| Q1: Do
DK's and GSP's make good family pets? Are they good with kids?
A: I think that I am somewhat qualified to reply on this one. We have had numerous GSP's and DK's over the years, including our current ones, ages 5, 4, and 2 that have lived in our home all of their lives. Plus, we have three young boys ages 12, 12, and 9. It doesn't take much math to determine that there were children growing up with DK pups and dogs at some time. Our DK's are family pets first. We have three young sons, and good temperaments and house manners are of tantamount importance to us as breeders. Much of this is genetic, but just as important is the way you raise your DK or GSP and the environment that you provide for him or her to grow up in. At the same time you teach your DK or GSP to tolerate and play nicely with your children, you should be teaching your children to tolerate and play nicely with your DK or GSP! I believe that one of the first rules is that one never leaves ANY puppy or dog alone and unsupervised with a child. I don't care what the breeding, training, or personalities are, child or dog. We've had who owned dogs that they thought were "human", thereby breaking the cardinal rule of down ownership--anthropomorphizing their dogs. Some of these so-called "kids" weren't to be trusted around anyone or anything. Some would bite the hands that fed them, and would fight their owners for the bed or sofa every night.
That aside, my youngest son regularly climbed into all of our DK's crates
and kennels whether they were sleeping, eating, or chewing a bone. All of these should/would solicit growls from an average dog. But, our dogs always greeted him every time with a wag and a lick. I have watched our dogs around infants, toddlers, and older and younger children, and I would have to say if there ever were dogs that were 100% trustworthy, they would be my first selection. I would have to say that under some circumstances pups are a little more dangerous around youngsters. We have had several lacerations from puppy teeth, usually in the arms and legs. I think that there are some strains of DK's that tend to be a little more tolerant of children. But, to a greater extent I think that discipline and obedience are key (for both the dogs and the children). Any dog has to know its place in the family. And, children must be taught what to and what not to do around dogs. You will have a successful experience with your first DK if you 1) do your research for the right personality of dog for your family situation, 2) research how to train your dog before you pick up your pup, 3) prepare to educate your children and anyone who enters your home as to how to act around a dog, and 4) realize that a dog in the home is a 24/7 deal until it dies. That is, a dog is a child that never really grows up. And, you just don't train a dog and forget. You have to stay aware and be prepared to predict behavior before you react. Good luck! CLOSE THIS WINDOW TO RETURN TO THE FAQ's PAGE. |