Living with Kids and Dogs -- Nominated for Award

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

PR Web Newswire

The only book that addresses the challenges parents face living with kids and dogs from birth through the teen years has been nominated for the Humane Society of the United States Compassionate Caring Award.

Woodbridge, VA -- A new book by dog trainer and mother of three, Colleen Pelar, addresses the issues that parents face managing the day-to-day interactions of their kids and family dogs. Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind (C&R Publishing, 2005) has been nominated for the Humane Society of the United States Compassionate Caring Award.

Pelar says she was inspired to write the book because few dog training books address the special challenges of integrating a dog into a family with children. “Children and dogs can be wonderful friends, but the potential for problems is huge.”

Every year, nearly 2.8 million children are bitten by a dog. In most cases the biting dog belongs either to the child’s own family or that of a close friend or relative. “When parents know how to supervise and when to intervene, the bite statistics will improve. Too many children are bitten because parents don’t know the warning signs.”

Pelar dispenses advice for every stage of childhood, from introducing your infant to the family dog all the way to pointers for teens driving canine passengers. In addition, Pelar gives guidance on what to look for in a family dog, tips for avoiding dog bites, and recommendations how to handle your pet’s death.

Pelar says, “Good kids and good dogs will have miscommunications every day. I want to make it easier for parents to help their child develop a happy, healthy relationship with the family dog.” Living with Kids and Dogs provides busy parents with simple, realistic advice to help ensure that the relationship between their kids and their dog is safe and enjoyable for all. The September 15, 2005, issue of Library Journal calls this book “a good addition to collections on parenting or pets in any public library,” and Midwest Book Reviews says it is a "must-have" for any parent considering a canine addition to the family.”

Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent's Guide to Controlling the Chaos