Why are so many people here against yorkies in homes with children?

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by HeathenFaerie

Most recently a lady asking for help with her stepson roughly handling her yorkie and several people seem to think a Yorkie should never be placed in a home with children.

But I have seen it in other threads in the few months I have been here. I usually just ignore it and in the most recent thread even kind of understand their argument but some of them seem to think it is an all or nothing situation.

I think there are situations where children and very small yorkies don't belong together. Many of us have seen the results of mixing very young children and yorkies on YT. There have been some very sad accidents, which resulted in the death of the yorkies. Just a few I can remember involved children running through the house and stepping on a yorkie; a toddler falling on a yorkie in the yard; and a young girl falling into a baby gate smashing the yorkie on the other side.

[gracielove]

If your children are well behaved obedient kids and you are able to supervise them all the time i guess it would not be a problem. However, many families these days are on the go all the time. The kids can be left on their own quite a bit and a little dog left on it's own with children that are not well behaved can be a disaster. Little dogs can get into dangerous situations all by themselves. Young children that are not well behaved and not being observed can and do hurt puppies of all sizes

A breeder should be looking for good homes for their puppies but trying to figure out what kind of parenting skills these people have would be a no go for most breeders. I guess I can understand why they would not want to take a chance and let a small puppy go to a home with small children.

[HeathenFaerie]

Originally Posted by chachi

Do you mean the one where the child is swinging a tiny yorkie around like an airplane repeatedly? Do I really need to say more

But that is A child as in one single child. I have seen more than one person say a Yorkie should never be in the home with children ever even some saying a responsible breeder would not place a yorkie in a home with a child/children.

I can see why a breeder would choose not to place a small dog but to insinuate one would need to be irresponsible to do so just seems both rude and wrong.

[HeathenFaerie]

Originally Posted by HeathenFaerie

But that is A child as in one single child. I have seen more than one person say a Yorkie should never be in the home with children ever even some saying a responsible breeder would not place a yorkie in a home with a child/children.

I can see why a breeder would choose not to place a small dog but to insinuate one would need to be irresponsible to do so just seems both rude and wrong.

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

I read that thread. The posters are more alarmed about the fact that a 1lb dog is placed into a home with a child that is unruly. I don't think you should feel insulted when the posters are responding with respect to the welfare of that particular dog.

I was not feeling insulted just commenting on the fact that more than one person and more than one thread I have seen people say Yorkies should never be in a home with children. I even said I see peoples point in that particular thread . I just think saying a yorkies and kids should never mix is wrong. That is my opinion . I am not upset or insulted just curious about peoples thoughts on the matter.

[HeathenFaerie]

Originally Posted by Danirenae

I agree with you.

I have a toddler and 2 small dogs. Since day one he was raised with and around small dogs. There must be rules and boundaries. Even then accidents happen......accidents with adults too! We try our best to avoid them with the rules in place. Plus, my Bella is constantly supervised. I stay at home with my son and two dogs. She follows me everywhere so I can see her.

I agree that everyone here on YT is just looking out for the best interest of the dogs. We are their voice. We have to speak for them in order to educate others. They are in no way trying to bash yorkies with children. They are just looking out for the safety of the dogs.

wow, didnt mean to write a book. lol

Hey books are great! I can see your point. I have a seven pound yorkie. I might add a female eventually maybe even a tiny wee one but probably not until my girls are both closer to around ten or so. Just because of what you say above. It is always good to be careful.

[KazzyK810]

So....

If I present as a nice responsible young person, I get a yorkie, even if I start having babies one after the other starting next year.

If I present as a single middle-aged person looking for a yorkie for companionship, I get a yorkie, even if my boyfriend & his young kids move in next month.

If I present as a nice empty-nest retired couple, I get a yorkie, even if my son & his kids move back home while their having their new house built.

But If I'm a responsible mother of young children who would love to have a yorkie and can give it a great home, I shouldn't have one because YOU don't think I should.

Do I need to tell you what I think, of what you think???

[HeathenFaerie]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

You would think something like that would be common sense, however sense really isn't all that common. I could tell you stories about injuries to infants that occurred at the hands (or feet) of their toddler/preschool aged sibling while mom turned her back "for just a minute"...

From my perspective, I've never, ever met a parent who said " oh yeah, we knew she was going to hurt the baby/puppy but we left them alone any way..." They all claim that there children are better behaved/trained than the average kid. It's only after the injury or death that they realize they were extremely lucky it hadn't occurred earlier because kids are, well, kids.

As a general rule (and a personal bias) I believe that people who frequent boards like this are MORE likey than the general pet owner to do a better job of both educating their children and watching their pups. That's because they have put the effort in to learning about the vulnerabilities of their pets as well as being warned by the tales of those who haven't been as lucky before they are put in the situation. Again, that unfortunately is not the average pet owner in this country; far too many come looking for answers only after something has happened.

I would not leave a Yorkie or an Infant alone with a toddler. I watch my children and my yorkie. Generally the dog is in my lap or under my feet.

However I don't think a child needs to be "better behaved than average" they just need to be old enough to listen to and follow simple directions. I never leave my children or my Yorkie unattended to me that is just common sense.

