For as long as I can remember there has been a dog around our home. Weve had muts, dogs with long pedigrees, rescued dogs, and dogs weve looked after while other members of the family were away on holidays.

The purpose of this article is to flag some issues a potential dog owner needs to think about when introducing a pup into a home where there are small children. I start from the belief that dogs and children go together like a horse and cart. However, because of a childs unpredictability there are, however, a few issues that need flagged.

Not every dog is suitable for a child and equally not every child is suitable for a dog! From my observations most of the problems arise with children under the age of six. If you are thinking of taking a dog into your home when you have children of this age then you must think long and hard before making the decision.

My main concern would be with large dogs. The majority of larger dogs have been bred as guard dogs, or have a history of aggression, they are generally high-energy dogs and if excited may well knock children over.

Parents with a small family are generally very busy people, more so if its a one parent family. Question. Have you the time to look after a high maintenance dog like a Dachshund?

Here is a smallish dog, theyre comical and entertaining and dont really need a lot of exercise. They also socialize well with people and other family pets and have a long life span.

But the longhaired variety will need constant brushing and combing, and both it and the smooth variety shed more hair than you might think. They also tend to have a distinctive odour, which may be unacceptable around children. From a vetenary view point an alarming number become crippled or paralyzed in middle age due to disk disease in their long backs.

Now Im not knocking the Dachshund, it is a lovely animal, Im using it by way of illistration with and asking would this fit in your families lifestyle?

It’s not my intention to make recommendations because every family situation is different; what is right for you may not be right for you next door neighbour!

Now youve carried out your research, the next step is to gather up the essentials and puppy-proof you home. Your puppy is going to need a place his own space, a cage or crate will fit the bill. Purchases one that is big enough for him to use as an adult.

The pup will need food and water bowls, toys to chew on and play with, a collar and leash, a bag of a good quality dry puppy food, and plenty of newspapers!

When the puppy arrives try and insure it has some settling in time, a day or two, before the children play wit it. Set down rules for the children and ensure they stick by them. I strongly recommend that a dog is not allowed to sleep in the bed with children, it can cause medical and behavioural problems.

Its vitat that you teach your childre how to treat the dog, plan on spending lots of time training the dog and the children. A dog is for life so spend the time now to avoid difficulties in the future.

Educate yourself. Buy and read training books: consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience class. Well-trained dogs are a joy to be around and a requirement when children are involved.

A common worry for parents is how a dog will react when a new baby comes along. This is a major subject in its own right but generally speaking most family dogs do not react badly. Like the other children they will be curious and may feel left out but these feelings soon pass.

Problems start when the baby becomes a toddler it’s then both toddler and dog get in each others way! My personal opinion is that by this time the dog will have come to know and accept the child and will even be protective towards it: but safety must come first, I recommend, not separation, but keeping them apart as much as possible.

Like all things to do with dogs a little common sense goes a long way and if you know your dog there should be few problems.

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Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures are cuddly and white furry balls, at least 12-15 inches tall, possessing a pair of coal black eyes and snubbed nose. They look fragile and needful of your protection and care. This is deceiving, for they were initially bred to hunt vermin and are intelligent hunters.

Historically the Westies or West Highland White Terriers were bred in the high mountains of west Scotland and claims ancestry to the Scotch Terrier.

While many dog owners who own Westie puppies know they dont come cheap, the joy, loyalty and love these dogs have give are worth it.

Is it easy to acquire any of the Westies puppies? No, youll need to be mindful that Westies puppies breeders are selective with whom theyll place their puppies. Only dog lovers with an extensive understanding of this breeds need for extensive grooming and exercise are considered.

Here are useful facts about Westies puppies, for dog lovers.

When and how should you teach your Westies puppy to socialize? The ideal time, would be when the puppy is between eight and 16 weeks of age, theyre rapidly maturing during this period. Make sure the pup is exposed to every stimulus hell have during his lifetime, while he/she is very young. Or else youll get a fearful dog.

Choose food specially formulated for puppies. Dont feed them people food.

At first offer food to these young puppies three times a day. After 5-6 months, feed the puppy twice a day. To avoid the puppy getting obese, let the puppy eat for only fifteen minutes, then remove the food dish. Check your Westies puppys paws and nails on a weekly basis.

Trim the hairs between the paws and nails.

Make sure the house is warm, before you bathe your pup, as puppies can lose body temperature quickly. Avoid getting shampoo in their eyes and keep water out of the ears. Wash the pups face last. Towel dry your pup as soon as his bath is done. You can use a hair dryer, but regulate the heat, or you might burn your pup.

Puppies normally lose the disease protection theyve received from their mothers, when they are around six and sixteen weeks of age. To avoid their getting sick, keep your pup away from sick dogs. Check with the vet when to schedule the puppys shots.

Lastly, heres one way to keep your Westie puppys fur white. Use a white grooming chalk and sprinkle it into the coat once a week or as needed.

Take care of your Westie puppy, and youll be rewarded with an intelligent dog thats loving and delightful.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
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