Best Dogs for Kids and Families in India: Tips for Choosing the Dog Breeds & Tips to Keep Them Safe

 

Best Dogs for Kids and Families in India: Tips for Choosing the Dog Breeds & Tips to Keep Them Safe

 

Families with children often fret over which dog breed to adopt in India. The major concern is which dog can gel well with kids and their associated antics. The unpredictable crying, yelling and sprinting of children around the house can be stressful for any dog breed. Canines have sharp set of teeth and can bite into on any provocation. Yet with a little training and supervision by the adults, some breeds excel wonderfully as people/kid friendly dogs. Very young & immature children should never be left unattended around any breed of dog.

Remember the 3 S’s while adopting a dog– Size, Spirit and Sensibility. All of this should suit your entire family’s daily life. However a small & subtle looking dog like Chihuahua isn’t all that friendly due to its snappy temperament on the other hand bull terriers & boxers are considered among some of the best dogs for kids. Read through the below mentioned generalized list of some dog breeds for more information on the topic.

 

If you are looking for a good dog with children, there are plenty of breeds to choose from. While all dogs can be trained to get along with kids, some species are naturally better suited for households with children. If you have young children, consider one of these kid-friendly dog breeds:

Dogs and children make the best combination! Not only are they both bundles of joy, but dogs are the perfect example of unconditional love and forgiveness, and have enough energy to keep your children entertained. But finding a dog that can be the perfect best friend to your child and be right for your family will need a little bit of research.

 

Did you know that having a dog around while growing up boosts a child’s self-esteem and social skills, apart from making them more co-operative as grown-ups? Dog trainers say the best way to have a family-friendly dog is to ensure it’s a breed that considers every human member of the family as its pack leader.

 

How to Choose the Best Dog Breed for Children

Three things to taking into account when you’re planning to get a dog is your family’s lifestyle, budget, and temperament. Your dog needs to be able to fit in well with your family for everyone to have a good relationship with it.

• Size of the Dog

Some people are not very concerned about the size of a dog as long as it is suitable for their lifestyles. Some big dogs are perfectly suited to life indoors as well as the smaller dogs are.

• Puppy or Adult Dog

Puppies are babies. They require someone to stay at home and keep a watch over them as they are young and curious about everything. Adult dogs are generally calmer and do not require as much time and effort, but it should be inquired if the dog is used to being around children.

• Temperament

Like people, dogs have different personalities that make their character. Some dogs are fearful, while some are confident. Nervous or anxious dogs make excellent watchdogs as they are more likely to alert you to an unknown person’s presence, whereas a confident dog will be friendlier.

• Lifestyle

High energy dogs are more active and require owners who have a more active lifestyle as they will require a lot of exercise. Some dogs have naturally low energy and are happy to take naps or indulge in low energy activities.

• Dogs for Kids with Allergies

The best types of dog for your child, if they suffer from allergies, are the ones who do not shed as much. Less shedding means less dander, and this will mean less allergic reactions. The American Hairless Terrier, Bichon Frise, Poodles and Spanish Water Dogs are some of the popular hypoallergenic dog breeds.

• Cost

The price that is paid upfront for the dog is not the cost we are talking about – you can always avoid that by adopting a stray puppy (make sure you get the dog’s shots and medication in order before you invite it into the house though). The money it takes to look after the dog, however, is a cost you can’t avoid. This cost will be different for different breeds too. For example, a larger dog will require more food, whereas a long furred dog will need more grooming, especially if it is living in tropical climates. Purebred dogs are also more prone to genetic problems, so you may end up spending a lot more on their vet bills than you first imagined.

• Grooming and Care

When it comes to grooming dogs with long fur, it can be quite the chore. So, many people opt to send them to professional groomers. If you do not want to have to keep running to the groomers, consider a dog with short fur.

Here we have for you a list of the best dog breeds for young children:

 

• Pug: Pugs are excellent family dogs, which were bred for the sole purpose of providing companionship to humans. How to make sure you chose a pup that will grow up to exhibit a nice temperament? One way to do this is by meeting the mother of the puppy and if possible its siblings. Choose a pup that seems to be filled with playfulness and a zest to explore. Another factor that influences temperament is to introduce the little four legged fellow early on to different people, noises and opportunities to explore. Acquaint your pug to guests who regularly visit the house. Also walking it in the neighborhood or parks will enable it to mix socially with others. Lastly we cannot rule out the benefits of timely training the doggy using effective dog training techniques.

 

• Golden retriever: One of the best qualities of the golden retriever is its exemplary patience & zero aggression that make it a perfect dog breed for kids. Introduction to training as well as socializationreceived early on will enhance the young one’s personality, hence developing it into an ideal family dog.

 

• British Bulldog: Bulldogs find a place in the listowing to their submissive & obedient nature, love for kids, and friendly disposition. It is not just a people friendly breed but at the same time gets along well with almost any kind of pet. Its easy going way of life makes it an unassuming companion, who will adjust well even in a small sized apartment. A strong build will do much of the talking and is enough to ward off bad elements as this breed is not the barking types. Overall conduct of a bull dog like most breeds will depend upon inheritance & genes, a good training regimen and socialization early on in life helps a great deal in enhancing social skills and a playful attitude amid fellow beings including humans.

