Me or dad??..?

Question

I've trained my dog to do a few service dog " jobs" around the house. He picks up things I drop, gets things from the fridge, lets me know when the baby is crying, gets the mail, and brings my my shoes, slippers, or the remote whatever I ask him for. The thing is times got hard and I had to move back with my dad. He cant stand it when Raven unzips Austins ( my son's) coat or picks up a toy he drops, he doesn't want Raven ( that dog) to do anything that has to do with Austin. But Raven is like right there when he drops something like its second nature because thats part of his job.Now all of a sudden my dad wants him to stop everything.Austin loves him, Austin is 9 months and they are ike and mike together all the time. I say its fine Raven does it my dad does not..what do you think??

I'm always with Raven when he does anything. He needs a command to everything he does with the exception of picking up things Austin drops. As for Germs Austin is 9 months he's going to come into contact with germs.

Answer 1

I had a dog buddy when I was a baby too, and he saved my life (literally) so many times it wasn't even funny.

You're living at your Dad's and his house rules apply, so you can't simply tell him to mind his own business, but this is your family and you are entitled to do what you believe to be appropriate in raising your child.

If your dad is the kind of guy who can take a hint, you could mention that it's fine (with the Look to let him know this is not up for discussion/debate). If he is more insistent, you might have to speak more bluntly to him. Ask him what he finds specifically objectionable about it. Germs? That's easy to dismiss. The baby's safety? The dog is clearly devoted to your child and I assume you're always around. Usually when you try to understand someone's baseless argument, it collapses. It is also unclear whether the motivation is concern or a desire to control the environment around him.

Good luck(and nice job on the training).

Answer 2

I guess your dad is scared the dog will hurt Raven. It sounds like you have a good dog there. You are Raven's dad and should have the right to say what is okay for your child. That being said, a dog should always be watched carefully with a very small child like your son.

Answer 3

Unfortunately you are living in your parent's home. He has a right to set some rules.

With that said you should be allowed to raise your child as you see fit.

You need to talk to you dad and find out what his concern is. I am guessing he may be concerned the child grows to be dependent on the dog instead of developing skills and self reliance. He may be concerned that the child may get so dependent on this servant that when the dog dies (and he will) that you have serious problems.

Quite honestly teaching a child that someone or a dog will pick up something every time he drops it is not a healthy lesson. Babies soon learn to abuse this. As far as zipping his jacket. Will the dog know when to stop as the child gets to the age he should /will be learning to do this?

Talk to your dad find out his concerns. Discuss with him your rational for allowing the dog to do these things.

Answer 4

That depends...Where are you when all of this is happening? If you are right there, then ask your well-meaning Father to let you be the parent. Don't ever leave your baby alone with a dog, even if it's only for a second or a dog you've had forever. Good luck! Sounds like a wonderful pooch!

Answer 5

I vote for Raven too! What other issues are happening that would cause your Dad to be upset about how Raven's trained?
Just something to think about.
Also, you sound like a pro-active person. Congrats on all that you've acomplished - sounds great! I'm dying to see if I can teach my terrier to unzip _my_ jacket!

Answer 6

It is what your dog is trained to do. You don't want to try to "un-train" your dog. Explain to your dad that it's his training, and you really can't do anything about it. Maybe your dad is concerned about germs from the dog getting on your son's things. I know it's not rational, but that may be his thought. Good luck working things out. My vote is you are right.

Answer 7

Raven sounds like a terrific, smart animal and I applaude how well you have him trained. However, you are now living in your Dad's home, and in order to get along better with your Dad, probably Raven should be retrained to not do many of the jobs she was trained for. It would be a lot more peaceful for you to do this. I think you Dad allowing the '3' of you to move into his home is a wonderful, generous thing for him to do.

Answer 8

YOUR CHILD AND YOUR DOG. although you are living in your dads house it doesn't give him the right to say anything that you have been doing for so long. just say to your dad i respect you for allowing us to move in with you for a while but this is my decision to do with my child. that is a very special bond the dog has with you and your child don't let it break.

Answer 9

you need to let your dad know that although you are needing help from him right now austin is your son. and your dad agreed to let you both and the dog move in. and he will need to respect your rules with your son. as you respect him as his daughter. good luck. sometimes we have to point out to our parents we are in deed grown.

Answer 10

wow that's a hard situation i would go with what ever you feel is best you could always take the dog to a boarding kennel. were they hold your dog until you can pick it up, my mom used to own one and they are really nice. sorry i cant help all that much good luck!