One of the original attributes that drew me to the Entlebucher was that they loved and were good with Children. During the twenty years we have had Entlebuchers we have introduced many children to the Breed both in our own family and with our puppy families. Based on that experience we would like to share some insights.
My grandchildren are the best help in the world when socializing my puppies. They are with my litters from the moment of their birth, to the day they leave with their new family. I tell people by the time the puppies have been held, hugged, kissed, dressed in doll clothes, been for wagon and bike rides, watched TV, jumped on the Trampoline, given baths, and shared treats and meals they are nearly ‘bullet proof’ and yet we have mixed with wonderful successes some dismal failures when they have shared their lives with a new family and children.
Although Entlebuchers love and are devoted to children, their shepherding instincts can make integrating children and an Entle puppy a difficult mix as they can become possessive and consider children to be ‘their own’ to herd and watch over. Also, as an exceptionally strong dog for their size they can easily overwhelm the ability of a child to physically control them. Thus, very careful consideration should be taken when considering adding an Entlebucher to a family with young children.
To successfully integrate a puppy into a busy household with children takes an experienced, vigilant, patient adult that loves both the child and puppy – and there will still be days of wondering ‘what on earth possessed you’ to think this was actually going to work!
Another ingredient for child/puppy success is the adult that spends the most time in the home and with the children and puppy needs to be totally commitment to ‘making it work’. One of our saddest failures was a sweet family (especially the Dad) that had wanted an Entlebucher for years. Finally they determined that the time was right, and took home their long awaited puppy. Shortly after getting the puppy the Dad’s workload increased substantially and his wife felt overwhelmed with the added responsibilities his additional hours placed on her in caring for home and children. While she ‘liked’ the puppy, he wasn’t ‘her dog’ and he spent more and more ‘lonely’ time in the backyard thus expressing his joy with wilder and wilder behavior when he was allowed to integrate with the family. At six months I got the call to please find him a new home – and he was SO SADLY returned.
When you make the decision to get an Entlebucher puppy keep in mind that you and your family are making a commitment that will last for fourteen plus years – that is only a couple of years less than raising a child until they graduate High School.