Explaining Dog:Dog Aggression Vs. Dog:Human Aggression

[German Vanegas]

Originally Posted by lblax

i think it is a grave mistake not to tell everybody that every dog is a danger to children. even the beloved family furbaby is a danger to a child whether a dog is dog agressive or not most injuries to children are prey related it starts out as the fun of the chase for the dog then once caught whether by being knocked down or with teeth the child struggles (which would be expected)

Well, Larry you and I agree way more often than not, however, I don't want to be an extremist. If you promote an exaggerated warning about the rottweiler, it only helps to perpetuate wrong notions about our beloved breed (and other breeds for that matter); consequently, continuing the mislabeling of the rottweiler (as well as other breeds)

Having said the above, I strongly believe that a well-bred rottweiler (that is, one with the desired temperament plus solid nerves, an extensive positive socialization, and obedience-control training, where the dog looks up to the pack leader) should be a children lover; literally! I for one do not tolerate any dog that shows aggression towards children, period. The truth is, dog aggression towards children is a sign of a serious temperament problem. So, if you know what you are doing, and so you have the right rottweiler, I truly believe you can safely allow supervised inter-action between children and your dog. That's my honest opinion. Of course, the wrong handling of the dog, or a childish behavior, can trigger an unwanted response from a dog, but that's why you, as leader of the pack, are there: to maintain control of your dog and to protect the children. It is all about responsible dog ownership. Anyway, I am conviced you will agree with me on this one

[lblax]

Originally Posted by German Vanegas

I truly believe you can safely allow supervised inter-action between children and your dog. That's my honest opinion.

the key word here is supervision and that is what i was talking about most accidents happen because the child and the dog are put into situations that should never be in and mainly unsupervised positions so as usual we agree...
here is one i would like your opinion on... it is my belief that dogs really dont see children as any differant than adults(im not talking infants) it is my belief that every dog that i have owned has been especially good with children because myself as being the pack leader has always through my actions put children as the highest value item i have, and through that they have a respect for all children.. and this is the reason that 90% of the time i see someone post about problems with there dog and child i think one of 2 things either they are not a strong enough leader for there dog or the have there priorities in the wrong place when it come to there kids.

[Dante's Dad]

I think this thread was very interesting. Just spent alot of time reading it and learned some things.

[Judi W]

I agree with Larry on this. My children were born into a home with Rottweilers and good ones at that. There was never any question but what the children were mine and valued and were to be treated as such. I had one very bossy bitch that had to learn the hard way that she did not have permission to be bossy to the boys, but that is all and it wasn't that hard to convince her that if they needed fussing at I would do it. I also had children who understood the rules of living with dogs.

I found the Rottweilers to be wonderful with the children as they were confident enough they did not startle at anything, were not the least bit concerned or worried about anything physical and enjoyed the association. The most recent generations I have were of course not raised with children but carry those same attitudes when around them.

[German Vanegas]

Originally Posted by lblax

... here is one i would like your opinion on... it is my belief that dogs really dont see children as any differant than adults(im not talking infants) it is my belief that every dog that i have owned has been especially good with children because myself as being the pack leader has always through my actions put children as the highest value item i have, and through that they have a respect for all children.. and this is the reason that 90% of the time i see someone post about problems with there dog and child i think one of 2 things either they are not a strong enough leader for there dog or the have there priorities in the wrong place when it come to there kids.

I personally believe that tolerance and kindness to children is a genetic trait bred into a dog. However, having said that, you should not totally rely on a dog's correct temperament and nerves and so allow unsupervised interactions between children and a dog. Instead, you, as leader of the family pack, take control of the situation. Be the responsible person that you owe to be in order to have children and a rottweiler together, that's all it takes. Whether you have children of your own or not the point is moot, dogs have to be kind to children. THAT is what I think.