Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   Dogs and Children Date:   9/25/2010 8:40:53 AM

Dr. Coomer (Fox News) says that children with dogs are happier.  Yes, having a dog makes children happier.  But, getting a dog is SO much more than that.

First, children in undisciplined homes often fall prey to their undisciplined dog in the home.  A dog without rules resorts to instinctive behavior when dealing with children.  One of those behaviors is aggression.  Yep, the dog doesn’t know what to do, so first it snaps.  Then, when snapping is not disallowed, it snarls.  Snarling turns to biting – sometimes, other people’s children.  Then, mom and dad claim the dog is vicious and off it goes to the pound or worse, a chain in the back yard.  This pet is ruined.  I HAVE WITNESSED THIS FIRST HAND!  One family has had three different dogs, all of which eventually went to the pound.  The children often experience an emotional crisis over the demise of the dog, no matter what lies are proffered by mom or dad.  Personally, I would send their kids to the pound (military schools are “dog pounds” for the phenomena of failed parenthood).  The problem with the dog is the same as with the kids… mom and dad.

Dogs in the home must be trained and there are many inexpensive handbooks available (i.e. “Good Dog, Bad Dog” by Mordecai Siegal and Matthew Margolis).  Children should be required to participate in training.  Children MUST be required to participate in caring for the dog.  Some breeds are wholly inappropriate for a home with children.

I am writing this on behalf of dogs… not children.  Dogs have NO choice.