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Originally Posted by Allimom27  Yes, I meant to say that not one breeder said that they weren't great with kids. In fact, all said the dogs were just like kids at heart and very playful. They even recommended them for families. Was I mislead??? |
I'm not sure you were deliberatly misled. But at nine months old, this Yorkie is more in line with a "rehome". That means what all the other posters have said you need weeks not days to determine if he will adjust into your home with children.
My Yorkie was not raised around children, has very few opportunities to meet young children, but he came from a loving breeder home well socialized, came into a multi dog and adult home, where he got to know huge dogs and ppl in his own time and way. His personality is super confident and friendly and inquisitive. Yet when we do on occassion meet children, I get the children to sit on the bench, or a floor, and then he is allowed if he wants to go up and say hi. I never force the issue. What I have done if we are at the beach or a play area, and this works for my big dogs as well as small ones; is to allow a child that is old enough 8ish or so, to throw the toy for the dogs. Child and dogs love this game; but know that each dog has been already trained to retreive and drop/give toy to the "thrower:.
What is quite "normal" for a small dog is to feel threatened by young childrens quick, fast, noisy movements. I do like the idea to allow the dog to sit while kids read to one another.
Your older children can come on walks with you and the dog, and be part of the obedience training for the dog. This way the kids become part of your dog's pack.
I wish you and your dog the best of luck together.