I have five children of my own and a nine year old step son on the weekends. My kids are 13,12,9, 7 and five and the youngest four are boys. Knowing that we are kind of a zoo is part of why my small dog choice was the fierce hearted yorkie
that said- I knew some preparation was in order. About a month before Lilah came I set up her ex pen with her two story dog house inside. The top story holds her food and water and the understory is her cave and bed of solace. Any bumping into the ex pen solicited immediate correction. Luckily, we had a month before there was a puppy in it to nip that one in the bud! Her food, her bed, was all protected from the outside world- she had her safe space. This also helped because I work and during potty training (she is an inside potty pad girl) it really kept boundaries clear and accidents to a minimum. Of course we didn't keep her locked in an ex pen the whole time (!) but it gave her a place to call her own and a safe space to chill if needed. We really had to work hard to train the kids how to be safe and respectful around Lilah and because she was treated well and kept safe she could relax and bond- she really loves our kids. We have used baby gates from the beginning and there will never be a time we do not because she is small and needs to be kept safe from a possible door crushing or 'squirrel' moment to her detriment. That also helped with her potty training. Let the kids give treats and pets, go on walks together so she associates them with good things, teach them how to play with her- gently but still so fun! Wiggling a toy and sharing a snack are great bonding moments. Create an environment where you aren't stressing so she doesn't pick up your vibe and stress too. When you are cooking and can't protect her and be right there to monitor your kids- put her in her ex pen with a chew toy or her dinner, let it be a place of comfort and security in a main room where she can still see all the action. I think small dogs can have great lives with kids and that it is an important piece of healthy socialization and development to be around kids but we are also responsible for emotional and physical safety of these little guys and must be diligent dog and human parents to keep everyone safe, happy and well adjusted. Good luck with your new pup and welcome to yorkie talk
