2006-09-30 18:39:29 · 27 answers · asked by CC 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Calm, utterly fearless, devoted, extremely tolerant, and - above all - highly trained dogs are the ultimate for children. Breed does not matter (I have rescued/trained both Goldens and "pit bulls"). Avoid puppies, especially if you visit the shelter (where they are practically irresistable).
A huge advantage of adopting from a rescue is that the dog has lived in a home environment, and what you see is what you get. You'll be able to meet with the dog and get to know it before making a decision. Of course, adopting is also great because you save a life!
Whether you adopt from a shelter or rescue, test the dog's temperament in a new environment (another room is fine).
1). Walk around, ignoring the dog: it should follow you but not go crazy trying to make itself the centre of your life.
2). Drop a metal bowl: it can jump back but should immediately recover, coming over to take a look.
3). Handle it all over its body, in normal areas at first but opening its mouth and lifting its paws if it shows no sign of stress: watch for laid back ears, a tight "smile", squinted eyes, lips pulled back, slightly raised or tucked tail, or stiffening in the body - these are unacceptable.
4). Pinch it gently between the paws until it just hurts: it should whimper and/or pull back but still remain friendly to you, with a submissive "forgive me" attitude. Make a big fuss after this one - it's not a nice thing to do, but you need to know!
5). Test for food possessiveness with dog on leash - while it is eating, stick fake hand straight into its bowl. If it stiffens at all, stop, and don't adopt it. If it's fine, proceed to lightly touch the fake hand to its muzzle area and head. The dog should be fine with all of this.
6). Take the dog for a test walk, being sure to pass another dog. If possible, have it encounter an aggressive dog. It should not show fear. It can become mildly aggressive only in response to the other dog's aggression but must follow you easily and become relaxed as soon as the other dog is past. It should not be "excited" about getting into a scrap. Best is if it doesn't react at all!
7). Test the dog's response to training. Motivate with a toy or treat, showing the dog how to "sit". Does it respond eagerly without being hyper? Will it run after a toy and happily let you take it from him? A desire to play tug-of-war is fine, but he should release if you offer him a treat.
If a dog passes all of these tests, he's probably a good candidate for a home with kids - good luck!
2006-09-30 19:14:41 · answer #1 · answered by audreyannlow 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you teach your kids to treat the dog gently & with respect then pretty much any breed of dog you like would be suitable. I would go to the local animal rescue association & ask the staff about the dogs there, they will have a pretty good idea of which ones are more outgoing & can cope with kids being boistrous around them rather than the more timid dogs they have.
2006-09-30 19:07:26 · answer #2 · answered by shirazzza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt get a small dog or a huge one...Go to your local animal shelter and look for a puppy, one that will be med size when grown. It will be easier to get a puppy use to the kiddos than and older dog...Kids can be frighten to dogs and it may make then bite...Labs i found are your best all around dog, even Lab mixes. Also if you go to the shelter you'll be saving a life and it will cost way less than a purebred...
2006-09-30 19:00:12 · answer #3 · answered by ABBYsMom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want a dog that will be a family dog and play nice then a black lab is the way to go. They are fun but easier to train than a retriever.
2006-09-30 18:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by scared of surgery 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a shelter mutt. They make excellent pets.
Talk to the shelter attendants, they spend a lot of time with the dogs and can show you one that is perfect for your family.
Shelter dogs are temperment tested, less expensive than going to a breeder, come with lots of "extras" for one low price. You are also saving a life, can't beat that.
Good Luck
2006-09-30 18:55:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Labs or golden retrivers are your best family pets there loyal and loveable there patient and love children there gentle and have alot of tolerence they love to be petted and played with there just agreat dog around kids ..i know there are other dogs that make good pets but alab and golden are most loveable.... and very protective of there family..has had many dogs growing up ...and as an adult i have ablack lab who just loves my son..just read some answers not apit bull there too agressive and small dogs are too snappy...good luck
2006-09-30 18:51:29 · answer #6 · answered by little_outlaw_angel 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Golden retreivers, labs, and collies are all good for larger breeds although they shed quite a bit.
springer spaniels also ar ewell behaved with children and are only slightly larger than cocker spaniels.
depending on the age of your kids i would avoid small breeds because they tend to be hurt eaisier.
2006-09-30 22:53:57 · answer #7 · answered by D mon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
American Pit Bull Terriers. Best family dog out there!
2006-09-30 18:47:07 · answer #8 · answered by Dustin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a pit bull owner... There is no better dog than a red nose pit they are real mom ma's. They will take anything your child can dish out and will be there for them forever... I am partial but they are really good friends.
2006-09-30 18:47:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Golden retrievers are great so are poodles if raised from puppies to be around children.
2006-09-30 19:04:20 · answer #10 · answered by doggroomer67 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