Children love playing, dogs to. When they are together normally their games become somewhat rough: jumping, racing, chasing, screaming. However, sometimes the happy game ends badly. Why? Most children don't know when they should stop provoking or playing with someone. If that someone is your dog (no matter how good-natured and well-behaved he is) he may become confused or tired and want to stop the game. But the child does not realize it and goes on, and on, and on... Sometimes, biting (even without the intention of hurting) is the only way the dog knows to stop being harassed by the child.

The importance of training

If a dog is being taken into a family with children, obedience training and socialization from an early age are a must! Remember that the dog’s behaviour is guided by instinct and if the dog is not trained than he will act according to his instincts. Your dog has to learn to obey to his owner’s commands whatever the circumstances. Teach the dog not only the basic commands (sit, down, come and stay) but also to take and release items such as toys when told to. The same way he can be saved from being run over by a car by answering promptly to your call “come!” you can prevent an accident with a child if the dog is trained to let go of at your command!

Children also have to learn

Children have to learn how to behave around dogs, the same way they learn how to behave around people. They must be taught to respect animals and how to live together. Children must learn not to hurt them, how to play with them, how to touch them. They must also learn to read the dog’s body language, how to distinguish when the dog is calm or upset. When children are old enough, they should be involved in the dog’s training and learn the appropriate command words. Training should apply both to your dog and your children.

Genes are not everything

It is important to emphasize that even the sweetest and friendly breeds may occasionally bite somebody for a variety of reasons. This applies to any animal (human race included) that has teeth. The inverse can be said of the so-called dangerous breeds: because they belong to this group it doesn't necessarily mean that, one day, they will bite somebody. It doesn't work like this. It is impossible to say with certainty that this or that breed will bite. Dogs’ actions depend on many, many factors besides their genetic inheritance. Therefore, the best way to avoid accidents is to always supervise the children's games with your dog and never, ever, leave them alone with the animal.

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Taking all the factors into account, there are breeds which are traditionally more reliable around children than others. They are more tolerant to rough playing and react better to stressful situations, without biting or becoming defensive. The Golden Retriever is one of such breeds. It is very easily trainable and has a low aggressiveness level. The Labrador Retriever and the Collie are also breeds quite good around children. But, as referred in this article, if the games make the dog feel threatened or scared the danger of biting the person who is nearest is very real. Supervise their games closely.
 
An experience for life

Children that grow up with animals undergo an experience that most probably will shape their future ethical behavior and will teach them to love and respect our four paws’ friends. To prevent your child from suffering a traumatic experience (such as an accidental bite) you should always bear in mind the safety issues referred to in this article. With care and good-sense on the parents' part, children and dogs can be the best of friends and enjoy themselves together.

Other relevant articles:
How to familiarise your dog with a new baby…