Yes, that is true! But this is a learning process for my puppy and my son. I feel that I can help create/maintain a great relationship between the two of them. I love them both and only want the best.

LOL! I agree! I was caught off gaurd by some of the other posts and felt as though not only myself, but my son were being attacked! I am calm now though and I am hoping the behavior has been solved with my help...praying anyways!

 Quote: Andrea Lord

LOL! I agree! I was caught off gaurd by some of the other posts and felt as though not only myself, but my son were being attacked!

Stick around. You will find that straightforward posts in the best interest of dogs and kids will always be offered here. The feelings of the adult owner -- not so much.

Shame on experienced folks, in fact, if they assume a high level of expertise when someone asks questions about a child and a dog together.


I can't wait to see the picture. This puppy sounds so cute!

All in all you have had some great responses. And I too think it would be insightful to at least view some of the readings on this site regarding children and dogs as Im sure this topic isnt really discussed in a university. There are also many great free videos and ebooks along with more detailed DVD's that can be purchased. This is a great site to learn.

Congratulations on your new pup.

Andrea, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Biotechnology with double minors in Animal Behavior and Animal Nutrition. I also entered veterinary college prior to receiving my bachelor's degree and completed three years there.

And I still learn so much here! Please do listen to all that is said, and just take the context of the replies, not assuming anyone to be condescending or accusing. They're not, they're just honest.

As Connie said, the best interest of the dogs, the safety of the children, and the education of the adults are always of utmost importance. Feelings... well, that falls on down the list. But everyone here will be more than willing to continue offering suggestions and answers. I know, b/c I've posted many times myself.

And I too want to see pics!

Boy, here I sit with nothing but a drivers license.

Trust me, everything up to the vet school years was worthless! It just sounds impressive.

 Quote: steve strom

Boy, here I sit with nothing but a drivers license.

At least I got you beat... I have a AAA card AND a drivers license.

Hi Andrea,

Congratulations on your new pup!

When I was young we always had my father's police dogs, and at the age of 8 I begged for a smaller dog that I could have for my own. We were living in Europe at the time, my father was never much of a small dog fan, but it must have been a good night at the NCO club because he came home with an 8 week old salt & pepper schnauzer for me, and a Toy poodle for my mother. I know 8 sounds really young, but I really did assume a lot of the care and training of that dog, and because I only had exposure to large dogs, I made the best attempt to train him how I saw my father training his working dogs in OB, we had this dog for 19 years, and he was an awesome dog! Now for the gnarly little beast, I mean the toy poodle that became my mother's pocket pet for 20 LONG years. He would growl and bite at us from day one, we couldn't even look his way or he would attack,I would wish that the big dogs ate him, he literally became the dog from hell, and left a lasting impression on my upper thigh...only dog that has bittn me! It took me years to realize that all my mother's pampering, holding, baby talk, you name it, is what created this monster!

I now have small and large dogs, and run a preschool from my home. I make sure my small dogs are treated in the same manner as the big, like Lauren mentioned in her post.I don't allow the kids to hold or carry, but they do enjoy watching me work with the dogs.I know you want your son to enjoy this pup,and the pup is so cute that your son wants to hug, hold, carry, perhaps dress up, but if you actually limit this, and make sure he's not being a pampered pooch, I think you'll really enjoy this dog in the long haul. Did you get Ed's DVD on Kids and Dogs, or read the articles,I think you'll find them helpful!

Best of luck...You will do it!

 Quote: Paula Colvett

Andrea, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Biotechnology with double minors in Animal Behavior and Animal Nutrition. I also entered veterinary college prior to receiving my bachelor's degree and completed three years there.

Wow, impressive Paula! You better be careful, you might just find your PM box full of questions from lots of forum members wanting advice!