Otch1 - I think it's great that you directed this question specifically towards owners, I'd love to know what they think.
As you knew would happen, I'd like to share with owners, and maybe even other trainers what my policy is with regards to kids in class...and why, feedback would be great.
I do not allow kids under 14 to attend a growl class.
First, I have to say that I am very thorough and honest with parents over the phone when they register for class. I let them know that I while I welcome all WELL BEHAVED children from 4 years of age and up, they must stay close to their parents at all times, create little added distraction and remain as quiet as possible while puppies/dogs are "performing". That all out of the way, I will tell them up front that while I truly love having kids in class, they will be asked to make alternate plans for them (a sitter) if the above stipulations are not met. I have only ever had to ask one family to leave their adorable 4 year old little "monster" child at home. I have had to give the odd head tilt and wink to a few parents, but as they are for warned, it's always gone very smoothly.
I also have nothing but positive feedback from owners without kids, particularly in puppy class as the kids presence allows otherwise unavailable opportunities for thier pups to interact with gentle "little people". This has really proven to be a consistent win/win situation.
There are so many reasons that I allow/encourage parents to bring their children to classes but I think that the most important reason is consistency. I find that when the whole family attends and all are given first hand information from the trainer, they are more successful puppy/dog guradians and trainers. It's much more manageable at home once the ground rules have been set in class and a "take home" routine for training has been laid out with everyone included in some way. Parents have often told me that their kids have reminded them of what "the trainer said"...
**It's also very interresting what kids will tell you that their parents may choose to leave out..
I always start each class with a group discussion on how the previous week went...kids will ALWAYS be honest.."Rover pooped on my bed" or "Dad fed Duke from his plate"..good for a laugh if nothing else, but a trainer always get's the goods from the kids..
I also include lots of games/competitions for prizes. It's amazing how much a family will practice behaviors set out for the week with their dogs if they know they could win a plush squeek toy in the next weeks class. This makes for a great family activity and of course the REAL bonus is...they practice..practice..practice.
As far as handling goes, I find that kids as young as 7 or 8 can make terrific trainers. Often times their timing and understanding is better than that of the adults and they don't seem to over think things too much. Of course I insist on the one hadler/dog at a time rule but everyone can take a turn and be involved in each class.