Help! Anyone with kids and a Yorkie puppy? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

YorkieFamily00 · 05-29-2008, 03:28 PM

We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents.

She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy.

Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

Marc · 05-29-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieFamily00

We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents.

She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy.

Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

My kids are exactly young...being 13, 12 and 10.....but I would say that if you are watching and teaching the kids how to handle the pup...it should be fine. Are your kids old enough that you can sit them down and talk to them about the small pup and how to handle him/her?

Bizzymammabee · 05-29-2008, 03:53 PM

I have 3 children (12, 9 and 4) and no problems...my Zoey fully grown now is 2lbs and 13ozs. I don't let them carry zoey. If they want to hold her they sit down on the floor and she can cuddle up on their laps. With any smaller dog (under 10lbs) you have to be careful...it's not impossible. Not only children hurt the dogs but an adult can accidentally hurt the dog. So it just boils down to watching where you step and teaching your children the right way to handle the dog.

Rae Rae · 05-29-2008, 04:13 PM

Wow, I would be kinda upset if a vet repeatly told me my dog wasn't a good fit for my family, I think theres better ways to say yorkies aren't always good to have when theres young children.

I think it will depend a lot on your kids and the yorkie though. How old are your children? Have they been around small dogs or animals before? They shouldn't all be allowed to run around together, and never be unsupervised, and I wouldn't let the children carry your puppy around either. Did your breeder meet your whole family and know about your children? I'm sure if you guys take necessary precautions with the puppy, you will be fine.

BubblPopElectrc · 05-29-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieFamily00

We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents.

She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy.

Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

If you don't mind me asking, what were the list of strict rules that your vet gave you?

yorkie69 · 05-29-2008, 04:18 PM

I have an 8 and a 5 year old and we got archie in december when he was 4 months old, we have had no problems at all, my 8 year old is very gentle with him, my 5 year old a little less but it's ok with supervision

Tillys_mom · 05-29-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieFamily00

We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents.

She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy.

Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

I have a 16 month old and he has grown up with Tilly. There never has been a problem, ever! It's not so much kids and pets mixed that's bad, it's when parents don't teach them and watch them.

Tilly and Chase are best buds!

LoveMyJake · 05-29-2008, 04:27 PM

My kids are grown, but I have two grandchildren (ages 3 and 5) who visit often. I have never had a problem, and my boys LOVE the kids!! Of course, we always supervise them and have taught the kids how to hold them. As long as there is adult supervision, they should be fine.

morningsting · 05-29-2008, 04:29 PM

My daughter is only thirteen months & we have a Yorkie puppy who's only nine weeks. She's obviously not old enough to understand that she can't play rough with the puppy, so we never let them play together. I keep him in his play yard when she's crawling/walking around & that works very well for us. I still have lots of time to spend with my puppy so that he does not feel like he is unloved though

My daughter grew up around a three year old Chihuahua, so she is used to having a little dog around, & she also knows that she is NOT allowed to poke or tease my Chi. She gets in BIG trouble if she does this, but now she knows better. I know that my daughter is still very young, but there are certain things that she can understand that are not ok for her to do. We only tell her "no" to things very rarely, because we do not want her to feel that she can't do anything, so she knows that when we say "no" to something, it's a really big deal & she shouldn't do it. With that being said, I'm kind of disappointed in your vet saying that they can't get along! You just have to be EXTRA careful with your kids & the puppy around each other. Never leave them alone together. Don't allow them to carry or pick up the puppy. When they walk around, make them shuffle their feet so they won't accidentally step on the puppy. Tell them to look before they sit down to make sure that they don't sit on the puppy. Or if you don't feel that your kids are old enough to do this, get a play yard or an exercise pen & put everything in there that your puppy needs - a puppy pad, food, water, toys, a bed, a blanket, etc. I do believe that it is possible for your puppy & your kids to get along, so don't give up!

