[Britster]

I want to add, that if Emma were to do something to Jackson, and he bit her, Jackson would never be reprimanded. My mom and stepdad have both explained to her that if she gets bitten because she's bothering the dog, she deserves it, lol. Luckily, Jackson is a very tolerant and socialized dog and I don't think I'd ever let it get to the point where he felt the need to defend himself anyways. I'm always with the two of them.

They have a very good relationship though because, like I said, she's not MY kid, though we live together, and I always supervise. She often will hold his bully sticks for him when he would chew, she runs around the house and throws toys with him and he chases her, etc. Then again, she can be rough without even realizing it. If we are laying in bed and she kicks her feet the wrong way, it can injure him, if she falls down by accident and lands on him, she can hurt him. So it's a matter of watching all the time and teaching. We've tried to teach her how to be very gentle around the doggy and no fast movements, etc. It was a total learning process and it's still not 100% perfect, but we're learning. I wouldn't really volunteer to get a puppy AND have a young child of my own.

I think Emma AND Jackson both are better for it. Jackson knows how to handle most children, and be around them, and Emma now understands for the most part how to safely handle doggies. I think she will look back and have very fond memories of growing up with a puppy.

I do agree that a different breed would a better answer. We got a Golden Retriever when I turned 4 and she was an amazing dog with kids and in fact, highly enjoyed them. They are so much less fragile. If you are looking to remain small, but a bit more sturdy, I'd look into the Havanese, or even a Border Terrier.

Know also that I wouldn't consider Yorkies, or most terriers, to be "family dogs". They tend to gravitate towards ONE human and prefer to spend most of their time with them. As much as Jackson loves my young siblings, my parents, my family and friends, he's definitely all MY dog. Whereas our Golden would have went with anyone, you know?

So, really, I think child should be socialized around dogs more, pick a different breed, and have extensive training and socialization for the dog as well.