Dog is Trying to Bite 10-month-old baby, How can We Stop This?

Question

Our 6-year-old lab mix is becoming intolerant of our 10-month-old daughter now that she is crawling after the dog. The dog has growled at her several times and snapped at her twice. The dog has never bitten anyone hard enough to draw blood. These incidents seem to happen when the dog feels "cornered" by the baby. The baby just wants to touch the dog. How can we stop the aggressive dog behavior?

Answer 1

GET RID OF THE DOG.

Answer 2

Many people here are advising you "get rid of the dog," but you should know that a 6-year-old lab mix has little to no chance of being adopted at a standard animal shelter. Most shelters would immediately put him down because of his age and "aggressive" behavior (even though he is really just warning the baby not to bother him, a natural reaction!). Even young, good-tempered large mixed breed dogs are difficult to find homes for. So, if you want to save your dog's life, you need to do what you can to make the situation work.

Keep the dog and baby separated if there is even a chance the dog will feel cornered. Never leave them alone together. You will probably need to get some baby gates and use them. Yes, it is a hassle, but it is better than the alternative. Let the dog know in no uncertain terms that the growling and snapping is not acceptable. Work with your dog on obedience while you are holding the baby, so the baby is above the dog.

Moving your dog outside is NOT a good solution. Dogs that are chained outside away from their "packs" often become much more aggressive and neurotic. It is not the dog's fault that there is a new baby in the house, and he should not be isolated because of it.

As a last resort, you could ask relatives or friends without young children if the dog can stay with them permanently or temporarily. Good luck.

Answer 3

Do not leave them alone together. Also, provide a place that the dog can go where the baby cannot reach him.

the dog is growling to let the baby know to stay away -- the baby is too young to remember to stay away.

We had the same situation when my grandson was that age and we had a 12 year old Border Collie. The dog would hide under the table-- when that did not work she started to go to the basement when the baby was crawling around.

You might consult an animal behavorist about this. They may have specific suggestions.

When a dog feels "cornered" they do what comes naturally --it is instinctive. Our dog knew that what she was doing was not acceptable, so she just went where there was no provocation. If your dog has nowhere to get away, he will do what he feels he must to "protect" himself. Please don't put him in this position and then expect him not to act like a dog!

Answer 4

Making the dog feel "cornered", even if it's just a baby, isn't a very good thing to do. The dog needs space and the baby needs space. I would try to put them together in a situation where the dog didn't feel as if the baby just wants to "corner" the dog. The dog might feel like the baby wants to harm it. Perhaps keep them in a controlled environment for a while (the baby on your lap, the dog on the floor), just until the dog is used to the child.

Answer 5

The baby is new to him and the baby is "invading" his territoy. To him its not a baby its a small creature. He doesnt know the difference. Its moving around and his first general instinct from his ancestors is to attack. what you need to do it positive conditioning. Everytime the dog is bahaving around the baby you give him positive reinforcment. Pet him on the head tell him hes a good boy etc. When he seems to become agressive you give negative reinforment. A big stern NO, make him sit. PLease remember yelling/scolding for a long time doesnt help they dont understand. You have to use the words they know. And it must be done while the act is being done. If its 3 seconds later he doesnt remember anymore. And hitting on the nose isnt the answer either. Eventually by giving him positive reinforment for all the good behaviour he is doing even if its just him sitting next to the baby, looking at the baby and eventually not reacting to the baby when she crawls, even if its for a spilt second they are quick learners and he will soon associate what is good and what is bad with the situation. I am a veterinary technician and so many times do i see dogs being given up for this situation but with a little bit of patience and proper training they should be fine :) Good luck

Answer 6

Sorry to say, but any dog that shows aggressive behavior around children is not a good thing. Labs, especially, are known for being destructive and aggressive when they feel hurt or betrayed by their owners. You dog is definitely jealous of all the time and energy you're spending with you daughter and is acting out now that he has access to her.

If it were my dog, I wouldn't wait for it to draw blood, he would be gone now. But I understand it's not an easy decision to make. Whatever you do, never leave the dog and baby unattended, until this behavior is 100% corrected. Even just running to get something from another room is enough time for your dog to snap and attack.

If you're going to keep the dog, you have to get him professional training now. If you have a PetSmart or Petco, check to see if they have any obedience classes starting soon. Some local park districts offer classes for a bit less. But if the behavior continues after the training stops, you may need to pay for a trainer to come to your home.

Good luck!! But remember, your daughter's safety comes first.

Answer 7

Your dog may not like the baby crawling after her.With dogs...you are part of their pack,not that they are part of your family.They see you as dominant dog,and they are the second rank higher,so they think that it is ok for them to be aggressive toward the baby,because they have known you longer and the baby is new.Like in a dog pack,new members often get bit.Show the dog who is in control.Every time it growls or bites the baby firmly so NO! to the dog..dont hit the dog or scream at it,just say no and tug it away from the baby.

Answer 8

Remember that dogs are not furry people and they don't understand or think the way we do. As long as the baby isn't hurting the dog, and I doubt she could, then you need to make the dog understand that he is behaving badly. There are a lot of books and websites about training animals, find what works best for you and apply this to the dog until he understands. A lot of patience is required when dealing with pets and children. You can train a pet and teach a child so they don't do anything harmful to each other.

Answer 9

I know you love your dog but I think you should get rid of the dog.She is snapping at your daughter and you said she bit before but never drew blood? This is a situation ready to explode,don't turn your back on the two of them,keep the dog away fron the baby.The dog sounds jealous.Take her to the vet--make sure that there are no medical issues,and look for a new home for her----you love your baby and your dog---but obviously it's the dog that is the problem

Answer 10

You MUST, I repeat, MUST get rid of this dog! No love for your dog should compare to the love for your child. This dog is a liability and may cost your child life if you do not get rid of the dog. Also, by not disclosing the truth as to why you are getting rid of the dog, it may come back to bite you in the a s s if this dog bites someone else. As much as I love dogs and all animals, my children come first and I would never risk their safety to keep a pet. If your dog ends up attacking your child, you will lose both dog and child and if you keep the dog and God forbid this does happen, you deserve to lose custody of your child. Please, get the dog out of the home ASAP.

Answer 11

FIRST OFF, YOUR DOG IS NOT AGRRESSIVE, STOP BLAMING HIM!
You need to keep a better eye on your child. Babies and toddlers are the worst around dogs. They back them into corners, they pull their ears and talks, and smack them. You can;t blame a dog that is backed into a corner with some drooly 10 month old trying to pull it's tail for snapping at her.
The solution: Supervise your child when she is around your dog. If you see that she is starting to corner him, pick her up. you can also try holding your baby in your lab while petting your dog and if he acts relaxed and calm give him treats and say "good boy". The best thing would be to get your dog enrolled in obedience classes and bring you baby. That way he is around her in a controlled environment and gets better trained.