Amy

yoyo27 · 05-29-2008, 04:47 PM

Most breeders will advise people with children that yorkies are fragile and not good to have around children. Its hard for childrend not to run and forget to watch for a small dog. One accident and the puppy could be seriously injured or dead. But that is with most parent no longer being strict and watching what there children do. Most rule the parents instead of the other way around. I have grandchildren and they come and stay with me at times. They know the rules and they get on the floor if they want to hold them or pet the dogs. There is no running or walking fast. One is 2yrs old and the other is 7yrs old. The little one is usually rough with dogs around her parents but she has never been bad around my dogs and never hurts them. I believe if you are a good parent and watch them you can raise both. But lots of bad things have happened and usually that is why they like to advise you before you buy one. I never let the puppy on the bed or sofa. Its easy for them to fall off just as you would a baby. But it can also happy by adults by accident. Those little puppies are so fast.

CobysMom · 05-29-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieFamily00

We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents.

She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy.

Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

My yorkie is 4 months old and I have a 3 year old and 11 year old. My oldest child understands how to be gentle and be loving. My 3 year of course sometimes doesn't realize that he can't do certain things with our yorkie but once I tell him he stops and he doesn't repeat that behavior. My yorkie is also standard. He weighs 7lbs now so he's a big guy and majority of the time he starts picking on my 3 year old because he loves for my son to chase him around the house. I think if you keep an eye on your smaller children and the yorkie then everything will be fine. I wouldn't keep them from playing with each other because you want them to have a good relationship as well so everyone can feel a part of the family. As you are training your dog, train your children the do's and don'ts and you'll be fine!

erino77 · 05-29-2008, 06:02 PM

Wow, kinds harsh IMO We have 2 furbutts and we also have 3 skin kids ages 9, 5 and 4...all boys. We have had Koda for a year and Kammie for 5 mos. The only accident we have had was Koda fracturing his growth plate (leg) when he was about 4 mos, BUT it had nothing to do with our children. If anything it was my fault for having him out of my reach and he jumped off our front porch which is only couch height and landed wrong.

As long as the children are taught respect with animals and the do's and don'ts from the get go it should be fine. We have 4 hunting beagles and a black lab who are outside and Ms. Kitty. Also have had 2 pygmy goats (Honey Girl & Otis). If children are introduced to animals the right way I think everything would be ok.

ScootieBootie · 05-29-2008, 06:45 PM

I have a six year old and a newly turned 4 year old. My children are given rules when it comes to the dogs, and the dogs are given rules when it comes to the kids. This is for everyone's safety.

What did the vet tell you to do (or not do) that would take the fun out of raising your puppy?

My rules are the following:
1. No chasing the dogs.
2. The dogs are never allowed to chase the kids.
3. The dog crates are OFF LIMITS to the kids.
4. Puppy "nipping" is never allowed.
5. The kids are involved in training and walking the dogs.
6. My youngest can only hold Scooter when I supervise and only when she is sitting.

Puppy teeth hurt. If kids chase dogs, they can fall on or step on a small dog causing severe injury or death. Allowing the dog to chase the kids causes confusion in the dog's pack status in reference with the kids.

Small children can pick up and squeeze a small dog, causing serious injury.

Play time needs to be supervised. There has been more than one instance of things like rubber bands being put around the dog's neck.

As a trainer and behaviorist, I offer Kids and Dogs Safety Classes to reduce the risk of bites and injuries.

YorkieFamily00 · 05-29-2008, 07:41 PM

My oldest is 6 and is honestly devastated and now scared to interact too much with the puppy. He was at the appointment, and she went over the rules about holding the puppy, not carrying him, not carrying his crate, etc. My son's attitude now is "what is the purpose in having a puppy if we can't ever get close to him?" And, I would say that is the impression the vet left. She also left the impression that I have made a horrible decision.

We just got the puppy, and I have always provided a one and only home for my pets. But, I have to say that I am afraid I've messed up by getting a Yorkie with very young and very active children. I need to be able to go to the bathroom or answer a telephone call or put on my make-up without fear that the dog is going to be hurt.

Wight Witch · 05-30-2008, 01:12 AM

Hiya!

I have found with my two grandchildren that they are already 'bored' with Tink and they only see her two or three times aweek.
Kids soon get bored with animals, whether it be a rabbit, hamster or dog.

As long as they are not left alone with the dog, incase of any 'rough and tumble' I am sure they will be fine.

