First time pet owner with a 6 yr old kid-Yorkie a good choice? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ramaka · 06-25-2017, 08:10 AM

Hi All:
I am Avi from MA. My wife and I have a 6 year old daughter who is obsessed with dogs. We almost adopted a Lhasa Apso last year from a rescue center but did not proceed since my kid (out of the blue) did not want a dog. Then she said she did not want a dog since it licks her face

. So we let it be and now, she says she is ready for a dog and we have seen her around dogs in her friend circle and she is a lot better. The Rescue center director emailed me saying that they have a 6 year old Yorkie, who is super sweet, house trained and loves kids. We are going to visit the dog on Tuesday but wanted some input from experienced owners like yourselves, so that we make an educated decision that is good for the dog and us.
These are the questions I have:
1.) Every website that talks about breed temperament and characteristics says Yorkies are not good for houses with children. Should that sway us away from adopting a Yokie?
2.) Kiddo and wifey will be away for a month on vacation starting July 2nd, would it be OK (for the dog and kiddo) to go ahead with the adoption? I will be with him since I work from home. Would the 1 month break away from kiddo make the yorkie forget her and the dog's kid friendliness behavior? Sorry if this ? sounds silly, but being first time pet owners, we are new to all these.
3.) Again being first time pet owners, what should we expect and behavior that would raise red flags when we see and interact with him on Tuesday?
4.) What red flags to look for during his interaction with kiddo? What are the things my kiddo should NOT DO during the interaction as well?
We have read up on most of the books by Patricia McConnell, but realize that there is a huge difference in what we read in the books and real life, so hoping to learn from your experiences and any advises you may have to offer. Excited for the Tuesday visit.
Thanks for the read and look forward reading your valuable feedback.
-Avi.

Lovetodream88 · 06-25-2017, 08:35 AM

It's really depends on the dog. You probably should do a meet and great and see how he they do together. Two of mine love kids and the other is very leery of dogs. Does your daughter know how to treat dogs and everything? That would be a big question.

ramaka · 06-25-2017, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

It's really depends on the dog. You probably should do a meet and great and see how he they do together. Two of mine love kids and the other is very leery of dogs. Does your daughter know how to treat dogs and everything? That would be a big question.

Thanks for the reply. Kiddo knows the basic do's and don'ts that we have read up online. She is very gentle with dogs.

Rachael1983 · 06-25-2017, 12:05 PM

1.Hey There,

I actually got my first yorkie when my daughter was 6 years old but brought him home as a puppy. I think with children you should always monitor and see how it works out. I think your mindful enough to teach your daughter about the responsibility and the dos and donts for safety purposes. Know that ultimatly the responsibility of dog ownership is you and your wife of course so if your daughter says I'm bored you'll still have the dog to take care of.

Every website that talks about breed temperament and characteristics says Yorkies are not good for houses with children. Should that sway us away from adopting a Yokie? No this shouldn’t sway you.

2.) Kiddo and wifey will be away for a month on vacation starting July 2nd, would it be OK (for the dog and kiddo) to go ahead with the adoption? I will be with him since I work from home. Would the 1 month break away from kiddo make the yorkie forget her and the dog's kid friendliness behavior? Sorry if this ? sounds silly, but being first time pet owners, we are new to all these. You working from home is great. The dog won’t forget about the other family but there may be a bit of an adjustment when the ladies get back home.

3.) Again being first time pet owners, what should we expect and behavior that would raise red flags when we see and interact with him on Tuesday? I would pay attention to any nipping, how your daughter interacts if she’s rough or wants to pick it up like a baby. I think with any dog you should always monitor with young kiddos, no matter the breed.

4.) What red flags to look for during his interaction with kiddo? What are the things my kiddo should NOT DO during the interaction as well? See above. When she’s playing it may be helpful to have her on the floor sitting. Dogs love kids because they taste like food, don’t let your daughter feed table scraps.

Captainzing · 06-25-2017, 03:58 PM

Good luck

Lacy's Mom · 06-25-2017, 05:38 PM

All mine have liked children. They need to come to the child and may not like being picked up until they trust her. I think the warning is more for the protection of the dog since many are very small and a child dropping them or tripping over them can mean a broken leg or worse. None of mine have been snippy like poodles can be. I dont think the vacation will be a problem. Yorkie seem to bond to everyone in the family, but their favorites are those that feed them and walk them

ladyjane · 06-25-2017, 06:11 PM

First time pet owner with a child? My first inclination is to warn you like the websites have done.
I don't know why you want a yorkie but you need to dig deep and ask yourself that question. Yorkies are wonderful pups, but the websites are correct when they say they are not known to be great with children...does that mean it never works out? NO absolutely not...there are many wonderful homes with children and yorkies. Just don't discount what is said....
They are terriers and can get annoyed easily by children. This person is telling you this pup is good with children...I would ask how they know that....if based on a couple of exposures to children, be very careful. Issues often don't show up in pups for 2 - 3 weeks.
The other issue is that children, and sometimes their friends, want to pick pups up and love on them....not a good idea. Yorkies are fragile and they can end up with broken limbs...or dead from falls on their heads.......and again, some of them don't like being smothered.
I would advise you to think long and hard...which it seems like you already are ... good luck and if you do decide to adopt let us know and show us some photos!

