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Preschoolers and Pooches
Take Precautions to Ensure a Peaceful Coexistence By Johnathon Allen
"The best breeds are Labrador and golden retrievers, beagles, spaniels and, if you're looking for a big dog, Newfoundlands. Purebred dogs are best for children because their behavior patterns are more stable and predictable. You'll know you're working with a good breeder if they tell you it's OK to bring the dog back, should the transition not go smoothly," he said.
Of course, there are some parents, like Jenna and Steve from Arcata, Calif. who started their parenting life by raising a puppy first and then moving on to the child second. For them, the pet and baby introduction dynamic is just the opposite.
"Ringo, [a black lab] was definitely like our first child," says Jenna. "He went everywhere with us, he even slept in our bed. He had a hard time adjusting to the arrival of our son, Cody. We don't let him sleep with us in the bed anymore, because Cody is there, and I think he felt pretty putout. He craved our affection for months and would often whine all night. It took him a long time to get over it."
In this situation, Lachaman recommends that, before the baby comes home, parents prepare the dog for the new arrival by using a doll to simulate the care-taking behaviors that will be associated with the baby. He also suggests parents ignore the dog when the baby is not receiving attention, such as during naptime. "Very quickly the dog learns that the only way it will get attention from its pack leaders is when the baby is around getting attention too," he says. "The child becomes a cue for what is positive in the dog's life."
As children grow older, they should be encouraged to take an active role in the care, feeding and obedience training of the four-legged family member. The dog should obey the child as it would the parents, and the child should respect the dog as a living creature with individual needs and feelings. Parents who provide these basic elements in the "wolf pack" of their home will undoubtedly help their children find a warm furry friend for life.
