Old Trainer: Choosing the right dog when you have children
Dear Old Trainer: Our four pre-teen kids play sports and ride bikes with neighborhood kids. A lot of the kids have dogs that join right in the games and we want one for our kids. I am a full-time mom so I am home all day. What age and breed do you recommend, and where do we start?
Lorene, Fort Riley, Kansas
Old Trainer: Any age from puppy up to 3 years is young enough to grow up with your kids, but if you get a dog at least a year old you know its eventual size and personality. Another plus is the surge of intelligence and the accelerated learning curve dogs experience at around the age of one year. But dogs are born knowing how to fit into a family so any age dog you choose will be a perfect fit.
I never recommend breeds. Choose a dog, not a breed. Size is more important than breed. Since you want the dog to run and play with your kids (I’ve been to Fort Riley and know well the thousands of acres of beautiful fields and trails) a bigger dog may be the best fit.
The place you start is your local shelters and rescue groups. Tell them about your family and they will let you spend time with the ones who fit your lifestyle.
The emotion a dog stirs in humans is the major factor in the relationship, so observe which dogs love on your kids and find a way to play with them. Which ones do you feel attracted to? Keep an eye on shy dogs. I love shy dogs. In my experience they are smarter and adapt faster. See which dog fall in love with you and the kids and tells you she can’t let you go. That’s the dog for you.
Dear Old Trainer: We have three small children and want to get a family dog we can count on to protect the family. Which breeds, in general, are the best security dogs?
Roland, Sacramento, California
Old Trainer: Remember what Disraeli said of generalities, “No generality is completely true, including this one.” With that in mind, canines are territorial so all dogs, in general, will protect their turf. Even breeds who may not attack an intruder sound an alarm to alert the pack if they sense a threat.
The group informally called “attack breeds,” including Belgians, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Bouvier de Flandres (usually shortened to Bouvier), Ridgebacks, and Staffordshire Terriers, are fearless defenders of their families and will confront any invader. Females are as heroic as the males
All attack breeds will fight to the death for their family. No child will ever be harmed if one of these dogs is around to protect them. There will be a lot of mangled — or dead — criminals though.
Small dogs have as much heart and are as brave as the attack breeds. Terriers, Yorkies, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians are the most dedicated barkers in the world. Their size limits the damage they can do, but they make enough racket to max out a decibel meter if they perceive a threat.
Follow the advice in the previous letter. Contact your local shelters and rescue groups and spend time with the dogs they recommend for your circumstance. Choose the dog that chooses you and that dog will defend your family.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 8:12 PM.