My basic advice is, "the younger the child, the larger the pup needs to be." If a toddler picks up a puppy by a limb like they do their teddies, they are likely to snap a joint; and easier so with a tiny pup. If they kick a puppy like they might the tower they just built, they could do internal damage. The natural jumping and flestiness of a child is an accident waiting to happen with a very tiny puppy or breed. If the puppy feels tormented by rough play, even if the child doesn’t intend harm, he/she will become timid and scared or could become mean and aggressive. We don’t want either. Though I expect supervision at all times when children are with their new puppies, Poodles are a strudy, resilent breed and with proper care will grow to be your child's best friend.

One mistake parents often make is assuming that their children will/can take responsibility for caring for the new puppy. Remember that the adult is ALWAYS responsible. The most responsible children are just that – children. Adults need to take ultimate responsibility. Children can feed, take out, walk, love on, and exercise a puppy with adult supervision and follow-up. However, the nature of children and puppies is not conducive of proper training of a puppy. so expect to be training your children AND your new pup.

I try to encourage parents to trust their children with a puppy to the extent that they would trust a child with an infant. The adjustment and development of the puppy will depend on age, maturity, personality and obedience of the child, as well as watchfulness and discipline of the parent. Children and puppies can work, but the decision must be made with a lot of consideration to choose a breed that is a good match for your family.

DO NOT think it is okay for children to pull hair, poke eyes, or pick up a new puppy. Tell small children to sit down and allow the puppy to come upon their laps. They always will. It should also be a priority to teach children to turn around or cover their faces if a pup jumps toward their face. Limit the time your new puppy spends with strangers, children, and other animals to about 15 minutes. Do not allow Standard Poodles are hardy and reseilent but care still needs to be taken to teach both child and puppy the boundaries.