I have 5 dogs, 2 of which are yorkies and 5 children, 2yrs 10months, 5, 11, 16 and 18. I have always had animals with our children and I ensure that they respect the animals and treat them properly. Obviously I don't have to worry about my 3 older children at this point but the 2 yonger ones are not allowed to handle my yorkies at all unless I'm right there holding one of the girls. I do not even allow my youngest to walk around the room when they are running about because it is so easy for an accident to happen. I knew this is the way I would deal with it from the get go and it works out very well. It isn't always going to be so restricted because my youngest child will get older and the dynamics will change. (my 2 yorkies are on the smaller side btw). I think it is totally do-able if your prepared and teach your children how to treat animals correctly. My kids have our 2 labs to rough house with and they love every minute of it, at no time are they rought with each other though. |