ramaka · 06-26-2017, 02:33 AM

Thank you all. I am definitely going to ask about the dog's background when we visit him tomorrow. The MSPCA runs a kids summer camp and has kids around dogs that they feel/know are kid friendly and this dog happens to be one of them. Going there with an open mind!

matese · 06-26-2017, 04:24 AM

Keep in mind young children loose interest in things very fast. When she gets bored with this dog, it will become yours and your wife's dog, are YOU ready for a dog?

ramaka · 06-26-2017, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matese

Keep in mind young children loose interest in things very fast. When she gets bored with this dog, it will become yours and your wife's dog, are YOU ready for a dog?

Oh yes, we were on-board ONLY after my wife and I gave it a lot of thought and not just because kiddo said she wants one

....

Lovetodream88 · 06-26-2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matese

Keep in mind young children loose interest in things very fast. When she gets bored with this dog, it will become yours and your wife's dog, are YOU ready for a dog?

That is very true my rescue Penny had been a Christmas gift for a 12 year old and by April she didn't want the dog any more and neither did her mother. When I went to get her there wasn't even so much as a good bye.

ladyjane · 06-26-2017, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matese

Keep in mind young children loose interest in things very fast. When she gets bored with this dog, it will become yours and your wife's dog, are YOU ready for a dog?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

That is very true my rescue Penny had been a Christmas gift for a 12 year old and by April she didn't want the dog any more and neither did her mother. When I went to get her there wasn't even so much as a good bye.

Yep, happens SO often.

Along with a multitude of other reasons to not keep them. It is exactly why I asked her to rethink why she wants a yorkie.
Not only will the child possibly tire of the pup, the mom needs to know all about the little issues such as housebreaking and yapping that many people don't care for. It is so much more than a cute pup which is often the bane of the breed.

matese · 06-26-2017, 10:17 AM

My boy was gotten for an 8 yo girl whose parents were going through a divorce, the puppy was to take the child's mind off daddy not being there. The child doted upon the puppy, then mom remarried , had a baby, 2012 hit by hurricane Sandy, dog was in shelter for 16 days, comes out sick, mom with new baby and no finances the dog had to go. I got this baby at 2 1/2 yo. Do you have the finances to care for a puppy in an medical emergency?

ramaka · 06-26-2017, 10:24 AM

Hi:
Yes, we realize it is on our shoulders to take care of the dog completely and we are OK with it and have the finances. Quick ?, most of the replies here seems to stress on puppies...Is a 6 year old Yorkie considered a puppy still?

ladyjane · 06-26-2017, 11:48 AM

No, a six year old is considered an adult.

06-25-2017, 08:10 AM	#1
ramaka Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: MA Posts: 17	First time pet owner with a 6 yr old kid-Yorkie a good choice? Hi All: I am Avi from MA. My wife and I have a 6 year old daughter who is obsessed with dogs. We almost adopted a Lhasa Apso last year from a rescue center but did not proceed since my kid (out of the blue) did not want a dog. Then she said she did not want a dog since it licks her face . So we let it be and now, she says she is ready for a dog and we have seen her around dogs in her friend circle and she is a lot better. The Rescue center director emailed me saying that they have a 6 year old Yorkie, who is super sweet, house trained and loves kids. We are going to visit the dog on Tuesday but wanted some input from experienced owners like yourselves, so that we make an educated decision that is good for the dog and us. These are the questions I have: 1.) Every website that talks about breed temperament and characteristics says Yorkies are not good for houses with children. Should that sway us away from adopting a Yokie? 2.) Kiddo and wifey will be away for a month on vacation starting July 2nd, would it be OK (for the dog and kiddo) to go ahead with the adoption? I will be with him since I work from home. Would the 1 month break away from kiddo make the yorkie forget her and the dog's kid friendliness behavior? Sorry if this ? sounds silly, but being first time pet owners, we are new to all these. 3.) Again being first time pet owners, what should we expect and behavior that would raise red flags when we see and interact with him on Tuesday? 4.) What red flags to look for during his interaction with kiddo? What are the things my kiddo should NOT DO during the interaction as well? We have read up on most of the books by Patricia McConnell, but realize that there is a huge difference in what we read in the books and real life, so hoping to learn from your experiences and any advises you may have to offer. Excited for the Tuesday visit. Thanks for the read and look forward reading your valuable feedback. -Avi.

