/Delete Message
Just wanted to throw in my two bits - I can only speak from my own personal experience. My family has always had English Springer Spaniels as I grew up and now our family has one. They are eager to learn and train, patient and gentle with children, loyal and protective. They do tend to "attach" to a single member of a family and will get jealous if they are not involved with everything their family does. The only draw back of the "show breed" is the long hair that they shed - it gets everywhere no matter how many times you sweep or vaccuum. They love to swim and play, I just love watching them "spring" and jump when in search of their favorite tennis ball or stick.
Caution: they are prone to ear infections and require ear cleanings often to avoid the build up of dirt and wax which can sometime smell terribly because of the long ears. Above all - select a breed that is good for you and your family. If you're happy with just a mutt from the pound - go for it! Good luck!

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