For a very good guide to all sorts of dog training processes and dog behavior challenges, I use and recommend Clickertraining ...that link goes to the description of this terrific ebook you download immediately, wherever you are! -- Rosana

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

In the minds of most kids, dogs are warm furry cuddly companions who love to be hugged and squeezed.

However, this isn’t always the case.

Different dogs have different temperaments, and from an early age children need to learn how to treat dogs respectfully. This will help reduce the incidence of dog attacks on children, and allow them to live peacefully together.

The term “temperament” refers to a dog’s general attitude and outlook. Dog temperament not only varies between breeds, but between individuals within a breed. For example, working breeds are known to be active and may not like to sit still, whereas terriers can be tenacious and quite strong willed. Read the rest of this entry

Whether we are talking about your own dogs or any dogs that your children may happen to meet, be sure to teach your kids some basic principles of how to behave around dogs. Doing this will make it much less likely that they will suffer a dog bite. No matter what ages your children are, you can teach something in a way appropriate for their level of understanding.

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