Stacy this thread is almost 6 months old but I have to comment on your statement.We have to remember that we should also teach CHILDREN how to act around dogs.No child of mine is ever allowed to "ride" my dogs regardless of how tolerant my dogs are with my children (4) .The respect is mutual, not one sided.I think you get into trouble when you are assuming your own dogs are child proof.No dogs in this world is 100% child proof

Stacey, I agree 100% with Angelique.

I work with my dogs to be gentle and tolerant of children, but I also teach the children to be kind and and respectful of dogs. The kids are not allowed to pull ears or tails or sit on the dog. What would happen if they tried doing that with a dog who wasn't so tolerant some day?

Although I know there are many dogs who put up with it, I wouldn't hold it against any dog who didn't enjoy being mauled.

I care for two toddlers who love to play and snuggle with my dogs (yes, they're always supervised). Those two kids have wonderful dog manners, and don't pull hair, ears, etc or sit on the dogs.

I agree as well - while it's primarily up to the dog's owner to know her animal and avoid situations that could get ugly, there's no excuse for disrespectful behavior from children. Just because one dog may put up with it for a while doesn't mean EVERY dog will (far from it!), and chances are children WILL encounter dog's of short tolerance at some point.

We're working with our big young man on his manners around and acceptance of little kids we meet in public - he's never been snappy, but he's very big and kids obviously make him nervous. We've been exposing him to as many short and pleasant experiences as possible - all highly controlled and with lots of positive reinforcement and treats. We NEVER let strange children approach him on the street without first stopping them and asking if they know how to correctly "say hello" (as in - no squealing and running towards dog with arms outstretched, clapping or attempting to hug or pat on the head... etc.).

He's doing really well lately, but this weekend we took him to our farmers market and there was a little toddler who had been let loose on the ground. We managed to get an acceptable, short introduction, but later on she kept running up behind Oscar and grabbing for his tail - I'm assuming she had a dog at home because she kept leaning in like she wanted to hug him. Bottom line, this little one obviously thought all "doggies" were big stuffed animals and she had no inhibition - nor did her father, who was very nonchalant and didn't seem to pick up on our unease with his daughter's actions. We ended up leaving the market in fairness to Oscar (who was such a champ!), but I suppose I should have politely said something to that man...

~Natalya

I will add my 2 cents and agree with the ladies who posted before me. Although many breeds are said to be more 'tolerable' with children, that should not give the child or parent permission to yank all apendages and be disrepectful to that animal. The breed I own is also said to be extremely fond and reliable with children, but with that said, I would never allow my child or any child to have free reign of their actions with my dog. Many breeds who are thought to have a built in 'kid' safe mode have been on the news for mauling a child. Ie, Boxers, Labs, GSDs, ABPT, etc...

Read the "Fatal Dog Attacks" book that Ed sells on his site. I am reading it now and it is a pretty good informational read.

 Quote: alex corral

Many breeds who are thought to have a built in 'kid' safe mode have been on the news for mauling a child. Ie, Boxers, Labs, GSDs, ABPT, etc...

I have a friend (owner of 2 bullmastiffs, a rottie and a mastiff mix - all share the house) who has great dogs, but who's been through his share of "unpredictable" and scary events. His words of wisdom whenever trying to comprehend the things they do out of the blue: "They're just dogs." And at the end of the day, in order to live peacfully with humans, they'll still need our constant guidance and supervision.

~Natalya

I'm always amazed by how many parents don't get that a child needs training as much as the dog, though I think the OP made the right choice here. My daughter went to a private school with lots of kids with um, "minimal" discipline. When they were all little I was horrified by how many of these kids had dogs that they mauled, sat on and basicly assaulted on a daily basis, poor things. The parents of these children would want to bring them over to see puppies asking "are your dogs good with children?" I would say "yes, but your children aren't good with dogs so it's not a good idea" They'd look at me like I had two heads, but oh well. I wish Ed had a series of training DVD's for parents/children...

I have never understood parents whom seem to brag about the fact that their children do all kinds of nasty things to the dog & the dog puts up with it. This is abuse and there is no way I would put up with any kid pulling ears, hair, tail, riding or any of the other irritating behaviors people seem to think their precious children should be allowed to get away with. GRRRRRRRRR

I don't have kids yet, but the kids that my dogs encounter are not allowed to pet my dogs unless I say it's ok, and sometimes I don't let some kids pet them. Not that my dogs are mean and agressive, just that I want my dogs to stay socialized to strange people and not pet everytime they meet a stranger.

Angelique,
I did not know the topic was so old, Im a new member and still learning my way around the forums. Also, thanks to everyone else for the comments.