A rescue group I am working with has decided that they won't let us have a dog that is a dominant dog, because we have small children. I can see their logic, but I still have a question about how dogs and kids interact with the whole dominant thing. Several of the dogs that have come into the rescue organization have been with kids and are pretty mellow, as far as boxers go. However, the rescue organization still feels that these dogs have not been right for our family. So, my question is this: how big a role does the dominant dog thing play when it comes to people? Is it difficult to establish a child's dominance over a dominant dog? My children are 7, 4, and 2. Thanks for your opinions.
Importance of Non-dominant dog with kids
- Thread starter segbert
- Start date
- Status
Debbie Magon
Boxer Pal
As a breeder I too would be reluctant to sell a dominant dog or pup to a family with very young children.
There have been quite a few posts here regarding the difficulties some have with dominant type behaviour.
Add young children to the scene and it can become a very difficult situation to deal with.
Most young children do not yet posess the needed skills for coping with a dog or pup that jumps up, snaps or displays any of the typical dominant habits.
It is a fairly usual phase too, that a lot of dogs will go through during their developement.
Dominance in itself is not the whole issue, it is simply that handled incorrectly , by either error or missunderstanding, the outcome can be dangerous.
Small children are vulnerable , because of their inabilty to either control a dog or move away from a dog.
If you have a dog in a busy household , getting several sets of commands, which can happen , it is very confusing for the dog.
This in turn will cause a lot of problems with the dogs training.
The basic training of even the most laid back dog will still take the co-operation of all family members but initself will be much easier.
I can see why it would be a matter of choice by an establishment who is there to match a suitable animal with a suitable family.
There have been quite a few posts here regarding the difficulties some have with dominant type behaviour.
Add young children to the scene and it can become a very difficult situation to deal with.
Most young children do not yet posess the needed skills for coping with a dog or pup that jumps up, snaps or displays any of the typical dominant habits.
It is a fairly usual phase too, that a lot of dogs will go through during their developement.
Dominance in itself is not the whole issue, it is simply that handled incorrectly , by either error or missunderstanding, the outcome can be dangerous.
Small children are vulnerable , because of their inabilty to either control a dog or move away from a dog.
If you have a dog in a busy household , getting several sets of commands, which can happen , it is very confusing for the dog.
This in turn will cause a lot of problems with the dogs training.
The basic training of even the most laid back dog will still take the co-operation of all family members but initself will be much easier.
I can see why it would be a matter of choice by an establishment who is there to match a suitable animal with a suitable family.
Aimee
Boxer Insane
I agree wholeheartedly with Debbie. I volunteer for rescue and I have to agree that placing a dominant dog in your household most likely would not be a "good match". Rescues are in place to help ensure a "permanent" or "forever" home for displaced animals. We take that commitment very seriously. Placing a dog in your home that could potentially be a problem is not acceptable. Although some dogs coming into rescue have been around children, it does not mean that they are good with children. With that said, I'm sure it's safe to say that the rescue you are working with is evaluating each dogs temperament and suitablility with children. Please keep in mind that not only does this rescue have the dogs best interest at heart, they also have you and your families best interests at heart as well. It's better to take the steps to prevent an incident before it happens rather than to wait and try and clean up the aftermath. If any rescue had given you a dog that was hard to control around your children and one of them got harmed, the story would be a bit different. I understand the frustration of waiting for the perfect match to come through, but in the end, it's worth it. Please understand that the rescue knows the dogs and be appreciative that they are selective in which homes they place them. Good luck!
- Status