Young Children And Pups

For as long as I can remember there has been abecause every family situation is different; what is
dog around our home. We've had muts, dogs withright for you may not be right for you next door
long pedigrees, rescued dogs, and dogs we'veneighbour!
looked after while other members of the familyNow you've carried out your research, the next
were away on holidays.step is to gather up the essentials and
The purpose of this article is to flag some issuespuppy-proof you home. Your puppy is going to
a potential dog owner needs to think about whenneed a place his own space, a cage or crate will
introducing a pup into a home where there arefit the bill. Purchases one that is big enough for
small children. I start from the belief that dogshim to use as an adult.
and children go together like a horse and cart.The pup will need food and water bowls, toys to
However, because of a child's unpredictabilitychew on and play with, a collar and leash, a bag
there are, however, a few issues that needof a good quality dry puppy food, and plenty of
flagged.newspapers!
Not every dog is suitable for a child and equallyWhen the puppy arrives try and insure it has
not every child is suitable for a dog! From mysome settling in time, a day or two, before the
observations most of the problems arise withchildren play wit it. Set down rules for the children
children under the age of six. If you are thinkingand ensure they stick by them. I strongly
of taking a dog into your home when you haverecommend that a dog is not allowed to sleep in
children of this age then you must think long andthe bed with children, it can cause medical and
hard before making the decision.behavioural problems.
My main concern would be with large dogs. TheIts vitat that you teach your childre how to treat
majority of larger dogs have been bred as guardthe dog, plan on spending lots of time training the
dogs, or have a history of aggression, they aredog and the children. A dog is for life so spend
generally high-energy dogs and if excited may wellthe time now to avoid difficulties in the future.
knock children over.Educate yourself. Buy and read training books:
Parents with a small family are generally veryconsider enrolling your puppy in an obedience class.
busy people, more so if it's a one parent family.Well-trained dogs are a joy to be around and a
Question. Have you the time to look after a highrequirement when children are involved.
maintenance dog like a Dachshund?A common worry for parents is how a dog will
Here is a smallish dog, they're comical andreact when a new baby comes along. This is a
entertaining and don't really need a lot of exercise.major subject in its own right but generally
They also socialize well with people and otherspeaking most family dogs do not react badly.
family pets and have a long life span.Like the other children they will be curious and
But the longhaired variety will need constantmay feel left out but these feelings soon pass.
brushing and combing, and both it and the smoothProblems start when the baby becomes a toddler
variety shed more hair than you might think.it's then both toddler and dog get in each others
They also tend to have a 'distinctive odour,' whichway! My personal opinion is that by this time the
may be unacceptable around children. From adog will have come to know and accept the child
vetenary view point an alarming number becomeand will even be protective towards it: but safety
crippled or paralyzed in middle age due to diskmust come first, I recommend, not separation,
disease in their long backs.but keeping them apart as much as possible.
Now I'm not knocking the Dachshund, it is a lovelyLike all things to do with dogs a little common
animal, I'm using it by way of illistration with andsense goes a long way and if you know your dog
asking would this fit in your families lifestyle?there should be few problems.
It's not my intention to make recommendations