How do you get a dog to play well with a baby?

Question

The baby really wants to play with the dog, but whenever the baby gets close to him, he starts growling.

Answer 1

I have an 11 month old and she has been around dogs since she was born. 2 are Goldens, 1 is a Maltese and the other is a pug.

I was worried about how the Maltese would react to my daughter but they get along great. My daughter hold her hand outward, palm up when she wants the Maltese to come to her and she runs her hands on his fur. All the other dogs just love to play with her, but when they approach her they lay down.

I never let her near the dogs if they are sleeping or eating and I would never leave her alone with them. I taught her to be gentle with them and so far it has worked out fine, GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

The baby is making the dog uncomfortable, which is completely understandable. Don't force the dog into a situation it doesn't want to be in. Babies don't understand that they are hurting a dog, or doing something the dog doesn't like.

Look at it this way, if you forse the dog to play with the baby, and the dog is uncomfortable, it may bite the baby. There, your baby was bitten and the dog now as a record of a bite because you forced it into a situation it doesn't want to be in.

One suggestion: Go for walks, you, the dog, the baby, and your significant other. Keep the baby stoller in the front of the group so the dog recognizes it as an alpha in the "pack".

Answer 3

Both dogs and children can be unpredictable and if the “fit” is wrong the results can be frightening, or even tragic, for all concerned. For this reason, children under the age of 7 (and even older in some cases) should never be left unsupervised with a dog. Most children under the age of 12 should never be given the sole responsibility of dog ownership. The child requires the guidance of a responsible adult in dog ownership. A dog is an enormous commitment, even for an adult, much less a child. It is also important that if you plan to have dogs in your life, you should bring up your children to both love and respect dogs.

There is also much that can be done to help dogs become more comfortable with children. All dogs should be socialised to the very special presence of children from as early an age as possible. Children are very much a part of this world and the chances of your dog going through life without being confronted by one are very slim. Habituating your dog to be safe with children should be considered a major responsibility of dog ownership. Early socialisation by supervised play with children during the first 4 months of the dog’s life is the best procedure. After that it becomes more difficult, although not impossible.

Whether you are socialising a puppy or an older dog, you must de-sensitise your dog to the ‘strange’ behaviour of a child. The behaviour modification can be started at home with family members.

Start by teaching your dog an inhibited bite. Any play bites should be met with a loud “ouch” and an end of the game. This also goes for any touches of teeth to clothing or any body parts. Offer your dog titbits and say “gently”. If dog takes the titbit gently, give lots of praise and, of course, the titbit. If the dog snaps or touches your skin, a very loud “ouch” and he does not get the titbit or praise. Do not give up the titbit until the dog’s teeth do not touch skin but delicately pick up titbit from your hand. You are teaching your dog to be aware of the strength of his/her bite and that biting is not allowed. “Gently” can also be used to caution the dog when he is meeting children.

Answer 4

Watch the dog whisperer on the history channel.

Start training now so the dog doesn't end up biting the child in the face. You will get mad and have him put to sleep. Writing on the wall. Needs training

Answer 5

You don't get a dog to play well with a baby. The baby will taunt the dog (doesn't know any better) -- the dog will bite the child (doesn't know any better) = misery for everyone. There are no true child-friendly dogs. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Dogs bite - kids get hurt

Answer 6

The coolest thing in teaching PUPPY TRAINING TO KIDS, is they quickly learn there's nothing more exiting then to have a puppy as a friend. Dogs can be fun, friendly… and the best companions in the world. When you feel like having fun, I bet you dog will be happy to play… and when you just need a friend to be with, I'm sure your dog will love to snuggle up and give you company quietly and stay still....

Answer 7

don't force the dog to play with the baby,it could get mad and bite the baby, call in a dog trainer, they will help you with this matter, don't take a chance

Answer 8

you should have temperment trained your dog like we did. like when he eats you need to do things like pet him and then take food from his bowl and his mouth. Do things that you know kids like gently pull his ears and tail, that way, even though youre baby shouldnt, if he pulls at the dog he wont mind. I have a 4 month old american bull dog that weighs 70 pounds, hes a horse and i can do all those thing with him and he is wonderful with my 2 month old

Answer 9

u should bring ur dog to dog school.then ask them how do u get a dog to play with a baby

Answer 10

You shouldn't push it with that. I mean you don't want the dog to end up getting aggravated and hurt the little one. Most of the thime it will get to ve where they can coexist but you don't want to push it and try to get them to like each other.