Hi I have a 2 year old who loves animals and we are moving to a house which has a garden soon. We have always talked about getting a small dog but do not know if young children and dogs go well together I never had pets as a child and don't want my son to miss out on growing up with a dog. I would like any advice on suitable small breeds eg Westies compatibility or is my son still too young? Thank you Sarah

Guest, I have an good leaflet on dogs and kids, a common sense approach... if you would like to e mail me I will send you a copy. I send it to people who want a rescue dog and have kids... It was written for large dogs, but would apply to any dog...

Lynn

kidmal.weimaraners@ntlworld.com

Hi Guest
Have you considered a whippet or a retired greyhound, they are wonderful with kids.

Greyhounds are wonderful with children. When I have my pack out it is always the greyhound or the lurcher who is a similar size that small children find less daunting. The smaller dogs are too quick and tend to jump up at face level whereas the greyhound just stands there very patiently. Greyhounds are wonderful around people with learning difficulties as well.

Hi Sarah, we have 2 small children (3.5 and 20 months) they have been brought up with our 2 large crossbreeds and apart from the odd moment (the dogs being rammed with a toy pushchair for one) we've had few problems, the dogs know the kids are higher than them in the pecking order and we try to teach the children to respect all animals (we also have a cat). We are also planning another dog next year and are going for a puppy so we haven't got the worry of a rescue with the kids and the dogs. Just be sensible, go to shows to see the breeds you are interested in, and only go to breeders who breed for temperament, from what friends with small children have told me , most rescue centres do not like rehoming dogs where there are small children.
All the best, Hayley
P.S Do go to puppy/dog training, and walk in sociable areas, it makes a huge difference to the pup.

Hi, i had a x-breed when my son was born, my dog Sam was 2 yrs old and he was used to being the baby of the house. But he coped well with the changes in pecking order in fact he was amazing with my son he stoped him crawling out of rooms by standing in his way and he watched him in his carry cot if i had to leave the room. They idolise each other. When our son was three we promised him he could have a dog of his own when he was five, he never forgot and last week he got his own 2 yr old labrador called Jazz, and they are all the best of friends now. We also have a cat but my son is not so keen on him because of his claws and the way they come out when he wants to sit on your lap. I am so pleased i have animals with my son as they teach him responsiblilty and patience and also to put the dogs need before his own, also the value of a good loving companion. Hope this helps.:D

PS. I agree with charliepud do go to puppy classes and socialise your puppy with other dogs.