 

• Beagle: If for you naughtiness is a synonym for cute then you will adore this mischievous breed. This dog is a happy go lucky companion for humans of all age groups. Traditionally beagles were bred to follow the scent of game animals such as hare and that explains their fascination with following different kinds of alluring scents. An obstinate beagle may demand a lot of patience from its owner during training sessions. Therefore constantly rewarding it with tasty dog treatsmay help reinforce obedient behavior easily.

 

• Poodle: One of the bestdog breeds for kids suffering with an allergy as they hardly shed hair. This breed loves to play with children and displays immense patience and a caring nature. Poodles are said to be gifted with intelligence & cleverness of a special kind that is comparable to that found in humans. They are fast learners and easy to train. Being protective they are quick to alert its human family with a bark at every sight of a stranger. Poodles are often spotted with impressive and innovative haircuts regally marching down red carpets in best of the dog shows.

These breeds offer dog parents a better position to pick a suitable pet that fits well in their family. It is important to know that a pleasing temperament in a dog is not only dependent upon heredity and breed but also the efforts on part of the pet parent gone into training and acquainting the puppy to new experiences and people.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are an excellent choice for families with children. They are loyal, intelligent and protective of their family. German Shepherds are also one of the most active dog breeds, suitable for families that enjoy being active outdoors.

Chihuahua

Not every family wants a large dog, so consider the Chihuahua if you are looking for something smaller. These little dogs are loyal and protective, which makes them excellent choices for families with children. And because they are generally outgoing and fearless, they love to play outdoors with their families. The only drawback to Chihuahuas is that they are often skittish, so they may not do well around young children.

Border Collie

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them an excellent choice for families with children. This breed has a lot of energy and can become destructive if it does not have enough exercise. So, if you have a large backyard where your Border Collie can run and play, this breed would be a perfect choice for your family.

As you can see, there are many different breeds of dogs that are great with children. So, before you decide on a dog breed, consider the needs and lifestyle of your family. And remember, all dogs can be trained to get along with kids, so don’t let the breed discourage you from bringing a dog into your home. Dogs make beautiful additions to any family and can provide hours of joy and companionship for children.

 

Dogs and Kids: 4 Tips to Keep Them Safe

While children and their dogs can enjoy a wonderful relationship, it takes some time, training, and patience to establish a harmonious home. Here are four tips to help keep both your dog and child safe and happy together:

#1: Supervise

Children—especially younger kids—should be supervised around the family dog. Rough play or an accidental tumble could result in defensive growling, snapping, or even biting. By the same token, your dog must be supervised as well to prevent unintended injury to your child; know that both his breed type and activity level may affect how well he interacts with children.

#2: Teach Proper Manners

First, ensure that your child remains safe around the family dog by teaching boundaries. For example, proper body language, like approaching a dog from the back or the side and not hovering over him, is extremely important. Encourage your child to play calmly with him, avoid direct eye contact, and refrain from picking him up. Also, explain to her that Fido needs to be alone at times, and his personal space should be respected. Your dog should be schooled in basic obedience techniques, such as sit, down, come, stay, leave it, and drop it. A well-trained canine is easier to manage around small children.

#3: Reward Good Behavior

The best motivation for appropriate doggy behavior usually takes the place of positive reinforcement—namely in the form of a treat! To encourage positive interactions, give Fido a yummy morsel every time he plays gently with or around your child. A dog who is rewarded for calm manners is more likely to continue behaving in this way. The same holds true for your child! Reinforcing her for showing consideration and demonstrating correct play with the dog will help strengthen their bond.

#4: Respect Your Dog

Above all, respect your dog! As hard as it may be to imagine, not all dogs appreciate the company of children. Don’t force these kinds of interactions on your canine companion—this could lead to a host of negative consequences, including a bite. If your dog reacts negatively when in your child’s proximity, contact a trainer or behaviorist, both of whom are better equipped to deal with the issue. One step that you can take yourself is to provide the dog with a safe place to retreat to (such as a crate or comfy bed) when things get hectic.

By following just a few essential safety pointers, your dog and child can enjoy a respectful, ultimately rewarding relationship.

Before selecting a pet, keep your child’s developmental stage in mind.

• If you are getting a pet as a companion for your child, it is a good idea to wait until she is mature enough to handle and care for the animal—usually around age 5 or 6. Younger children have difficulty distinguishing an animal from a toy, so they may inadvertently provoke a bite through teasing or mistreatment.
• If your child is developmentally ready, discuss the needs of the animal and everything that is involved in caring for it first. Books on pet care from the library can help your child understand the responsibility. Visit a friend or extended family member who has a pet and allow your child to see firsthand what the care of a pet involves.

Some pets have easygoing temperaments conducive to being around children.

