Small children with large dogs worry me

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
I see lots of those 'reels' on Facebook and they are usually nice, funny and entertaining. I'm not technically minded so I don't even know why they appear.

Anyway, in many are small babies or toddlers playing with huge dogs. Often these dogs are German Shepherds or Staffy types, very able to do a lot of damage very quickly if they felt like it.. I can't help but feel nervous. I would never have my grandchildren or back in the day, my small children anywhere near such potentially dangerous animals.

So how can so many people be willing to risk a baby to be sitting between two huge wolf-like creatures like the latest reel I just viewed?
 

My parents had an Irish Setter who dragged my toddling brother back from running toward the road on more than one occasion.

We had a gentle giant of a Golden Retriever when our kids were very young, then a couple of shepherd mixes (one after the other, not at the same time) during their growing up years. Never had a bad or even slightly scary moment with any of those dogs and our kids.

My son taught one of the shepherds to play goalie for him when he'd practice slap shots with a ball. Very few shots got past her and into the goal. ❤️

Big plus: the dog would stay stand in front of the goal, then bring the ball back to my son after he took a shot and would play for as long as he wanted.
 

It's believed that dogs can literally smell the fetus inside a pregnant owner, and recognize the baby's smell after it's born. Experts in animal behavior also say that many breeds are naturally protective of the child even before it's born, and remain protective afterward for as long as the dog lives.

Still, they recommend a few training classes with the dog and the expectant owner regardless of the breed, but say it's crucial with breeds that are commonly known to have a less keen sense of smell, are less protective, and/or are less obedient by nature.
 
This is my grand daughter and her dog Princess. Princess was a rescue dog that had been abused. My son rescued her a few years ago. She is the most gentle, loving, cuddly dog I have ever seen. She is a big baby and we trust her with the little ones 110%. Other dogs may not be so well behaved. My daughter in law gave me a Frenchy a year ago. He kept snipping at people and I was very concerned about the grandkids coming over. Several people tried training him, but he was put down because of his actions. They are all different. I still miss the little Frenchy...
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20231215_174816417_MP.jpg
    IMG_20231215_174816417_MP.jpg
    65.2 KB · Views: 8
Murrmurr said:
It's believed that dogs can literally smell the fetus inside a pregnant owner, and recognize the baby's smell after it's born. Experts in animal behavior also say that many breeds are naturally protective of the child even before it's born, and remain protective afterward for as long as the dog lives.

Still, they recommend a few training classes with the dog and the expectant owner regardless of the breed, but say it's crucial with breeds that are commonly known to have a less keen sense of smell, are less protective, and/or are less obedient by nature.
Click to expand...
I go along with this, all my dogs over 50 years have been good with kids but ANY aggressiveness was dealt with right from adoption, whilst I would have some concerns from the larger traditionally aggressive breeds it is clear that the little inbred mutts can be equally problematic with the youngsters if not raised right!
 
My current dog an 11 month Collie I have now had for 9 months is the first after a long line of four legged friends I have received this young, fortunately I no longer have youngsters at home for whilst not aggressive he sure is'playful'! I would not want a youngster in the house without strict supervision (of the dog eh), my original dog a little terrier protected my daughter from birth and simply laid there as the baby mauled her and pulled her fur. Ran after the school bus first day of school and got hit by car, daughter was devastated!
 
jlhog said:
This is my grand daughter and her dog Princess. Princess was a rescue dog that had been abused. My son rescued her a few years ago. She is the most gentle, loving, cuddly dog I have ever seen. She is a big baby and we trust her with the little ones 110%. Other dogs may not be so well behaved. My daughter in law gave me a Frenchy a year ago. He kept snipping at people and I was very concerned about the grandkids coming over. Several people tried training him, but he was put down because of his actions. They are all different. I still miss the little Frenchy...
Click to expand...
I’m surprised no one thought to rehome the frenchy to a child free home. I have had little dogs that were snappy with kids that were rescued. If kids came over I would crate the dogs in my bedroom and close the door. My good friend has an older small dog that has bit her grandkids and she handles it now the same way I did.

Big dogs that bite of course are a much bigger problem because they can do a lot more damage than a small dog.
 
Murrmurr said:
It's believed that dogs can literally smell the fetus inside a pregnant owner, and recognize the baby's smell after it's born. Experts in animal behavior also say that many breeds are naturally protective of the child even before it's born, and remain protective afterward for as long as the dog lives.

