Are your children old enough to take on the responsibility of a dog?
Although Labrador and Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets, and chosen with care from the right breeder, will be happy with young children, the younger members of your family must realise that the puppy is an animal and not a toy. He is a long term commitment and not a whim, so please discuss this thoroughly.
My recommendations for families with young children are:
• Do not allow children to pick up your puppy. If your puppy is dropped this can result in very severe consequences such as hip or elbow dysplacia. Some puppies have a habit of ‘jumping’ while they are being held and this is impossible for a young child to control. Sitting on the floor with legs stretched in front of them allows children contact with the puppy without risk of harm. If you yourself find it necessary to pick up your puppy, please use these steps:
Just like a baby, a puppy's body is fragile. Avoid picking up your puppy unless absolutely necessary. If you must, be careful and use these steps:
Step 1: Place one hand under your puppy's rump, and place your other hand under his chest.
Step 2: Lift with both arms. With a small adult dog, use the puppy technique. For larger dogs, wrap both arms around his legs, draw him to your chest and lift.
• Do not allow your puppy to jump up. While this seems like playing when the puppy is small, a child (or adult) can be hurt if an adult retriever jumps up. It also helps your dog understand its place within the family as dogs jump up to indicate dominance
• Some food (like grapes and chocolate) that we may give to our children contains toxins that are bad for your puppy/dog. If your child is allowed to give treats (perhaps as a training reward) teach your child that your puppy must only be given what you agree to. Carrots and apple, given raw in small pieces, increasing the size as the puppy grows are good for him. He will also enjoy tiny cubes of cheese, though not too many as these are high in fat
• Your puppy will love to play but it is important that he is not allowed to become over excited by children. Of course he will happily play football and run around with children but also encourage some nice quiet games and make sure your puppy has his own quiet safe area where he is allowed to go when he chooses. It will prove useful to teach children that when puppy is in his quiet area he is to be left alone
• Young children may be tempted to shout at a puppy if they think he's doing something wrong. Be sure they understand that puppies and dogs can be upset and startled by loud noises. The word ‘NO’ said firmly is enough to let your puppy know he has done wrong
• No teasing. Keeping a toy just out of reach will reinforce bad habits such as jumping up and excessive barking
• Wagging tails and play biting can be too rough for some young children. Supervise interaction and separate them for a while if the play becomes too rough. If your children are confident with your puppy, the next step would be to teach them to give a toy when puppy is chewing something he ought not