Staff at South Lincs dog rescue centre say: ‘Can you give Casper a home?’
A dog needing a new home and some advice for owners with children are discussed in this week’s Man’s Best Friend column by staff at Jerry Green Dog Rescue...
My name is Casper, a handsome, rather stunning Husky I’d say. I’m a typical young dog. I love to play with toys, so I need access to a secure garden with a six foot fence.
I can be strong on the lead but I am working really hard on learning some loose lead walking. I am very clever and a real foodie so training me is very fun.
I hope to find a family that will continue my training in the home. It would be a bonus if my new family had experience with Huskies or similar breeds, but this is not essential as my friends at the centre can tell you all about my quirky personality.
At the moment I need to live as an only dog, however, I would benefit from socialising with other dogs. I do have some doggy friends at the centre that I walk with from time to time.
I have a high prey drive and I like to chase things. I also need to live in an adult-only home with no young visiting children. If you think I am the friendly ghost for you, then please email my friends at South Lincolnshire on slincs@jerrygreendogs.org.uk or call them on 01205 260546.
Children and dogs
If you are thinking of rehoming a Jerry Green Dog, bringing a dog into a family with children can be a
fantastic experience. We have some advice to ensure that both your dog and your
children can get the best out of the relationship.
Do’s
Always be actively supervising your dog and children’s interactions. If you cannot ensure this, use strategies such as encouraging either one of them to follow you, and then restrict access from the other. Stairgates are great for this.
Be available to your children if they ask for help around a dog and encourage your children to check before interacting with your dog.
Ensure your dog always has access to a safe haven. Your children should be taught not to interact with your dog when they are in this area.
Provide your child with constructive activities they can do with your dog, with you guiding and instructing.
Remind your dog what you want them to do - sit to greet children, or laying down on their bed when the children are playing. Reward what you like too.
Invite your dog over to interact, but respect their decision to maintain distance if they want to, or even move away from you. Remind your children the same rule.
Teach your children how to stroke gently on the dog’s shoulder and down their side, and ensure your dog has space to eat in peace.
Provide your dog with his toys, and ensure your child understands these are for your dog to play with and that their toys are for them to play with.
Don’ts
Don’t allow your children to pull, prod, pole, or climb over your dog, chase them or invade their space.
Don’t force your dog to be involved with the children, and don’t let your older children be solely responsible for your dog at home, or out on walks. An adult should always be responsible.
Remember
Any sudden change in behaviour may well have a medical cause - if in doubt, keep your dog
and child separate and seek veterinary advice ASAP.
If you’re concerned about the relationship between your dog and child, please keep them
separate, and seek support from the centre trainer at Jerry Green Dog Rescue.