What is good breed of dog to get for kids who are afraid?

Question

My kids are afraid of dogs after a run in with my brother's young golden retriver that loved to nip. We live in the city and have little yard so we got a cat to try combat their fears of animals but they are still afraid of dogs. Is there a good breed that is calm even as a puppy? Or do you have any other recommedations on resolving their fear? We move a lot so a large breed isn't possible and we have the cat to consider now as well!
Thanks!

Sorry, my kids are 6 & 7 and are great with the cat.

Does anyone know of any good rescues in Virginia? Would we be better off getting an older dog?

Answer 1

I would suggest NOT getting a dog. Getting an animal to resolve your children's fears is really not fair to the animal. Instead, you might want to talk to a local dog trainer. They may be able to let you and the kids come watch training sessions. Later, when the kids are more comfortable, maybe they could get involved in the puppy kindergarten sessions. There's usually a 'free play' time at the beginning of class where the pups get to run free and interact with eachother and the humans in the class. Most trainers are in the business because they want to help people and dogs learn to interact well and enjoy a better bond. I can't imagine a trainer not being willing to help your children develop a love of animals.

Eventually, your kids may end up wanting a dog. Until then, forcing one on them isn't fair to them or the dog.

Answer 2

I hate to be the one who disagree's with everyone else, but because of my business, I am with dogs 365 days a year. The smaller dogs, especially the Terrier breeds do have a tendency to get snippy, especially with children. Labs are very good with kids. The puppy stage with a lab can be trying, but there are great Lab rescue's you can find on the internet and get an adult dog who is known to be great with kids. You will also be saving a dog. The little dogs are also fragile and if children are too rough with them you may end up with large vet bills. You can also check out www.petfinder.com and look through all the dogs at nearby rescues. They will also list the temperment of the dogs on the site too. Lab puppys play rough and like to play alot. If you do have small children who are active, then the lab puppy would love it. Good luck. If you feel you are set on a small dog, just stay away from the terrier breeds. (By the way, I own terriers so it's not that I don't like the breed, just know the breed well).

Answer 3

Here are some links from the HSUS - consider temperament as the number one thing...breeds can be described in generalities - but there are some individuals better with kids than others.

My Chihuahua charges children - so a small dog will not always be the answer here.

An older dog could be better - puppies go through the play nipping/biting stage...but be careful not to get a dog that is older who may be in pain - i.e. the kids fall on a painful dog and get bit.

The shelter I used to work for temperament tested all dogs - and would also test to give you an idea of how they did with cats...it does not give you any guarantees - but would give you an idea. Also, if you went to a shelter, the surrendered animals may have info on them - if they lived with a cat, children, etc.

Check out these articles - good luck!

Answer 4

How young are your kids? Young children (under 7) probably shouldn't be left alone with any dog.
Puppy frequently nip, even when playing. If your kids are scared of nippers, you may want to forgo the puppy route all together.
You may want to think about - even though they are scared - an older golden retriever or a lab. They are very good with kids, and you can find a rescue organization that has fostered the dogs in homes and can tell you which dogs would suit your situation.
English Setters are fantastic with children. Though I hesitate to say this, when I was eight my parents got a setter pup, and though my sister and I did things like trap her under a laundry basket, she never bit or nipped. English setters are calm and docile. Another Chance for English Setters (ACES), a rescue organization, always has older setters that have been fostered in homes, and they can tell you which dogs would be great with your kids and which wouldn't. The benefit of getting an older dog is that you KNOW it won't be likely to nip your little ones. A puppy may nip, regardless of breed.
My parents got their last setter from ACES, and they were a great group that worked through the whole adoption process with them. Good luck!!! If you can't find them, I'd recommend another English setter rescue. They can help you find a calm, sweet dog to help your kids get over their fears (and most are good with cats!)

Answer 5

Something small, but not TOO small, as tiny dogs often do nip, especially at children. Something rambunctious but not mean would be best, like a shi-tzu, or miniature poodle. Stay away from terrier breeds.

Also, if you did get a larger dog, you could still get a golden retriever or lab puppy, as the children wouldn't see that the tiny wiggling puppy is the same breed as the dog they became afraid of. In growing up with it they would learn that it is nothing to be afraid of. Good luck!

Answer 6

I have always found that the "larger" breeds are generally the most docile with children. Especially Great Pyrenees, Swiss Mountain Dogs, and St Bernards, etc.. They grow very big but are usually very gentile. As puppies they are not rambunctious as a rule and can be trusted around small children and even other pets. I have had two Great Pyrenees and my grandchildren love to hug them, lay down with them and even try to coax them to play, which is difficult to do since they are very independent. The bad part is that they shed terribly and are not comfortable in very hot weather. Its unfortunate that you move a lot, as it is difficult to
care for a large breed even in the best of circumstances..It would be near impossible to be kind to the dog if you move a lot...I would suggest you contact your local SPCA for any advice on what breed of dog may be suitable for your circumstances. You may even be able to visit the shelter with your children to see if there is a good choice. Go to several Shelters if the first one doesnt work out. Good Luck.....

Answer 7

there aren't that many little dog breeds that are calm as puppies. If you are looking for a small dog though... beagles or rat terriers seem to have a good personality with kids and are very friendly. The only way to resolve their fear is to make them face it and have them be around more dogs than normal. They are still going to be scared and that is something that you have to be prepared for that and still make them face it. Experience is the best thing for them.

Answer 8

I was going to recommend a golden retriever, too... I wouldn't go with a dachsund or a german shephard. If you insist on getting a particular BREED, go to www.akc.org to learn about them. I would recommend searching for rescue groups for your breed of choice, or better yet, visit your local animal shelter. The animals there are in dire need of a good home, and most of the time the staff can help match you up with the right animal. Take your time with the decision. Good luck!

Answer 9

I was going to say golden retriever because normally they are great with kids but sometimes you Will find some nip but you need a smaller dog so a basset hound are great with kids they are small not to small and they are big babies or maybe beagle but they have tendency to wonder as well as basset hound but perfect for a small yard so they will not wander.Also try going on line to find different breeds I think you can do that on yahoo and they can match you with something for your family.You could also try a dachshund hound they are wonderful my aunt has 8 she got she has a dog rescue and a shelter and her dachshunds are wonderful towards my nieces .well good luck .

Answer 10

i, too, was going to recommend the retriever. they do like to nip playfully, though, which is a shame because they really are the perfect dog for children, in my own opinion

i'm assuming the children are younger than six. i forget the name of the breed, but there is a breed of dog with a high blood temperature, that was bred specifically to warm people's laps.

they are very calm, almost scarily so, and still look like dogs, just not as big.

if a dog that is just going to lay there and do nothing is not what you're looking for, try a fox terrier, those are fun dogs, though medium sized. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Terrier