The Gordon Setter is known for its loyal nature and tremendous obedience. For this reason, the Gordon Setter is an ideal pet for families with children. The best way to acclimate your Gordon Setter to his or her new life with children is to include your children in the socialization process. Getting your new pet used to the presence (and noises) of children will make it less suspicious of strangers, which is in its nature. Because children can be clumsy and careless of where they sit or step, some pets may not be suitable due to their tendencies to strike back. But the Gordon Setter is gentle and watchful, therefore serving as a perfect companion to any small child.
Many dogs can be full of energy and zeal, which is lovable and cute but not always welcome when you have small children in your care. The precociousness that comes with owning a small dog isn't always an ideal situation for a home with small and curious children. The Gordon Setter however, if raised in the presence of children will develop a protective relationship and always seek to keep the children safe. Even if a child is teasing a Gordon Setter, it will more often than not walk away rather than show any aggression toward the child.
Children and the Gordon Setter breed tend to get along very well because the Setter thrives very much in the loving and attentive environment provided by children. Children love to hug and kiss their pets, and the Gordon Setter loves to be showered with love. Since the Gordon Setter is exceptionally patient, it does much better with children than more independent-minded dogs.
If you adopt your Gordon Setter at a young age, you will find that because it takes longer for it to mature (up to three years), it has more time to acclimate to the presence of children, and in effect tend to mature together. This relationship will continue to bloom, provided the children have been properly advised on how to treat your new Gordon Setter.
It is encouraged with some dogs that your children also learn phrases to discipline or train them, but this isn't the case with the Gordon Setter. This breed requires firm but gentle training in every aspect from crate training to obedience training. Getting your child involved in training, especially at a young age can delay success in training. For fun tasks like tricks or simple bathroom tasks, your child should certainly be involved, and of course socializing your dog.
Although the Gordon Setter is quite big in comparison to young children, young children have the stamina to turn playtime into exercise time. If you have a backyard big enough to run and play, the Gordon Setter and your child will enjoy endless hours running back and forth and playing fetch together. Since both tend to be great lovers of the outdoors, it's a match made in heaven!
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