The rational behind this policy is:
Very small children do not always understand that puppies need to be
handled differently from toys. They cannot be grabbed, tugged on, pinched,
carried by the head or tail as they do with stuffed animals.
Small puppies are mouthy and nip. If aggravated, they can bite. Then
the animal often gets labelled as aggressive. A child goes to pat a playing
puppy and the child's hand gets in the way. A child goes to take a toy or
treat away from a puppy and what happens, the child often gets nipped.
Young children learning to walk can be hurt by a puppy rough housing as
all puppies do. A child gets knocked down and hurt and whose fault is
it,the puppy in most cases.
Young children have often become afraid of dogs because of their
experiences with a young puppy.(we've experienced this at the shelter with
puppies being brought back before because the family was known as
responsible pet owners and we thought we would take a chance. It did not
last for 24 hours but was returned).
Parents with small children find it hard enough to keep careful watch
on toddlers without trying to train a puppy as well. The puppy starts
chewing and is often brought back. Housetraining a puppy...well you have
to watch them every second they are on the move. Accidents happen and it's
often said they can't get the puppy trained and the puppy is brought back.
A young puppy needs a lot of training and watching to grow into a well
adjusted pet. That is often difficult when there are small children in a
home.
Small children often have food/toys while being on the floor, low
levels. This creates problems when the puppy starts taking the food/toys.
Children have been nipped in this kind of situation.
Although problems may not be experienced with all families, in the best
interest of the puppy, we feel a home without small children is better
suited. Our experiences in the past has led to the development of this
policy.