[Teresa Ford]

Why do Some of us think Yorkies do better in a home without young kids ?
I think many good breeders are reluctant or simply will not, place a small toy dog in a home that has or will have young children. I know nothing is an absolute when placing a puppy. People get married, divorced, lose jobs, change homes and die. IMO when people have children, they have extremely busy lives. Children can and should take precedence over anything else.
If we could choose a forever home for a puppy, it is ok, to look for the most perfect home for that puppy we can find. Breeders have an obligation to put the puppies needs first.
A mature couple, or Single person that has a lot of free time is usually preferred. Some breeders think the ideal life for a Yorkie begins with a stay at home mom or dad. A home where they will be loved, safe, have the best food, training and spend most days being the perfect, pampered companion. Breeders should be concerned about potential adoption applicants, financial ability to provide excellent Vet care, and a stable home and life style. Ideally a good breeder would not place a puppy in a home where the puppy is not in the top priority position.
There are many other dog breeds that thrive in a busy active environment. They even like the basketball thumping, bike riding, door slamming , splashing in the pool, and the 1/2 eaten hot dog on the desk. They are robust and can survive being accidently stepped on, tripped over and eating the plate of pizza left on the counter.
I don't know if this answered your question, but I have heard all these reasons from breeders and Yorkie owners.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Yorkies are too small and fragile and young children too uncoordinated and lacking judgment so that I would never trust the two together without watching them like a hawk as a little child cannot be expected to be 100% safe around a very small dog and a Yorkie can be defensive if injured. Only one small accident such as a dropped dog or pulled dog hair and either the dog or the child could be hurt, not to mention all of the other possibilities for mishap. It is best to not even try it just to be on the safe side.

[concretegurl]

Our miniature schnauzer is a lil beast...she LOVES playing baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball & tennis with the kids...hmmmmm or she just loves stealing the balls.

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by HeathenFaerie

I would not leave a Yorkie or an Infant alone with a toddler. I watch my children and my yorkie. Generally the dog is in my lap or under my feet.

However I don't think a child needs to be "better behaved than average" they just need to be old enough to listen to and follow simple directions. I never leave my children or my Yorkie unattended to me that is just common sense.

And what age would that be? At what point can you reliably say that the child is going to remember and follow those directions (and not give in to impulses or run into a situation that you havent given them a specific instruction about) if you were to have to step out of the room to answer the phone, use the restroom or deal with a pot boiling over? What if one of the children falls and injures themselves? Are you saying that you would stop and put the dog up before you dealt with a hurt child?

I'm only being slightly facetious here. The point is, real life happens. No matter how much we all say that we keep a constant eye on our kids and our dogs, real life happens and we occasionally get distracted. And in those momentary distractions things can happen.

I don't fault breeders who won't sell to families with small children, after all, it's their responsibility to place the pup in the home that they feel is the the best one for the dog. We might not like it. We might feel insulted that they don't think we are "good enough". But ultimately it's not only responsibility, but their prerogative.

[Yor-Key 2 Luv]

I had a tiny Yorkie when my kids were very young and no problems! Caution is necessary with small children and they need to be taught to be kind and respect animals. Unfortunately children will be children so you have to be diligent and keep and eye on them constantly. I have grand kids over a lot and make them sit down to play with my little one's! No running, sit, no picking up. They are not allowed in the room with my little ones unless I am there to supervise them at all times. They love the dogs and the dogs love them. They know the rules when it comes to the babies! My grand kids are constantly running opening the doors to the house and not closing them so this for sure it the only way I feel comfortable and it keep the babies out of harms way! The first thing I do when any company and especially the children come over is the put the babies in the master suite side of the house! They love it and have plenty of room to play and be safe.

[IsabelleOllie]

My parents had 2 yorkies before they had any children. I loved growing up with them and I know that's why yorkies are my favorite breed. My parents just taught us how to treat our dogs - not that hard to do if you actually put forth the effort to BE A PARENT.

Belle is 5 lbs, my youngest son is 7 years old, he was only 6 when she came home. I have had no problems with teaching my children how to behave around a small dog. My son was only 5 yrs old when Oliver came home as a ten week old 2 lb puppy - no problems there either.... but again.... I've put effort into parenting.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

So....

If I present as a nice responsible young person, I get a yorkie, even if I start having babies one after the other starting next year.

If I present as a single middle-aged person looking for a yorkie for companionship, I get a yorkie, even if my boyfriend & his young kids move in next month.

If I present as a nice empty-nest retired couple, I get a yorkie, even if my son & his kids move back home while their having their new house built.

But If I'm a responsible mother of young children who would love to have a yorkie and can give it a great home, I shouldn't have one because YOU don't think I should.

Do I need to tell you what I think, of what you think???

Im sorry if it offends you but I believe it is at the breeders discretion what is the best household for there pup to go to. There are plenty of other lmedium sized or larger sized breeds of dogs besides tiny yorkies that people can choose to adopt. It is no ones right or entitlement to adopt a small breed dog. It is up to the breeders discretion and good breeders are going to make sure that there pup goes into the best possible situation

[hugz4all4]

Originally Posted by tinalove

We grew up with dogs. I can understand anyone's concern about handling a small animal but I feel children should be taught to handle and respect any size pet. They also need to be taught that sometimes a pet needs rest and space. A family pet will not feel like being held all the time. I think a young child should be watched while handling a pet but it is the same with their holding a younger brother or sister. You wouldn't leave a 2 or 3 year child alone with an infant. We can't watch children every minute but I think some adults should do better watching and training their children. I taught my children that our pets had feelings and to handle them with care. I also taught them just like they have moods, our pets have moods too. Having a family pet can be a great learning experience. It taught my teenage daughter about caring for a puppy and she realizes that caring for a human baby would be even harder (glad she knows this ).

...
great post!!
We got our toy poodle when my youngest was only 3. She was less than a pound when we got her. My kids were taught how to behave around animals, and were NOT allowed to hold her with out sitting on the floor and me right there with them. They were also taught to leave the animals alone while they were napping, eating, in thier kennels etc.
Children can learn and be taught how to be careful, kind, loving and resposnible when it comes to animals. Not all kids are unruly..