Small Talk - Winter 2015

11 / 12

We can’t get away from
the fact that there has
been a rise in hospital
admissions as a result of dog
bites by 37% between 2007
and 2013 (Channel 4, 2014).
Is there such a thing as
a dog breed that is safe
for children?
Probably not, we see such a
variety of characteristics among
individuals of a breed so there
can be no guarantee that one
breed would be ideal . The
Kennel Club make an attempt
to generalise breeds to their
suitability to fitting in to a
wholesome family life, though
I would urge owners to take this
advice with caution. For instance,
they have suggested that the
Labrador Retriever is a ‘real
gentleman, the Labrador adores
children and has a kind and
loving nature and a confident
air’ . I know
a few Labradors that would love
to devour children and some
that would do their upmost to
avoid them at all costs. But I
also know some that will allow
children to climb all over them
and tug on their ears without
showing any reaction.
So what went wrong?
Socialisation and training is
the answer. Puppies should be
regularly and appropriately
socialised from between
two and 16 weeks of age,
including interaction with
children. This will start with
the breeder and in their first
homes. Puppies that have
started their lives, undisturbed
in a peaceful barn in the
countryside may sound idyllic
but in actual fact will have far
less exposure to everyday
challenges than those that
were born in the middle of a
busy hectic family, in the
dam’s bed next to the washing
machine. The pups from the
latter scenario will be better
placed for lives with families
and will be more confident
and happy in themselves.
Our referral canine behaviourist
says pups from such a situation
will suffer fewer fears and
phobias and will make better
all-round pets.
There are many health and
developmental benefits to
children that grow up with
dogs. Typically the children
(and the dog) will engage in
more outdoor physical
activities, develop a better
immune system with fewer
allergies, will learn respect,
empathy and compassion, will
learn responsibility and have
better social skills than those
that grow up without pet dogs.
It is imperative that the child
respects the dog and both dog
and child know each other’s
boundaries. Children should
not be allowed to chase or
taunt, take food or treats from
dogs, and must never be left
unsupervised together.
For more information and
advice go to
safeandhappy or visit dog
For_Kids for information
and videos for kids about dog
body language and safety
around dogs.
A winning combination or a disaster waiting to happen?
Your answer to this is likely to be based on your past experiences,
good, bad or ugly.