We got our Pom when my two children were 5 and 7 and it worked well with her living until 151/2!

05-29-2008, 03:28 PM	#1
YorkieFamily00 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2008 Location: TX Posts: 2	Help! Anyone with kids and a Yorkie puppy? We just returned from our first vet's visit. We went to the vet recommended by the breeder. The vet was very cordial and complimentary about the puppy. BUT, she repeatedly told me that our puppy is not a good fit for our family. I have 3 young children, and she has seen 2 recent Yorkie horror stories, both fluke accidents. She said it 'could' work but gave me a list of strict rules for the kids to follow. IMO, it would be completely taking the fun out of raising a puppy. Anyone have a success story with young children in the home? I would rather find him a loving home now as a puppy than have something horrible happen. I'm sick to my stomach.

05-29-2008, 03:53 PM	#3
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	I have 3 children (12, 9 and 4) and no problems...my Zoey fully grown now is 2lbs and 13ozs. I don't let them carry zoey. If they want to hold her they sit down on the floor and she can cuddle up on their laps. With any smaller dog (under 10lbs) you have to be careful...it's not impossible. Not only children hurt the dogs but an adult can accidentally hurt the dog. So it just boils down to watching where you step and teaching your children the right way to handle the dog. __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

05-29-2008, 04:13 PM	#4
Rae Rae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,823	Wow, I would be kinda upset if a vet repeatly told me my dog wasn't a good fit for my family, I think theres better ways to say yorkies aren't always good to have when theres young children. I think it will depend a lot on your kids and the yorkie though. How old are your children? Have they been around small dogs or animals before? They shouldn't all be allowed to run around together, and never be unsupervised, and I wouldn't let the children carry your puppy around either. Did your breeder meet your whole family and know about your children? I'm sure if you guys take necessary precautions with the puppy, you will be fine. __________________ Owned by Rocky and Bella

05-29-2008, 04:18 PM	#6
yorkie69 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: east coast Posts: 125	I have an 8 and a 5 year old and we got archie in december when he was 4 months old, we have had no problems at all, my 8 year old is very gentle with him, my 5 year old a little less but it's ok with supervision __________________ Busy Mommy to our sweet, crazy Archie Proud member of the Little Gentlemen's Club

05-29-2008, 04:27 PM	#8
LoveMyJake I love Jackson too! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,905	My kids are grown, but I have two grandchildren (ages 3 and 5) who visit often. I have never had a problem, and my boys LOVE the kids!! Of course, we always supervise them and have taught the kids how to hold them. As long as there is adult supervision, they should be fine. __________________ Selina, mommy to Jake and Jackson. RIP baby Lily Coming soon: Gracie

05-29-2008, 04:29 PM	#9
morningsting YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hawaii Posts: 663	My daughter is only thirteen months & we have a Yorkie puppy who's only nine weeks. She's obviously not old enough to understand that she can't play rough with the puppy, so we never let them play together. I keep him in his play yard when she's crawling/walking around & that works very well for us. I still have lots of time to spend with my puppy so that he does not feel like he is unloved though My daughter grew up around a three year old Chihuahua, so she is used to having a little dog around, & she also knows that she is NOT allowed to poke or tease my Chi. She gets in BIG trouble if she does this, but now she knows better. I know that my daughter is still very young, but there are certain things that she can understand that are not ok for her to do. We only tell her "no" to things very rarely, because we do not want her to feel that she can't do anything, so she knows that when we say "no" to something, it's a really big deal & she shouldn't do it. With that being said, I'm kind of disappointed in your vet saying that they can't get along! You just have to be EXTRA careful with your kids & the puppy around each other. Never leave them alone together. Don't allow them to carry or pick up the puppy. When they walk around, make them shuffle their feet so they won't accidentally step on the puppy. Tell them to look before they sit down to make sure that they don't sit on the puppy. Or if you don't feel that your kids are old enough to do this, get a play yard or an exercise pen & put everything in there that your puppy needs - a puppy pad, food, water, toys, a bed, a blanket, etc. I do believe that it is possible for your puppy & your kids to get along, so don't give up! Amy __________________ dogster.com/dogs/781890 - Bear's Dogster dogster.com/dogs/369570 - Daisy's Dogster