• Dogs such as retrievers and beagles tend to be gentle with kids. Other breeds, such as boxers, German shepherds, pit bulls and Doberman pinschers, and miniature French poodles, may be more unpredictable. Keep the animal’s characteristics in mind when selecting a pet.

What about allergies?

• The dander (shed skin cells, hairs, and feathers) of some animals can evoke allergic symptoms in certain children. If your child has allergies (eczema, hay fever, asthma) or your family has a strong history of allergic disorders, bringing a pet into the house may not be a good idea. Ask your pediatrician or a local veterinarian for advice.

What about disease?

• Almost every type of pet is a potential source of disease that can infect your child. All reptiles, for example, can carry and transmit salmonella bacteria that can cause serious diarrhea. However, as long as your child practices reasonable hygiene, especially hand washing after playing with a pet and before eating, they should be safe.

Know how much time your family has to care for a pet.

• Some pets, like dogs or cats, require daily attention. They must be fed, groomed, cleaned up after, and exercised. Others pets like fish, turtles, birds, guinea pigs, and hamsters, demand minimal care―and may be a good choice for a younger child who needs to learn about what is involved in having a pet or busy families with less time. A goldfish requires feeding only every two to three days with its water changed only periodically. A dog cannot be neglected for even a one day.

Is it better to get a younger or older pet first?

• Look for a pet with a gentle disposition. An older animal is often a good choice for a child, because a puppy or kitten may bite out of sheer friskiness. Avoid older pets raised in a home without children, however.

• Buy pets only from reputable breeders and shelters. Otherwise you increase the risk of purchasing an ill or diseased animal and endangering you child and yourself.

​Precautions to prevent animal bites: Although most animals are friendly, some can be dangerous. More than any other age group, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the victims of animal bites―about 5% of all children this age are bitten by an animal every year. Children ages 9 to 14 are next in line as the most frequent victims of animal bites. As a parent, you have ultimate responsibility for your child’s safety around any animal―including your own pets, neighborhood pets, and wild animals. Here are some suggestions to talk over with child. Do not tease or abuse an animal. Treat your pet humanely so it will enjoy human company. Don’t, for example, tie a dog on a short rope or chain, since extreme confinement may make it anxious and aggressive. Don’t allow your child to tease your pet by pulling its tail or taking away a toy or a bone. Make sure she doesn’t disturb the animal when it’s sleeping or eating. Purposeful maltreatment of an animal is a cause for concern and should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician. If your child continues to tease animals after you have talked about it with her and make it clear to her that this is unkind as well as dangerous, your child may benefit from the counseling of your pediatrician or a mental health professional. Never leave a young child alone with an animal. Many bites occur during periods of playful roughhousing, because the child doesn’t realize when the animal gets overexcited. Incidents are rare in which a dog, for example, aggressively attacks when unprovoked. Teach your child not to put her face close to an animal. Find out which neighbors have pets. Have your child meet pets with which she’s likely to have contact. Teach your child how to greet a dog: The child should stand still while the dog sniffs her; then she can slowly extend her hand to pet the animal. Never pet an unfamiliar dog or cat. Warn your child to stay away from yards in which dogs seem high-strung or unfriendly. Teach older children the signs of an unsafe dog: rigid body, stiff tail at “half mast,” hysterical barking, crouched position, staring expression. Also, be cautious about touching puppies or kittens within view of their mother. Stand still if you are approached or chased by a strange animal. Tell your child not to run, ride her bicycle, kick, or make threatening gestures. Refrain from making direct eye contact, slowly back away, and avoid sudden movements while keeping the dog within view. If your child is riding his bike and is being chased by a dog, he should not try to pedal quickly away from it. Rather, he should stop the bike and dismount from it so that the bike is between him and the dog. Before long, the animal may lose interest in a non-moving “target.” Teach your child to avoid all undomesticated animals. Wild animals can carry very serious diseases that may be transmitted to humans. Fortunately, most wild animals come out only at night and tend to shy away from humans. Avoid contact with rodents and other wild animals (raccoons, skunks, foxes) that can carry diseases ranging from hantavirus to plague, from toxoplasmosis to rabies. A wild animal that is found in your yard or neighborhood during the daylight hours might have an infectious disease like rabies, and you should contact the local health authorities. To avoid bites by wild creatures: Notify the health department whenever you see an animal that seems sick or injured, or one that is acting strangely. Don’t try to catch the animal or pick it up. If your child is bitten by a pet or other animal: Do not ignore the wound. Infections can occur–more often from cat bites than dog bites. Be sure any dogs or cats you own are fully immunized against rabies to protect both your pet and your family. Bites by wild animals should be examined promptly by your pediatrician, and public health recommendations about treatment to prevent rabies should be followed. Often the psychological harm associated with an animal bite is at least as serious as the physical wound itself.  Once bitten–or even snapped at or growled at by a dog–a child may develop a lifetime fear of all dogs and other animals.

DR RN JHA, CANINE CONSULTANT,DELHI

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