I am not one that thinks no house with a toddler is acceptable as my son was toddler when we got our first Yorkie however I think it is of utmost importance that the child be taught a serious respect for animals.
When we brought our first Yorkie home he was NEVER ever allowed out and about around the children without adult supervision. The children we never allowed in the kitchen without adult supervision. No exceptions and all family members must be on board.
When the children went in to see him they were seated at all times and asked to leave if they could not obey the rule. They were never allowed to pick the puppy up outside of the puppy crawling onto their laps. If the puppy came out to see them he was harnessed and leashed for his safety. These rules continued almost until he was full grown and the children were well trained on how to respect a small dog. Even to this day my son is now 7 (almost 8) and he has NEVER picked up one of my Yorkies, he knows it is unacceptable and just wouldn't do it.
My suggestion is that if you can follow a very strict routine in teaching your son to respect a small dog and have everyone in the house 100% on board with your rules then it can be done. If not then maybe a small dog is not for your family at this time. Possibly a sturdier breed but even with that no matter what the breed size (for the dog's safety and your son's) he must be taught to respect the animal. |