05-29-2008, 04:47 PM	#10
yoyo27 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,741	Most breeders will advise people with children that yorkies are fragile and not good to have around children. Its hard for childrend not to run and forget to watch for a small dog. One accident and the puppy could be seriously injured or dead. But that is with most parent no longer being strict and watching what there children do. Most rule the parents instead of the other way around. I have grandchildren and they come and stay with me at times. They know the rules and they get on the floor if they want to hold them or pet the dogs. There is no running or walking fast. One is 2yrs old and the other is 7yrs old. The little one is usually rough with dogs around her parents but she has never been bad around my dogs and never hurts them. I believe if you are a good parent and watch them you can raise both. But lots of bad things have happened and usually that is why they like to advise you before you buy one. I never let the puppy on the bed or sofa. Its easy for them to fall off just as you would a baby. But it can also happy by adults by accident. Those little puppies are so fast. __________________ " Santa's on his Way! From: Cali, Cinnamon, and Zoie.

05-29-2008, 06:02 PM	#12
erino77 Currently Suspended! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,503	Wow, kinds harsh IMO We have 2 furbutts and we also have 3 skin kids ages 9, 5 and 4...all boys. We have had Koda for a year and Kammie for 5 mos. The only accident we have had was Koda fracturing his growth plate (leg) when he was about 4 mos, BUT it had nothing to do with our children. If anything it was my fault for having him out of my reach and he jumped off our front porch which is only couch height and landed wrong. As long as the children are taught respect with animals and the do's and don'ts from the get go it should be fine. We have 4 hunting beagles and a black lab who are outside and Ms. Kitty. Also have had 2 pygmy goats (Honey Girl & Otis). If children are introduced to animals the right way I think everything would be ok.

05-29-2008, 06:45 PM	#13
ScootieBootie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: NC Posts: 285	I have a six year old and a newly turned 4 year old. My children are given rules when it comes to the dogs, and the dogs are given rules when it comes to the kids. This is for everyone's safety. What did the vet tell you to do (or not do) that would take the fun out of raising your puppy? My rules are the following: 1. No chasing the dogs. 2. The dogs are never allowed to chase the kids. 3. The dog crates are OFF LIMITS to the kids. 4. Puppy "nipping" is never allowed. 5. The kids are involved in training and walking the dogs. 6. My youngest can only hold Scooter when I supervise and only when she is sitting. Puppy teeth hurt. If kids chase dogs, they can fall on or step on a small dog causing severe injury or death. Allowing the dog to chase the kids causes confusion in the dog's pack status in reference with the kids. Small children can pick up and squeeze a small dog, causing serious injury. Play time needs to be supervised. There has been more than one instance of things like rubber bands being put around the dog's neck. As a trainer and behaviorist, I offer Kids and Dogs Safety Classes to reduce the risk of bites and injuries.

05-29-2008, 07:41 PM	#14
YorkieFamily00 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2008 Location: TX Posts: 2	My oldest is 6 and is honestly devastated and now scared to interact too much with the puppy. He was at the appointment, and she went over the rules about holding the puppy, not carrying him, not carrying his crate, etc. My son's attitude now is "what is the purpose in having a puppy if we can't ever get close to him?" And, I would say that is the impression the vet left. She also left the impression that I have made a horrible decision. We just got the puppy, and I have always provided a one and only home for my pets. But, I have to say that I am afraid I've messed up by getting a Yorkie with very young and very active children. I need to be able to go to the bathroom or answer a telephone call or put on my make-up without fear that the dog is going to be hurt.

05-30-2008, 01:12 AM	#15
Wight Witch YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Isle of Wight UK Posts: 335	Hiya! I have found with my two grandchildren that they are already 'bored' with Tink and they only see her two or three times aweek. Kids soon get bored with animals, whether it be a rabbit, hamster or dog. As long as they are not left alone with the dog, incase of any 'rough and tumble' I am sure they will be fine. We got our Pom when my two children were 5 and 7 and it worked well with her living until 151/2! __________________ Lesley. Proud Mummy To Tink (Tinkerbell) Last edited by Wight Witch; 05-30-2008 at 01:13 AM.