Poodles and children as a good mix because they are social dogs that make excellent family pets.

They can be your child's best at home friend and companion. Poodles normally have a pleasant disposition, if they're well bred, and provide entertainment and laughter for children of all ages.

Of course, just like people, not all poodles are typical. Some simply don't accept children. Some poodles may have a grumpy or nasty disposition due to poor breeding.

If you provide the poodle with good training and the benefits of proper socialization, you'll soon know how well they'll take to children.

Older dogs or those in poor health can be grumpy. Just like people, dogs that don't feel well, often don't socialize well either, whether they're poodles or other breeds.

The size of the poodle is extremely important, primarily for the dog's safety. While your child might be able to wrestle and rough house easily with a Standard or even Miniature Poodle, the Toy Poodle is far too delicate for that type of abuse and requires a more protective mode.

Even though there are exceptions, most of the time you'll find that poodles and children are a good mix. Of course, this still means you have to supervise the time when your child plays with the dog. It's the primary way to make the combination work. Adult supervision can prevent injury to both the child and the dog, keeping the relationship strong and healthy.

Your child's age is one of the variables for supervision required, but the social skills and age of the poodle also play an important role. If your child is a toddler or baby, you need to be present whenever the two are together.

Any child toddler age or younger should never be left alone with another child or animal. However, the older your child becomes and the more he understands the proper treatment of pets, the less supervision he requires.

Once the child reaches the age of seven to nine, depending on the maturity of the child, parents don't have to be constantly on vigil while the child plays with the poodle, but they should be close. This should never happen with a baby or toddler.

When your child plays with the poodle, the parent should not just watch but also provide continuous instruction for the treatment of the pet.

Children may have intuitive natures but they often don't extend to treating a pet nicely. That skill is learned and not instinctive. As a parent, you should be a role model for the child.

Teaching by example is always the best. Demonstrate petting with the hand open, while telling your child grabbing scares and hurts the poodle. Every time you pet or handle the poodle, explain the proper way and why it's important.

You'll want to make certain the lessons are short or you'll lose the child's attention. Don't expect the child to grasp the concept the first time. Most children require several repetitions and often forget in between.

This is one reason close supervision is necessary at first. After you have a chance to observe how poodles and children interact, you can take the necessary precautions and correct the child's actions if necessary.

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Article written by:

Edie MacKenzie