Ed”
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“It has been a long time since I emailed you with an update on Thunder & Storm.

At 8 months old Storm has caught up to Thunder (19 months old) in weight.  They are both 90 pounds. Thunder is a little taller, but slender. I expect he will fill out another 10 pounds or so. Storm however, is still a puppy & is still growing in height. I expect her to finish up around 110 pounds.

We go to the park & sometimes we meet small children with their parents.  Thunder & Storm are both very good with the kids, but I shorten their leashes, mostly because the parents get pretty nervous looking with 2 90 pound dogs approaching their 20 pound kids.

Well, the other night I got a real eye opener when my neighbor brought over his grandchildren, a four year old & 2 two year olds. My dogs had never met small children without being on a lease (the dogs, not the children), let alone on their own territory. I had just given Thunder & Storm each a rawhide bone to keep them occupied just before they came over. Normally the dogs are quite protective of their bones so I was a bit nervous with 3 toddlers in the house.

Much to my surprise Thunder abandoned his bone (that just never happens) & was completely enthralled with these little people. He played with them and followed them around the room as they scampered about. They patted him, rather roughly as small children do, and pulled on his hair, ears & tail. He just kept coming back for more, gently touching them with his nose - always with his mouth closed. The kids scooped up the dog toys and even his bone and tormented him with a game of keep away. He gently would try to take back his possessions, but never made a quick or aggressive move when the kids held his stuff up as high as they could. Now Thunder could easily have jumped & taken his toys from these little kids, but never tried.

Storm on the other hand kept herself busy chewing on her bone. Despite our warning to the kids to stay away from her while she was eating, we just weren't quick enough to keep them away. While Storm protected her bone, by covering it with her paws, the kids patted her. There wasn't so much as a growl, show of teeth or snap from her. When she was done with her bone she joined the fun with Thunder and the kids. She too was very gentle with them.

We went outside to sit on the deck when the little 2 year old guy did what 2 year olds do. He pooped his pants. That was just a bit too much for Storm.  She followed him around the yard, poking him in the bum with her nose. The faster he ran from her pokes the faster she chased him. He was acting just like prey, waving his arms in the air & squealing, and we worried that might trigger the chase & capture instinct in Storm. We watched very closely, ever ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of aggression. But our concern was wasted. She could have easily knocked him down and hurt him, but all she did was follow him around poking him in the bum with her nose.

I have been around dogs all of my life and I have personally had 6 of my own. I have always raised my dogs with a gentle hand, positive reinforcement and with one exception have never had a problem with aggression towards people. I was so pleased and proud of the incredible gentleness Thunder & Storm showed during our evening with 3 toddlers.

NAID's are unquestionably a large breed of dog and some people may be reluctant about bringing them into a home with small children, but if my experience is any indication and if you raise them with a gentle hand and teach them appropriate behavior, I'm convinced you could never find a better dog. They are affectionate, protective and incredibly gentle, even with prey sized children. This breed is truly special. Thanks again Karen, you have been wonderful to deal with and your dogs are second to none. Keep up the great work.

Bye for now & thanks again.

PS: I check your site every now to see the new pups. I just wish I could buy another one. They are all so cute.

Ed”