06-25-2017, 08:35 AM	#2
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	It's really depends on the dog. You probably should do a meet and great and see how he they do together. Two of mine love kids and the other is very leery of dogs. Does your daughter know how to treat dogs and everything? That would be a big question. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

06-25-2017, 12:05 PM	#4
Rachael1983 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Burbs of DC Posts: 2,198	1.Hey There, I actually got my first yorkie when my daughter was 6 years old but brought him home as a puppy. I think with children you should always monitor and see how it works out. I think your mindful enough to teach your daughter about the responsibility and the dos and donts for safety purposes. Know that ultimatly the responsibility of dog ownership is you and your wife of course so if your daughter says I'm bored you'll still have the dog to take care of. Every website that talks about breed temperament and characteristics says Yorkies are not good for houses with children. Should that sway us away from adopting a Yokie? No this shouldn’t sway you. 2.) Kiddo and wifey will be away for a month on vacation starting July 2nd, would it be OK (for the dog and kiddo) to go ahead with the adoption? I will be with him since I work from home. Would the 1 month break away from kiddo make the yorkie forget her and the dog's kid friendliness behavior? Sorry if this ? sounds silly, but being first time pet owners, we are new to all these. You working from home is great. The dog won’t forget about the other family but there may be a bit of an adjustment when the ladies get back home. 3.) Again being first time pet owners, what should we expect and behavior that would raise red flags when we see and interact with him on Tuesday? I would pay attention to any nipping, how your daughter interacts if she’s rough or wants to pick it up like a baby. I think with any dog you should always monitor with young kiddos, no matter the breed. 4.) What red flags to look for during his interaction with kiddo? What are the things my kiddo should NOT DO during the interaction as well? See above. When she’s playing it may be helpful to have her on the floor sitting. Dogs love kids because they taste like food, don’t let your daughter feed table scraps. __________________ Owned by Troy(RIP) & Emma

06-25-2017, 03:58 PM	#5
Captainzing YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Vandalia Il. Posts: 18,902	Good luck __________________ Dexter's dad

06-25-2017, 06:11 PM	#7
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	First time pet owner with a child? My first inclination is to warn you like the websites have done. I don't know why you want a yorkie but you need to dig deep and ask yourself that question. Yorkies are wonderful pups, but the websites are correct when they say they are not known to be great with children...does that mean it never works out? NO absolutely not...there are many wonderful homes with children and yorkies. Just don't discount what is said.... They are terriers and can get annoyed easily by children. This person is telling you this pup is good with children...I would ask how they know that....if based on a couple of exposures to children, be very careful. Issues often don't show up in pups for 2 - 3 weeks. The other issue is that children, and sometimes their friends, want to pick pups up and love on them....not a good idea. Yorkies are fragile and they can end up with broken limbs...or dead from falls on their heads.......and again, some of them don't like being smothered. I would advise you to think long and hard...which it seems like you already are ... good luck and if you do decide to adopt let us know and show us some photos! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

06-25-2017, 05:38 PM	#6
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	All mine have liked children. They need to come to the child and may not like being picked up until they trust her. I think the warning is more for the protection of the dog since many are very small and a child dropping them or tripping over them can mean a broken leg or worse. None of mine have been snippy like poodles can be. I dont think the vacation will be a problem. Yorkie seem to bond to everyone in the family, but their favorites are those that feed them and walk them

06-26-2017, 02:33 AM	#8
ramaka Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: MA Posts: 17	Thank you all. I am definitely going to ask about the dog's background when we visit him tomorrow. The MSPCA runs a kids summer camp and has kids around dogs that they feel/know are kid friendly and this dog happens to be one of them. Going there with an open mind!

06-26-2017, 04:24 AM	#9
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,952	Keep in mind young children loose interest in things very fast. When she gets bored with this dog, it will become yours and your wife's dog, are YOU ready for a dog? __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

06-26-2017, 10:17 AM	#13
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,952	My boy was gotten for an 8 yo girl whose parents were going through a divorce, the puppy was to take the child's mind off daddy not being there. The child doted upon the puppy, then mom remarried , had a baby, 2012 hit by hurricane Sandy, dog was in shelter for 16 days, comes out sick, mom with new baby and no finances the dog had to go. I got this baby at 2 1/2 yo. Do you have the finances to care for a puppy in an medical emergency? __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

06-26-2017, 10:24 AM	#14
ramaka Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: MA Posts: 17	Hi: Yes, we realize it is on our shoulders to take care of the dog completely and we are OK with it and have the finances. Quick ?, most of the replies here seems to stress on puppies...Is a 6 year old Yorkie considered a puppy still?

06-26-2017, 11:48 AM	#15
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	No, a six year old is considered an adult. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP