It is our usual policy not to adopt dogs from our rescue organization to a home with young children. We do this for the safety of the children in the home as many of the dogs that come into our rescue organization come from unknown or abusive pasts, making them unpredictable around youngsters. A dog can be a child's best friend, and the Boston Terrier breed is no exception. Properly socialized and trained, the Boston makes a safe, reliable and fun-loving companion. Nonetheless, a dog is an animal, and in some unfortunate circumstances dogs can and do bite. According to the Canada Safety Council, children under 10 years of age are the most common victims. As we value the safety of your child and of our rescued dogs, we feel this policy is in everyone's best interests.
In the rare instance that a dog comes with a positive history around children, we may make an exception, but your wait could be extensive as we never know when a dog that has lived with a young child may become available.
Whether or not they own one, parents need to ensure their children know how to behave around dogs. Even a friendly dog may bite if threatened, angry, afraid or hurt. Dogs protect things they care about, including their food, favourite toy or members of their human family. They can also protect spaces – their own and their owner's. Children need to understand that dogs are protective by nature, and to recognize situations that may frighten or anger a dog.
Kids and parents can visit http://www.dogsandkids.ca for more information about safety around dogs.
