Do Dogs and Children mix?

Following on from Nissanmad's video post.

Heldengebroed queried the number of pictures featuring children and said "Kids and dgs don't mix all that well."

Do you agree with him?

J

Edited to add: OK I know most people want to qualify their answer but what I'm after is a general view. Do Dogsey members think that families with children shouldn't have dogs or is a childhood which includes a dog something to be treasured?

I guess it depends on the dog, the child and the situation they are in! I don't think any person can give a Yes or No answer like that

It is such a broad question it is hard to give a definitive answer!

My belief is children and dogs can mix very well indeed and we have many instances of proof on this on Dogsey. I think most important thing is that they be supervised at all times when together. At the end of the day children and dogs can both be unpredicatable at times so it is best to be safe.:smt002

In this house yes!
Hollie and our sons have been brought up together. The boys know to be kind, not tease etc., they have have been taught how to treat her.
Hollie knows that all humans in this house provide food and that she has to sit first, and that she is bottom of the pecking order. She is gentle around them, the difference in her playing with the boys and us is very obvious.

Sadly not all dogs are able to be round children or indeed children round dogs.

I think that you can't easily answer yes or no to this as too many factors to think about - the dog the breed the family! the type of children.

As Ozzysmum said too broad a question and dogs and children can be unpredictable!

My dogs and my children - yes! And I would trust them around most children but not unsupervised EVER! don't even leave mine unsupervised not worth the risk!

think it all depends. ben hasnt been brought up with kids, but saying that he loves kids but cant manage a whole one, would have to put the rest in the fridge for the next day LOL
actull he does like kids as long as they dont pull his ears n tail. he will warn them, mind u my grandson is a horror so i have to keep him separate.

Studies by people like Pfaffenberger and Scott concluded that dogs will 'imprint' with any other living thing, ducks/horses/cats/children anything.

For the best results puppies and children need to be introduced during the period known as 'The Critical Period of Development' and correctly monitored and socialised and they should be the best of friends.

Having read your addition bit Mothership I will add:

I grew up with dogs and I am glad my girls have the chance to grow up with them too. I know of many children who are 'petrified' of dogs and scream and run at the sight of dogs. I would like to think it has made my girls more confident and less fearful of dogs/animals in general. It has also helped them understand responsibility - Jess likes to help feed and groom the dogs whenever she can. She also likes helping train them in the garden with me and is actually very good (sometimes better than me!)

If the adults are responsible owners, then it can't be bettered in my opinion. The children learn so much, love, empathy and responsibility for starters.

I once had a man (who had two young daughters with him at the time) upon seeing Ozzy literally screamed in panic and physically ran in the opposite direction from us. His daughters were clearly very scared because of their fathers reaction so no doubt will be frightened of dogs as they mature too

What was Oz doing that was so scary? Walking to heel beside me on lead, completely minding his own business and about 30yds away

I agree that it is how they are brought up. If they are taught to respect dogs from an early age then there will be no problems as they grow older.