Doggone Safe is a terrific website that has a lot of information to help prevent dog bites. Click on the image to read their tips for dealing with Halloween, either as a dog owner or as someone out trick or treating with children. The suggestions are to be quite careful and a lot of people won’t think them necessary, but a lot of people don’t realize how many kids are bitten by dogs all the time either.

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Here’s a great book if you have kids and dogs, or if you have one and are considering getting the other! Since young children get bitten by their family dogs at an amazing rate — the book points out that half of all children under 14 have been bitten by a dog –  if you are going to have both, it will take some managing of the situation.  Living with Kids and Dogs Without Losing Your Mind is a great tool to help you out. Read the rest of this entry

Dog lovers may not understand how some people can be afraid of dogs, but for many adults and children, it’s a very real and distressing problem.

Most of us would agree that we are frightened of a snarling guard dog, but those with a true fear of dogs are terrified of even a small fluffy pup. Even the sound of a bark can cause anxiety and distress.

As with most fears and phobias, fear of dogs usually starts in childhood. It may stem from being bitten by a dog, or even just being knocked down by an exuberant puppy. Sometimes a child will become frightened of dogs if they see their parent is anxious or worried around dogs – they may think if their parent is concerned, there is a real reason to be afraid. Read the rest of this entry

Of all the dog breeds out there, a few are clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to their natural ability with kids. The best breeds for children are gentle, easy-going, and physically sturdy enough to take a few over-exuberant squeezes and occasional clumsy handling. If you’re looking for a great dog for your kids, here are of few breeds to consider.

American Cocker Spaniel
This variety of Spaniel is cheerful, even-tempered, and enjoys being around children of all ages. As a plus, their small size (less than 30 pounds) makes them unlikely to frighten younger children. Their long coat, however, means that they need regular grooming which can be inconvenient for a time challenged mom.

Golden Retriever
Nearly always listed among the best breeds for children, Golden Retrievers have an exceptional love for kids and like to spend time playing with them. They’re intelligent, eager to please, and often exuberant, so obedience training is usually easy. There are a few genetic diseases present in the breed, so choose your pup carefully to avoid heartache at a later date.

Labrador Retriever
The Lab is laid back, sociable with humans, and happiest when it can tag along with family members throughout the day. Its friendly look makes the dog’s size a little less intimidating, too. Read the rest of this entry