2007-02-26 08:10:18 · 18 answers · asked by Karen F 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She has contact with older children, an english springer spaniel aged 1 year.
2007-02-26 08:23:35 · update #1
It all depends on how they are trained. If he's a year old, he will already be out of the worst of his puppy phase and his behavior can be easily evaluated. Take a small child with you when you visit him and see how he acts. If his behavior is acceptable to you, then go ahead and get him and make sure he continues to have contact with children so he can remain comfortable with them.
2007-02-26 08:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by searchpup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the dog have any history with children? I knew someone who had a young son and a springer spaniel and the two were insperable. They are very fun loving dogs and, for what I've seen of them, children offer them the fun and excitement that they crave. Check the dog's history, but I really think you should go for it. He's young enough to train, so you could always do that.
2007-02-26 08:14:51 · answer #2 · answered by Rachael H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi spaniels r very very lively untill the age of around 2 after that they are adorable.Mine is now 12 and i have 4 children and have always had house full of kids. as long as the children are told not to hurt the dog or pull it about then all will be good .
2007-02-27 01:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it really depends on the dog. When I was young my parents got a springer from a rescue centre which was fine, but when we got him home he kept trying to bite my younger brother (he was 9) whenever he was alone with him in the kitchen. Sadly he went beck to the rescue. A year later we got a springer puppy and he was the most wonderful, kind hearted dog. He slept in my bed every night until I left home and would never hurt a fly.
Although I promote getting animals from rescues your children do have to come first and perhaps a younger dog would be more suitable. Remember a young dog (especially a springer) needs a lot of exercise and a chance to burn of all that excess energy. They will like to play fight and play tug of war with their toys. Be careful with any dog around childen.
2007-02-26 08:26:57 · answer #4 · answered by helen b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Springers are lovely dogs - they have fab personalities, they are extremely fun loving and very energetic. As they are a working dog, they are highly intelligent and respond well to training. As always, you need to check out the history of the dog - why has he become available. The only word of warning is that they need a lot of exercise otherwise, they can be a bit of handful. I have a working cocker spaniel - very similar to springer spaniels - he is mad but loving and a lot of fun. Go for it!
2007-02-26 08:20:29 · answer #5 · answered by Bexs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Springer and I love him to death. I got him from a rescue when he as about a year old (he came to the rescue as a stray), so I don't know his history and even though I don't have any kids, he gets along fine with all of kids in my neighborhood (they are 5 years old and up) and with my friends' kids (under 5 years of age). With the kids under 5, he does get a little timid, but always walks away from them if they are being too loud, etc. One of them grabbed his fur and he just walked away from her!
Also remember that springer's are on the hyper side, especially when they are younger. Mine is about 5 yrs old now, and he is just starting to calm down. They have an inherited trait to "spring" so they do jump on people if you haven't taken them to obedience training.
You would have to test the dog out (controlled environment of course!) to see how and what the reactions are. There are springer's that are snippy, but I think that they are few and far between.
2007-02-26 08:47:47 · answer #6 · answered by elkam97 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Springers are working dogs and need regular exercise like many dogs, if they are not stretched physically then like most dogs they get frustrated and display signs ,that, if not heeded will lead to further probs.
All dogs need time and effort to assimilate them into the family, they don't just automatically "fit" in.
Small children and animals are not a bad idea but much thought should be used, and can you really devote the time needed to care for this animal as well as your children? Careful training will be needed and don't forget those rather expensive vets fees. You really need to take all things into account .
2007-02-26 08:35:04 · answer #7 · answered by SWEEP,S MATE! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sons springer spaniel is great with the kids,their youngest was aged 3 when they got him and there's been no problems at all.He was very boisterous for the 1st couple of years but has quietened down now,they do need lots of exercise.
2007-02-26 09:23:01 · answer #8 · answered by sanny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an 8 year old springer and it took her until she was 5 going on 6 to calm down. They have lovely temprements and are good with kids but can be 'one man' dogs as my female dog (They wouldn't let me put the b word in!!) is with my husband (totally besotted) and my sister-in-laws is with her husband. They are a bit of a handful as they are soooooooo full of life and need a lot of exercise. You have to remember they are a working dog breed and get very depressed if they are not continually on the go, so if you can't spare a lot of time for long walks, I would seriously advice to to think very carefully about it.
2007-02-26 08:34:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are similar to Cocker Spaniels. My uncle and auntie have a Cocker Spaniel who we look after through out the week. She is a really nice dog and great with children. I took her for a walk along with my friend and her 9 year old sister and 7 year old brother and they loved her and she was good with them.
2007-02-27 05:23:22 · answer #10 · answered by jσαnnє ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