Except in situations where there has been a dog, families should not
consider getting a Cairn puppy until their youngest child is six years old.
There
is a lot you need to know and do to ensure that your child has the same fond
memories of growing up with Rover as you did. Assuming your child
is caring and are old enough to understand that dogs are not just animated
stuffed animals, your first and foremost responsibility to both your child
and your dog is to research breeds carefully to make sure the dog you select
suits your lifestyle. For example, contrary to popular belief, very active
dogs are not best suited to families with lots of children. The opposite is
true. A high strung dog will only grow more high strung and possibly
unmanageable in a household of very active children. Locate a breeder that
will help you find the best match.
Pictured granddaughter Kayla with Ch Blair Hill Hurricane Edie
Building any good relationship takes understanding, communication and
realistic expectations.
The relationship between a child and a dog can be very special, but it
doesn't happen naturally. It needs guidance to develop into the rewarding
experience you want for your child and the safe, loving environment to which
your dog is entitled. Teach your child how to respect the dog and the child
will be rewarded with devotion and warm wet kisses.
“Every child should grow up with a dog. I did.”
Make sure the time is right to get a dog. Maybe your child is too busy
with other activities. Are YOU ready to take on the responsibility of a dog
or puppy?
“Billy, this is Rover. Rover, Billy.” Now what?
Teach your child to be gentle and respectful
- Do explain to your child that since dogs can’t talk like we do, they
communicate in different ways, such as facial expressions, body posture,
or barking. You and your child should be sensitive to the dog’s
behaviors and learn to recognize what they mean.
- Do demonstrate to your child how to interact with the dog. Show the
child how to pet the dog without intimidating it, to give the dog some
space if he gets anxious, and teach the child NOT to pull or step on the
dog’s tail or poke at its eyes. Explain that a dog is not a toy, that
it feels pain and needs time alone.
- Do make sure your dog has basic obedience training BEFORE the child
is allowed to spew commands at it. The dog needs to know what is
expected of it, and you need to establish a form of communication with
your pet. Consulting a qualified obedience instructor or enrolling in a
training class is a must.
- Do be consistent in all teaching endeavors.
- Do supervise all puppy-child interactions. The adult in the
household is responsible to ensure interactions are fun, safe and
mutually respectful.
- Do oversee the dog’s care and well-being at all times.
- Don’t allow or expect the child to train a dog. Dog's don't
recognize children as authority figures; training should be the
responsibility of the adults.
- Don’t expect any dog to tolerate ear tugging, tail pulling or the
like. Intervene if play gets rough or out of hand. Rough play, running
or tug of war games can encourage aggression in dogs.
- Don’t force responsibility on the child that he or she is not ready
for. The child could develop resentment toward the dog dog and the dog
could suffer neglect or possibly abuse as a consequence.
