Kids and Dogs - Page 1

I'm just curious as to what age you kids wanted to start working with the dogs, if they ever did.

The reason I asking is I have 2 boys, ages 7 and 5. My 7 year old could care less about the dogs, and that's absloutely fine with me. My 5 year old, on the other hand, has been working the full grown Shepherds for about a year, and they listen very well. Much different with him then they are with me. He's been begging me to work the dogs other places then at home, and I feel that if something happened to catch their eye, they'd still act like a dog, possibly pulling him. What age is a good time to get him a puppy of his own? I know ultimately I will be responsible, and I have no problems with that. He is actually a very responsible little boy, feeds the cats as soon as he gets out of bed, water, helps scoop poop. Just want to know what everybody thinks, and when their kids started. Thank you so much in advance.

It depends on the dog and the child. My daughter could work my dogs in basic obedience around 5 or 6. She put a CD on a sheltie at 9 years old. She is 11 and has her 1st GSD now.

I would be concerned about the size of a 5 yeard old and a full grown GSD.

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here you go, this is a 6 month old pup he works on a regular basis, and has since it was 12weeks old. He taught him how to sit and to walk on a leash.

That's why I posted. Because I'm not sure yet. What would be a good first dog for a child to have?

Well, my daughters GSD is her first dog...the sheltie was not hers, she trained it for someone else. I've seen kids my classes that can handle a large dog better than their parents...they are all individual situations. Really cute pics, though!

Great pictures Melba, best thing I saw all day.  Veronica

Melba I don't have any answers for you, my boys liked motorcycles , so do whatever you have to to nuture his love of dogs along! To cute pics.

Great pictures.  I got my first puppy at 6 years old.  I was responsible for all of it's care, feeding and walking 3 x per day at least.  Of course I had help from my parents but it sure taught me responsibility and a great love for animals.  I had that dog for 15 years, she was great.  I guess it depends on your son, from those pictures it sure seems like he is ready to take an active part in raising that puppy.

Jim

What an Absolutely  " ADORABLE "  Little boy !!!     Love the pictures. 

My daughter is 7 and she just completed a CGC, all by herself with our Female shepherds.    I think as long as you are watching and present when your little boy is training " HIS "  dog.   Then, you will be able to jump in, incase a situation arises. 

I would definately encourage him to train all he wants !! 

If he wants to go to a park or something, then maybe just put a secondary long line on the dog, but pretend you are not there.   hold on to the long line, but keep all the way to the end.  So, that when he tells the dog to sit stay or something, and there comes a big distraction, the dog is less likely to be able to get away with a negative behavior.   And by you not saying anything to the dog, then your son will be the one that impresses the dog as the leader.    He can make the corrections ,and put the dog back into a sit stay or whatever.    Mom, just be a tree !! LOL !! 

When my daughter was training for her CGC test, I would occasionally  have to help, but my daughter was giving the commands , and doing the gestures at the same time.  So, that the dog learned to be obedient to my daughter instead of just me.    I was just there to ensure that the sessions went successful. 

When going out to a place that has alot of distractions, it is best to coach your son , on what kind of social interactions you will encounter, and what to do.   For Example,   I taught my daughter what would not be good situations to be in.   I taught her not to let our dog or anyone else's dog get nose to nose.    If someone was approaching she would make her dog go into a sit.   Also,  taught her to tell other people that her dog is not allowed to greet other dogs, and do not come close.  I also told her that her dog would not be the problem, but you never know about the other person's dog, and it just isn't something I wanted her getting into the middle of.   That is not something that I would expect her to be able to handle.    Of Course I was supervising anyways.    We practiced different canine encouters at home, I had my own dog and she had hers and we practiced at home before going any where. 

Hope my Experience helps !!

enjoy these precious young ones while you can.

Smiles