Still, they recommend a few training classes with the dog and the expectant owner regardless of the breed, but say it's crucial with breeds that are commonly known to have a less keen sense of smell, are less protective, and/or are less obedient by nature.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I thought jealousy could play a part.
 
Teacher Terry said:
I’m surprised no one thought to rehome the frenchy to a child free home. I have had little dogs that were snappy with kids that were rescued. If kids came over I would crate the dogs in my bedroom and close the door. My good friend has an older small dog that has bit her grandkids and she handles it now the same way I did.

Big dogs that bite of course are a much bigger problem because they can do a lot more damage than a small dog.
Click to expand...
He was biting adults and other pets. Never had him around the kids. We tried our best with several trainers also. I did not give up easy.
 
jlhog said:
He was biting adults and other pets. Never had him around the kids. We tried our best with several trainers also. I did not give up easy.
Click to expand...
Maybe he was inbred so couldn’t help himself. That’s sad and I am sorry for both you and the little guy.
 
oldaunt said:
I have always found little dogs to be more of a problem with children as they are often snappy and ill-trained. It really IS all about the training
Click to expand...
I must say I can't stand small noisy dogs.
Murrmurr said:
Excellent point.

My aunt used to get all bent outta shape when people - especially young couples - treated their dogs like they were their kids.

I bet that's why. One of the reasons, anyway.
Click to expand...
My thinking was a dog could get jealous of the attention a baby is getting.
 
My two nephews hated when their German Shepard was in the yard with them. The dog would not let the kids stray out of the yard. The dog was a great babysitter. My sister-in-law said it was a better babysitter then my brother. Yes, a dog may harm a child, but that is exceedingly rare. A dog thinks he is part of the family, and it understands kids are "the young", so protecting them is inborn.
 
fuzzybuddy said:
My two nephews hated when their German Shepard was in the yard with them. The dog would not let the kids stray out of the yard. The dog was a great babysitter. My sister-in-law said it was a better babysitter then my brother. Yes, a dog may harm a child, but that is exceedingly rare. A dog thinks he is part of the family, and it understands kids are "the young", so protecting them is inborn.
Click to expand...
That is interesting, reassuring actually. I shall try to be less worried when I see a video or picture of a young child lying between two huge wolf-like creatures.
 
I was 5 or 6 and remember playing fetch with a Neighbors elderly German Sheppard. We moved but later, a year or so it mauled a lil guy and was put down.
I would say careful with older large doggies.
 
I have had big dogs that would have fought to the death to protect family members. I think some dogs are inbred and mentally unstable just like people. Pit bulls seem to have problems as do some other large breeds and I would be wary of all of them if I had kids at home.
 
Rose65 said:
I see lots of those 'reels' on Facebook and they are usually nice, funny and entertaining. I'm not technically minded so I don't even know why they appear.

Anyway, in many are small babies or toddlers playing with huge dogs. Often these dogs are German Shepherds or Staffy types, very able to do a lot of damage very quickly if they felt like it.. I can't help but feel nervous. I would never have my grandchildren or back in the day, my small children anywhere near such potentially dangerous animals.

So how can so many people be willing to risk a baby to be sitting between two huge wolf-like creatures like the latest reel I just viewed?
Click to expand...
If the dog is the family dog and it is a German Shepard as you mentioned there are practically no worries. G. Shepards are wonderful and very protective dogs with children. Would be almost unheard of for them to hurt the family children. Three dogs are exceptionally good with children, especially those in the dog's family, are female golden retrievers, german shepards, and border collies. But, if raised from puppies with the children almost any dog will be a loving and protective companion if kindly raised.
 
Wes said:
If the dog is the family dog and it is a German Shepard as you mentioned there are practically no worries. G. Shepards are wonderful and very protective dogs with children. Would be almost unheard of for them to hurt the family children. Three dogs are exceptionally good with children, especially those in the dog's family, are female golden retrievers, german shepards, and border collies. But, if raised from puppies with the children almost any dog will be a loving and protective companion if kindly raised.
Click to expand...
Actually you are correct, German Shepherds look intimidating but we never hear of them harming children. I wonder why? It could be that the pathetic 'thugs' who want status dogs do not choose them for some reason.
German Shepherds are a wonderful noble breed.
 

  • Like
Reactions: Wes
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top