With children

Most Dalmatians are good with children. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure the dog and the children have a good relationship, and while a child can help to look after a dog, parents should be the main carer and are responsible for their welfare.

We encourage

* Parents to have reasonable expectations. * Parents to exercise the dog. * Parents to spend an appropriate amount of time with the dog. * Parents to teach the children how to behave around dogs. * Parents to take the dog to training classes.

Please do NOT

*Let your children run up to, or touch strange dogs. * Allow any child to tease your dog physically or verbally. * Let a small child pick up or carry a puppy. *Expect the dog to absorb the endless punishment of constant noise or teasing. *Leave children and dogs together unattended. * Do not expect the dog to be patient with your child unless you have taught him to be. *Not expose an innocent passer-by to your dog.

Some good ideas

* Get a fence before you get a dog. * Ensure all children who come to play abide by the same rules as your children. * Teach the dog to sit before giving food or a treat, and to wait for an okay to take it. * Guide your children in the care of your dog. * Give the dog attention when the child is also receiving attention so the dog makes a better association with the child. * Recognise that a dog in your family is almost like having another child. *Treat your dog with respect and as a member of your family.