Rotts N Kids
It is said that there is nothing better than dogs
and children, and I believe this to be true. However, it is not necessarily a
relationship that comes as naturally as it is sometimes portrayed on TV or in
the movies. And although some breeds are considered to be 'excellent family
dogs' and others are not considered to be safe around children, EVERY DOG OF
EVERY BREED needs to learn how to be around children and be polite and
trustworthy. Rottweilers are no exception, despite news stories very often
portraying them as people eaters. One should read a little deeper into these
stories, into the background of the dog, it's training and it's owners.
Lexi and her baby, Connor .... he just
turned one and LLLOOOOVVVVVEEES his puppies!!!
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Emily and Jager Summer 2006 |
Every dog will have different tolerance levels when children are in the picture,
even those breeds that are considered excellent with children. All puppies and
dogs that are going to be raised in a house with children (of all ages) needs to
be taught how to act properly with children and likewise, children need to be
taught how to act properly around dogs and other animals. That is where the
responsible parent/adult MUST take control and lead the way. Adult supervision
is an absolute must when dogs and children are together. All dogs need proper
socialization with children of different ages to be able to handle children
running and screaming as children do. The dogs need to know that they are going
to be safe when kids are around, that is not necessarily a natural response to a
dog. Children must also be taught at a young age that dogs are not toys they can
ride, poke at, pull on, etc....... But it can be done easily enough with some
time and patience.
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In our busy house with three children and dogs of different ages, we have
established boundaries and we have provided a safe, comfortable, quiet
space in our house where the dogs can go when they have had enough. Our
bedroom has a baby gate permanently attached so that the dogs can ask
(and they do) when they want to go into the room where their beds are
and sleep in peace. It is a quiet haven for them. |
Justice and
Emily
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Kash and Raiden in
January 2010
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It is the responsibility of the parent/adult to
make sure that the dogs are not set up for failure as we so often see in the
news. So many of the horrible things we see could have been prevented with a
little socialization and better supervision. Rottweilers can be wonderful with
children, despite what is said in the news - our house is a true testament to
that.
Above is Jewel with my
kids when they were 2, and right is Jewel's daughter Razzle with her own
'sister' Koral, at less than 2 years .... |
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But the foundation for my dogs was laid as they
grew up, and that is the key with any dog of any breed. It does take some work,
but a harmonious relationship between dogs and children can be achieved.
|
Raiden and Kash (from out 'Harry Potter'
Litter) show us how 2 three year old boys
should spend their time .... |
.... of course, Kash also knows the value of
a good roll in the sand too. Thanks to
Dinah for sharing her pics with us! |
