- re pets

[Guest guest]

,

If you decide to go the dog route, remember that no matter what breed

you choose, individual temperament will make a huge difference. Some

dogs are just born more dominant (hard to train) or timid (potential

biters) than others. When you are talking to the rescue groups, be

sure and tell them that you want a dog that is sweet natured with

absolutely no temper, but not a nervous or too hyper dog. Early

socialization and training can make a big difference in the behavior

of a dog. Breed aside, training is essential.

We are raising a puppy for Seeing Eye. It is true that many dogs

that are raised for organizations such as these are rejected. Some

are rejected for health issues such as hip or eye problems or

allergies. Some are rejected for temperament issues : Dog

aggression, people aggression, fear of stairs, traffic, loud noises...

The waiting list for these dogs (Seeing Eye, at least - is about 3

years). Also, I have seen a lot of these puppies at meetings. Many

are just as ill mannered as the usual dog. I have never seen one who

was aggressive to people, but bare in mind that puppy raisers are

just normal families, not professional trainers, and many times the

primary puppy raiser is the child in the family. These puppies are

not guaranteed to be good house pets. In fact, it sometimes happens

that the dog graduates the program as a Seeing Eye dog, goes home

with a blind person and gets sent back because, even though it is

well behaved on a harness, it is a problem in the home - stealing

food, jumping on furniture, chewing things. When this happens, they

get adopted out. So, puppies rejected from these organizations are

not guaranteed to be good house pets.

Getting a slightly older dog who is calm and sweet natured, is your

best bet. Many small breed dogs are not good with children (as

always, there are exceptions to the rule in every breed). Pugs,

Cavalier King Spaniels, westhighland whites and corgis have

good reputations with kids. Bigger dogs often have calmer, more easy

going temperaments with kids. We are raising a German Shepherd for

Seeing Eye. This dog is huge and intimidating looking. Mothers

clutch their children to them when I walk by with him in stores. But

he has the most docile, loving personality. My kids can do anything

to him and I know he won't bite them. He has never even growled at

them (or any human being). That's the kind of temperament you want to

look for.

FYI, we also have a corgi and a scotty/westie mix. y's aren't

generally good with kids, but this one has the westie (westhighland

white) personality.

Hope this helps.

Kathy