Children who grow up with pets are said to be more loving and responsible and they they learn to care for and take care of their pets. Their pets became their 'friend and playmate' whom they can talk and turn to. Is this the case? what are the challenges and learning experiences of taking care of children and dogs? Let's hear from my good friend, San on how she is able to make Isaac (her son) and Whisky (her big golden retreiver) live harmoniously together.
Me : Who came 1st? Whisky or Isaac?
San : Whisky
Me : Are there thoughts of sending Whisky away to make room for Isaac?
San : Definitely No. Whisky is also my baby. Will you send your baby away? The answer is clear
Me : How did you prepare Whisky to recieve Isaac?
San : I take things naturally. 1 step at a time. Take what come may. No preparations
Me : How did you train Whisky to love Isaac?
San : A Golden retriever is naturally mild , friendly and good with children. Thus, not much training required for Whisky. Nonetheless, we will bring Whisky to smell the baby Isaac when we 1st brought Isaac home from the hospital. I would consider this move as an introduction. Introducing Whisky to the latest member of the family
Me : How did you help the baby to love the dog?
San : We talk to Isaac about Whisky often. We will hold his hand and bring them to pat Whisky. This is some sort of 'playing' between them. However, we never leave them both alone, unattended
Me : What are the initial challenges of having a baby and a dog together at home?
San : Cleanliness, time and Money. The Golden Retriever shed and drools a lot and yet come an appropriate age, Isaac will need to learn how to crawl. We do not want to run the risk of having Isaac lick Whisky's saliva from the floor and thus we never allow Isaac crawled on the f loor. He learnt to crawl on the bed!
Me : How did you maximize your time taking care of the dog and the child?
San : I will bring Isaac and Whisky together for walks. This is the time when Whisky will do his big and small businesses. I will also get Isaac to help around Whisky eg : filling Whisky's feeding bowl. This not only save some time for me but also create a bonding between Isaac and Whisky.
Me : Were there ever any accidents that happened where the dog frightened or even bite Isaac?
Me : Who came 1st? Whisky or Isaac?
San : Whisky
Me : Are there thoughts of sending Whisky away to make room for Isaac?
San : Definitely No. Whisky is also my baby. Will you send your baby away? The answer is clear
Me : How did you prepare Whisky to recieve Isaac?
San : I take things naturally. 1 step at a time. Take what come may. No preparations
Me : How did you train Whisky to love Isaac?
San : A Golden retriever is naturally mild , friendly and good with children. Thus, not much training required for Whisky. Nonetheless, we will bring Whisky to smell the baby Isaac when we 1st brought Isaac home from the hospital. I would consider this move as an introduction. Introducing Whisky to the latest member of the family
Me : How did you help the baby to love the dog?
San : We talk to Isaac about Whisky often. We will hold his hand and bring them to pat Whisky. This is some sort of 'playing' between them. However, we never leave them both alone, unattended
Me : What are the initial challenges of having a baby and a dog together at home?
San : Cleanliness, time and Money. The Golden Retriever shed and drools a lot and yet come an appropriate age, Isaac will need to learn how to crawl. We do not want to run the risk of having Isaac lick Whisky's saliva from the floor and thus we never allow Isaac crawled on the f loor. He learnt to crawl on the bed!
Me : How did you maximize your time taking care of the dog and the child?
San : I will bring Isaac and Whisky together for walks. This is the time when Whisky will do his big and small businesses. I will also get Isaac to help around Whisky eg : filling Whisky's feeding bowl. This not only save some time for me but also create a bonding between Isaac and Whisky.
Me : Were there ever any accidents that happened where the dog frightened or even bite Isaac?
San : No. Whisky really loves Isaac
Me : Have Isaac ever ‘bullied’ the dog? If yes, what did he do?
San : Yes, he will try to pulll Whisky's tail and fur. Cheeky Isaac.
Me : How do you describe the relationship between both of them now?
San : They are not best pals but they live peacefully together. Aint' that how the world should be? Living peacefully together regardless of race, religion or language :)
Me : Do you plan to further develop the ‘friendship’ between them?
San : No solid plans to go about doing this. I would prefer it for them to develop their friendship at a natural pace comfortable for them both.
Me : Are there any considerations for the day when the dog will leave the family?
San : Only when and if Whisky bites Isaac.
Me : Some parents/experts mentioned that having a pet/dog at home helps the child in becoming a more responsible being who is more caring. Do you see this in Isaac?
San : Isaac's school teachers did mention that Isaac cares for his friends. This could possibly have been cultivated through his love and concern for Whisky! Thus, there could be some truth in this!
Me : What is your final advise to all parents who already have a dog and a baby on the way? Or parents who want to have a dog for the child’s company?
San : Do not ever give up their dog just because of the forthcoming of a baby (unless due to medical reasons eg : baby is allergic to fur). For parents who wanted to have dog for the kid, you need to think carefully as having a dog is just like having another baby. You will need to care for , spend time and needless to say spend monies for the dog. Eg : sending the dog for grooming, yearly vaccination, Vet clinic when sick. The dog will be with you for many many years to come. It will be irresponsible to simply give up a dog for reasons like no time to take care of the dog, tired etc. You must really really love a dog before you have decide to keep a dog. Having a dog for the sole reason to keep your child entertained or hoping the dog will teach your child basic human values is not sufficient reasons for you to keep a dog.
Me : Have Isaac ever ‘bullied’ the dog? If yes, what did he do?
San : Yes, he will try to pulll Whisky's tail and fur. Cheeky Isaac.
Me : How do you describe the relationship between both of them now?
San : They are not best pals but they live peacefully together. Aint' that how the world should be? Living peacefully together regardless of race, religion or language :)
Me : Do you plan to further develop the ‘friendship’ between them?
San : No solid plans to go about doing this. I would prefer it for them to develop their friendship at a natural pace comfortable for them both.
Me : Are there any considerations for the day when the dog will leave the family?
San : Only when and if Whisky bites Isaac.
Me : Some parents/experts mentioned that having a pet/dog at home helps the child in becoming a more responsible being who is more caring. Do you see this in Isaac?
San : Isaac's school teachers did mention that Isaac cares for his friends. This could possibly have been cultivated through his love and concern for Whisky! Thus, there could be some truth in this!
Me : What is your final advise to all parents who already have a dog and a baby on the way? Or parents who want to have a dog for the child’s company?
San : Do not ever give up their dog just because of the forthcoming of a baby (unless due to medical reasons eg : baby is allergic to fur). For parents who wanted to have dog for the kid, you need to think carefully as having a dog is just like having another baby. You will need to care for , spend time and needless to say spend monies for the dog. Eg : sending the dog for grooming, yearly vaccination, Vet clinic when sick. The dog will be with you for many many years to come. It will be irresponsible to simply give up a dog for reasons like no time to take care of the dog, tired etc. You must really really love a dog before you have decide to keep a dog. Having a dog for the sole reason to keep your child entertained or hoping the dog will teach your child basic human values is not sufficient reasons for you to keep a dog.
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