Not sure what to do about our (very small) dog

[Knickerbockergloryonthebeach]

We have a small crossbreed dog. She is much much smaller than we had expected her to be (we had thought Jack Russell sized at a minimum). She's a year old and we've had her since about 8 weeks I think, but is still very puppyish in her behaviour. She's very lively and forgets her commands when she's excited although she's quite well behaved at other times.

We also have two small children, who we are trying to teach to be calm around the dog but who do get a bit overexcited.

Over the weekend, the youngest managed to somehow injure her. No one saw but possibly by leaning on her. It's put one of her legs out of joint at the elbow. We've been to the vet and had xrays and we have the option of an operation with a long recovery or leaving her to see whether she manages it. If we have the operation we have no idea how we stop her from jumping, running, etc. If we don't have the operation we're worried her leg(s) will get worse as she ages.

And we're also worried that with two small children she's simply too small a dog for our family (although she's lovely in every other way, very friendly and loves our youngest).

Wondered if anyone had any advice either about the operation or if it would be kinder and safer to rehome her?

TAKE THE DOG TO THE VETS

@Jackiesathome

WHO ARE YOU SHOUTING AT? IT CANNOT BE THE OP BECAUSE SHE HAS ALREADY SEEN A VET.

Not here giving any advice on your pups medical condition, I think you've had more than enough 'opinions' for one post! I just wanted to say, regarding your question whether your dog is suitable for a young family, your dog sounds fab! I have a small dog, that should have grown alot bigger, to match her breed standard. She just didn't. And is a perfectly healthy miniature version of her breed. Your children won't be small and boisterous for long, and then you'll see the benefit and convenience of a tiny dog around the house. Hope your ddog is on the mend soon, whatever you choose to do. 😊

Gosh it's so hard with children isn't it because they just want to love the pet but sometimes use too much force! she could have wriggled out in a funny way and popped the leg. sounds to me like it's dislocated?
My neighbor has her dog on rest at the moment following cruciate ligament surgery.Her dog is nine and so calmer but it's defo not easy. I think maybe a puppy pen for when she's home with her bed in etc and then maybe take advice from vets re keeping her in a few extra days post surgery and maybe asking your dog sitter to help?
Alternatively if needs be perhaps arrange childcare?

Our last yorkie had the same problem. It was caused by our other dog knocking her off a low windowledge. I opted for 'wait and see', like you, because there are no guarantees with what can be an expensive operation. However, I did have to manage her carefully for about 4 or 5 weeks. No jumping up, no long walks. I gave her a short walk twice a day, and, as advised by my vet, walked slowly so that she had to actually walk/use all four legs. If you walked too fast she would trot and only use 3 legs. Making her walk meant she was using the muscles. It was tedious for both of us (we built the walk time up), but the problem never came back. She was about 3 when it happened.