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Originally Posted by tenor  im looking for help not judgement! |
I don't think it's a judgement, but rather a statement of fact. At 3 a child is just learning to have some impulse control. The way you pet a large animal is very, very different than the way you approach or pet a smaller one. That's why so many yorkie rescues, and many breeders, will not adopt to anyone with a child under the age of 5, and even more under the age of 10. It's not that the child will INTENTIONALLY try to hurt the dog, it's just that they don't have the ability to realize their own strength yet. And it takes next to nothing to seriously injure or kill one of these small babies.
One thing you did say though was that you thought your son was acting out due to jealousy. In that case, it's incumbent on you to make sure the dog is never left alone with your son while you are working this out. An X-pen or gated area is a must for your right now.
3 year old's don't share very well. So maybe you can turn this to your advantage by making this "his" dog- have him help with feeding, walking, etc.
And, as silly as it may seem to us as adults, you are going to need to reassure your son that he's still number 1 with you. Greet him first, cuddle with him first, etc.