The majority of children love dogs, grow up together and it is a wonderful experience. If you are thinking of enlarging your family by getting a dog, this article will provide you with some information about the ideal characteristics of dogs that are suitable for children, in order to choose the best companion for them.
DOGS ARE THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Dogs make the ultimate companion for children and offer unconditional love. They help them to develop social and emotional skills. Through them, children learn to express their own emotions without being judged and increase their self-esteem, knowing that they can always count on the dog.
They also learn to be responsible and respectful when taking care of another living being. When children are little, playing, brushing and feeding a dog can make them feel responsible and useful.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIALISING AND TRAINING DOGS FOR CHILDREN
Socialisation is the period in which a puppy learns to relate to its environment in a healthy manner. This period lasts from around the third week of life to 3-4 months. It is important that they are exposed to sound, the car, other dogs and, naturally, children, so as to learn to interact with them in a healthy and natural way.
The majority of dogs have a special sensitivity towards children, however, it is always advisable to train them so they learn to interact with them appropriately. It is also important that children learn to relate to dogs, to learn that they are not toys and to respect their space and rest time.
DOGS ARE THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN: HOW TO CHOOSE A BREED
When you are choosing a dog that is suitable for children, it is important to consider the characteristics of the dog, the age of the children and the interaction that they have with the animal, as well as your lifestyle, so that the dog has time for physical exercise, attention and training.
Whether you go to a breeder or you adopt a dog, the persons responsible for their placement can advise you on the characteristics that would suit your case, because they know their dogs best.
● Characteristics
When you choose a dog that is suitable for children, the ideal situation is to choose one that is balanced, obedient, easy to train, patient when around children and is not too boisterous in the way it plays.
It is also important that it isn't possessive about food and toys.
If your family is active, an energetic dog that can accompany you on your trips can be the perfect companion. If you lead a sedentary life, a calm dog is a good option.
● Size
Toy dogs are very fragile and may suffer around very small children who do not yet have control of their movements or could mistake them for a toy. Medium-large sized dogs may be more tolerant and resistant, on condition that they have sufficient space at their disposal.
If a child takes a dog out for a walk, it is important that it is not too big or too strong for them.
● Puppy or adult?
A puppy that grows up alongside children is an optimal choice because the dog and the child will have the same level of activity and the same desire to play. But it is necessary to have the time to train them because they are less disciplined than an adult dog.
If you have less time, a juvenile dog that is already trained can be a great choice and become a wonderful companion.
Older dogs can be less patient with children and are less prone to play, even if they can adapt perfectly well to families with older children.