Advantages of adopting a large dog if we have small children

In this article we are going to discuss certain aspects of large dogs that are positive for both us and children. We must start by saying that large dogs are often accompanied by prejudices that do not always have a realistic basis. Small animals tend to be more nervous than larger ones and it is not surprising that they need a larger space in the house than a large animal. It may happen that the large dog facilitates the training while the small ones are more difficult. On the other hand, the height of a huge dog makes a good combination with children so we will comment later.

Canine ethologist Rosana Álvarez comments that “we should not discard a dog first because of its size” when we are going to adopt since it really has no relationship with risk factors. One in three dogs that are abandoned in Spain are large according to the Affinity Foundation study on the abandonment of pets in 2010.

Although it may surprise, if we have small children at home, it is not recommended to adopt small animals, not because of the child, but because of the dog that is fragile and can be accidentally hit by the child who wants to play, and we all know that children do not they are especially careful when they are small, which can create a relationship problem with the dog.

On the other hand, having a large dog at home if we have small children has advantages that at first glance perhaps we omitted. It is similar to the fear of flying in large airplanes when they are much more stable than small airplanes. Álvarez Bueno comments that “a large dog is more apt to live with a child since babies tend to grasp to start walking and do not measure the strength with which they do so”. In the same way, broad dogs often have a more patient personality to withstand the behaviors of children in the house. The ethologist explains that “a large dog suffers less if the child grabs its tail or throws itself on it.” We just have to remember the videos on social networks about dogs and children. In most cases they are large dogs that mother their own baby, encouraging him to walk or simply having a patient response to it.

BIG ANIMALS

On the other hand, the large animal tends to learn better. One of the common failures is when people tend to humanize the animals we live with without realizing that it is not good for them. When we speak to them, we dress them in street clothes or even transport them in bags adapted for them. This fashion of humanizing animals is most palpable in the case of small animals. However, while it seems more comfortable to adopt a small dog, large dogs have some unique qualities, such as the ability to be very affectionate . It is important to understand that the height of the dog does not define its personality. since the most decisive aspects are factors such as race or crossbreeds, the education we give them and above all the affection they receive, which will normally be returned by five.

These dogs can live in flats like small dogs , but even though it may not seem like it, it is sometimes said that large dogs are not made to live in small spaces, but it does not have to do. Greyhounds, for example, have a facility to adapt to small flats. The most fundamental thing about a large dog is that you have to keep time to walk it, let it free itself and play.

Another important factor that is not taken into account is the look. It is an essential factor in dog learning. For them it is easier to look into the eyes of the owner, which means that these types of dogs are more obedient and better understand the guidelines of the owners.

WE MUST ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT …

The last factor is having a vehicle of an appropriate size . It is not related to children, but it is a very important detail since, if we make trips with the family, having a large vehicle will allow us to take the dog as well and in this way foster the dog’s relationship with the family. Finally, keep in mind that a large dog will weigh and have more strength than any other size of dog, so keep in mind that you will be able to handle the dog without problem if it pulls on the leash. For example, a dog that weighs 35 kilos and upIt cannot be controlled by anyone and it can become difficult to walk if the dog gets lost with a pigeon and decides to run. That is why it is a primary factor when adopting a dog. A Mastiff will be huge, however a Husky can be a great but manageable dog option.

All these reasons may not seem directly related to children, but in reality, all those guidelines that help us to be clear if a dog is more docile or not, corresponds to the improvement of the conditions in the house at all levels. A dog will have minimal needs such as going for a walk three times a day, eating, drinking, etc. But not all dogs have the same amount of patience and stamina that a large dog does represent.

So do not get carried away by size and remember that the breed or the cross breed are influencing factors in the personality of the dog and therefore more important when adopting them.

I hope that these tips will help you to be more clear about where the importance of a dog for children lies and, above all, all the love you give it will be returned in greater quantities.