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Good Morning large breed dog lovers! Hope you’ve all had a great week. This week we’re going to talk about kids and pets. Dogs are a wonderful addition to the family dynamic – and they ultimately become part of the family. BUT – there are some breeds that are better suited around children than others. Or, is it just a matter of making sure you’re more diligent when your dog is around your children? There are many different factors to consider, and we’ll discuss them in this week’s article.
Our curated article is from 24petwatch.com and talks about why Labrador and Golden Retrievers are a top choice for a family dog!
Of course, Pablo has a few things to say, he’s had an exciting week!
Feel free to send me pics of you and your mutt – [email protected] I love to hear from my readers!
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Enjoy!
Pablo’s “Paw”donerings
Just me chillin’ after my date night!
Hello furry friends!
A few days ago, my hooman, Brandon, took me to see my girlfriend. She's a little Daschund named Nugget. We had so much fun together! We chased each other around the backyard and played tug of war with one of her toys. Then Nugget's dad got out a remote-controlled car and we chased that around the yard for awhile. I don't get to see her very often, but when I do we have lots of fun. When I got home I was so tired I went right to sleep! One of the best things about seeing Nugget is that I get to go or a car ride because she lives far away. I love car rides, don't you? Do you guys have a ‘significant other’ that you like to hang out with? Send a pic! As always, feel free to send me a pic of you and your hoomans too!
Kids and Large Breed Dogs: A Match Made in Heaven or a Tragedy Waiting to Happen?
Kids and dogs: they go together like peanut butter and jam, don’t they? A dog just seems to complete a family like no other pet can. A well-trained dog is loyal, lovable and always remembered, long after they’ve gone go doggie-heaven. But, are some breeds better suited for kids than others? Some experts seem to think so. Let’s be real – there are some breeds that are more prone to being aggressive, and dog bite stats seem to support this notion (think Pitbulls, Huskies and Rottweilers).
That being said, these can make great family dogs too with the proper training. Here are some factors to consider before adding a large breed dog to your family.
· How old is your child? The best bonds between kids and dogs happen at the very beginning. When babies and pups grow up together their bond is unbreakable. However, even if your child is young (under 6), getting a puppy or dog under one year old can be equally rewarding.
· How old is the dog? Getting your dog as a puppy is best when you have children in the house, but if you’re looking at an older dog, consider what kind of environment they were raised in. Are they used to children? Are they from a rescue center (this could indicate abuse, which may make some dogs skittish).
· Consider Playdates: Are your kids old enough to have friends over to play? A dog that’s not used to other children may become protective or ‘territorial’. When kids play, they often run, squeal, laugh and raise their voices – all things that certain breeds may not appreciate if they’re not used to it.
· Teach your children proper handling: Always teach your kids to NEVER run up to strange dogs! Teach them to handle their pup gently. Pushing and pulling on ears and tails, or jumping on them when they’re lying down can be very stressful for a dog. Teach them to be kind and gentle.
· Socialize, socialize, socialize: Part of training your dog is making sure they’re socialized. Take them to a dog park (a leashed one) and get them used to being around other people and dogs. This will ensure they’re comfortable around strangers, both two-legged and four-legged!
· A little training goes a long way: Get your kids to help train, if they’re old enough: Your kids can teach your dog to roll over, sit, and fetch, as well as other fun tricks.
· Research reputable breeders: If you’re getting a pup, research reputable breeders in your area and visit the facility before deciding whether to purchase from that breeder. They may even let you speak to other owners of previous litters.
· Consider your property type: Do you live in a condo or a 10-acre hobby farm? Most large breeds need room to run.
Whatever breed you decide on for your family, take the time to do your research. If your kids are old enough, include them in the decision-making process. A little extra time and diligence will be worth it in the long run!
Key traits of a Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, loyal, and even-tempered dogs. They are also intelligent, obedient, and active which often helps them excel in training and service roles. If you’re looking for an all-purpose, easygoing dog that is happy to join you everywhere, from hiking to hanging out at coffee shops, the Labrador will be your new best friend.
Labs are right at home in the water. They love to swim and of course, retrieve things – which is what they were originally bred for. They excel at canine aqua sports like dock diving and water retrieving. They’re also just as happy to play a game of fetch on land or go for a run. Overall, this high-energy breed needs to move!
Because they’re such an active, playful breed, training and exercise are key to a well-behaved Labrador Retriever. If not properly trained or given an outlet for their energy, Labs may look to entertain themselves which can lead to destructive behaviour like digging and chewing. Unfortunately, Labs are also one of the top breeds reported missing, they’ve been known to dig under a fence or dart off after a squirrel.
You can read the full article here:
Fun Facts
· Forty-five per cent of dog owners allow their dogs to sleep in their bed (I can’t tell you how many times hubby had to sleep on the couch because the dog was in his spot!)
· The Labrador Retriever has been on the AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds list for longer than any other breed – and they are originally from Newfoundland
· When dogs kick backward after they go to the bathroom, it’s not to cover it up, but to mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet.
· The Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so accurate that the results of its tracking can be used as evidence in a court of law. Wow!
· According to Guinness World Records, a Great Dane named Zeus is the world’s tallest male dog. Zeus is 3 feet, 5.18 inches tall.
Product Pics of the Week
See you next week! Feel free to forward this issue to someone you think may be interested!
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