Are Drevers Good With Kids? | Family-Friendly Dog Guide

When considering adding a Drever to your family, a common question is whether this breed is good with children. Drevers are excellent with kids, known for their friendly and gentle nature. This breed’s calm and affectionate demeanor makes them a great companion for families with children of various ages. However, like all dogs, supervision and proper socialization are key to ensuring a safe and happy relationship between your Drever and your little ones.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Drever’s temperament with children, provide practical advice for families, and share training tips to foster a harmonious home environment.

Understanding the Drever’s Temperament With Children

Drevers are sturdy, small-sized scenthounds originally bred for hunting in Sweden. Despite their hunting background, they tend to be patient and tolerant with kids. Their moderate energy level means they enjoy playtime but are not overly hyperactive, which helps prevent overwhelming younger children.

They are affectionate with family members and generally gentle, making them well-suited for households with children. However, because they have a strong prey drive and some vocal tendencies, it’s important to teach them how to behave calmly around kids.

Practical Advice for Families With Kids

Supervise interactions especially with toddlers and very young children. Drevers have a sturdy build but can still be startled by rough handling.
Teach children respectful behavior such as gentle petting and avoiding sudden movements.
Socialize your Drever early and often with kids and different environments to build confidence and reduce any shyness or reactivity.
Be mindful of the dog’s vocal nature; Drevers may bark to alert or communicate, so training them to respond calmly around children helps maintain a peaceful home.

Training and Management Strategies

Start socialization early: Introduce your Drever to children of all ages in controlled settings to build positive associations.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward calm and gentle behavior around kids with treats and praise.
Set clear boundaries: Teach your Drever commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” to manage excitement and prevent jumping.
Educate children: Make sure kids understand how to interact safely and kindly with the dog.
Provide mental and physical exercise: A well-exercised Drever is less likely to act out or become overly vocal.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Toddler pulling ears or tail: Redirect child’s attention and gently teach them to be gentle.
Dog barking at kids playing loudly: Use training to desensitize the Drever to noise and reward calmness.
Overexcitement during play: Use short breaks to help the dog calm down.
Introducing a new baby: Gradually introduce new scents and sounds to prepare the Drever for changes.

Conclusion

Drevers make wonderful family pets thanks to their affectionate and patient nature. They are good with children when socialized properly and supervised during interactions, especially with toddlers. By teaching both your Drever and your kids respectful behavior and maintaining consistent training, you can enjoy a loving and safe relationship that benefits everyone in the family.

With the right approach, Drevers truly shine as family-friendly companions.