Schutzhund / Protection Dogs with Children - Page 2

Something that hasn't been mentioned (or if it was, forgive me for not seeing it) is that it depends on the dog as well.

I have several Schutzhund dogs, some I would trust with my kids, others due to prey drive or low reaction threshold I prefer not to let them around. Lets face it, little kids squeal and run about, to some dogs that's very enticing. It's easier just to keep those dogs away from the kids unless leashed, just because it's easier than seeing what would happen. It's not that I don't trust my dogs, I just prefer not to invite trouble.

Some of my other dogs couldn't care less about the kids running around. I still wouldn't leave any dogs unsupervised with the kids, just because almost every child-mishap story starts with "I was only gone for a minute!" I'm not going to put myself in that situation. I wouldn't trust any dog alone with a young child, regardless of breed, or training.

When my kids are older it'll be different, but for right now they're still too young.

There is no specific age when I'd trust my kids and dogs unsupervised. It'd be a matter of the kid's physical size, emotional and mental maturity.

My dog Raven is starting his Schutzhund training. He's so gentle with the kids, they can reach in his mouth and grab hiss tongue, though I do my best to discourage this. The biggest danger from him is getting stepping on or tail-whacked. He's 105lbs, as graceful as a draft horse, and like a draft horse when he steps on you he just stands there on your foot with a politely confused expression that says he can't see what you're making a fuss about.


 

(Raven's pic from last summer. He's grown a LOT since then.)

Hey Guys,

Thx so much for the great posts.

Sheesh,
My kids are 8mo's, 3yr's, 5yr's and 7 years of age.

Everyone,
I know Schutzhund and PPD are different, but when I did sport a long time ago there were many dogs in the club that would bite anything.  The club did seem rough around the edges, but again there were dogs that would target sleeve only. 

Just curious, anyone know of any groups in north Florida that you would recommend?

Travis

Wow! You have your hands full! :-) Theresa

 I currently have several dogs. Only one older male GSD do I completely trust with kids. He is also the only "backyard bred" dog I own. Still.....I would not leave any dog alone for any length of time with children. I also have my personal dog who is very sharp and doesnt like anyone but me. To my surprise he came up to my 12 yr old daughter on his own. she doesnt live with me so I was shocked because no one can pet this dog but me.He nuzzled her hand and wanted her to pet him. 

Most kids are not a threat. I say most because we live in a different world than it once was. If a dog is raised properly around children and the dog has a stable temperament then there should be little issue with new children. 

Bottom line is there are many variables in each situation. Use common sense and get help from someone with lots of experience.

IMO, how much a dog likes or tolerates children is temperament, genetic.  My Schutzhund dog LOVES children and I trust him with children much moreso than my other dogs, who will tolerate children but don't seek them out like my SchH dog does.  It just part of who he is.  I couldn't force him to be suspicious of kids any more than I could force my other GSD to suddenly desire attention from kids.

Has anyone noticed whether ethnic background makes any difference with liking different kids?  My male seems to know the difference and does not particularly like dark skinned kids.  I am not very happy about this problem and am interested to know how it could be solved.

Many years ago , I had to speak with a man about his two dogs. He was always letting the dogs out in the front garden and after many complaints I was told to speak with him and solve the position if I could. Yes I was a copper. He bragged all the time how good his dogs where at Schut and where always in control all the time. His dogs would never attack anyone unless they where told to do so.  I just couldn't get it through to him that dogs trained to attack can and will attack if all the right boxes are ticked. They were very nice dogs two Males and one could see he loved them verry much but I recon he was looking at them through Rose coloured glasses. What I dreaded happened one day . A new paper boy entered the yard to post the paper and the two dogs came from the back of the house to the front. That was it they both attacked and this boy was tossed all over the garden. The man was screaming at the dogs to let go when I arrived. I just had to wade in with my hasp until I managed to down the dogs. The boy had all of his face tore off and the Ambulance medics took the face with them. The boy spent many months in Hospital and his face was stitched back on. The dogs were put down on the spot. The man was charged with keeping a dog not under control under the dangerous dogs act. he just couldn't talk to me except to say Sorry you where right all the time. He was also banned from keeping dogs for 10 yrs. He now has a Whippet. He thought he had control but he didn't. I would never let a dog near a child without supervision, as for the personal Protection dogs, why do you need one in Britain today unless it's a macho thing, because if your dog attacks it is likely to be put down by the courts. We don't need attack dogs in Britain, it's not a sport they are actually trained to attack and when they do they usually get put down. I would never leave a child with a dog Even  a YORKY.