Recently I've notice that my dog has been a bit temperamental with my baby. One time in the high chair my son was reaching toward the dog and she snapped at him. He pulled his had away. I didn't see what happened, but heard it. On another day my son was laying with me in the chair and leaned over to the dog that was laying on the floor and the dog growled under her breath. My son is about to turn a year old and is starting to really move around the house (crawling). Today, as the baby crawled by the dog, she barked and snapped at him. I got so scared and my husband smacked the dog. Is there anything I can do to make this work. I've had this dog (Lab/Shepard/greyhound mix) for almost 10 years. She has been a great dog, but has seemed more aggressive toward other dogs since my husband came into my life. What can I do to make the dog more accepting of the baby. I don't want to get rid of the dog, but I'm afraid for my baby.
2007-07-08 14:40:37 · 14 answers · asked by Lil'Mama 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
She is already spayed
2007-07-08 15:12:46 · update #1
It sounds like she's just old and doesn't want to be bothered by the baby. I would keep the dog separated from the baby. It's not worth chancing it. Your baby will not understand right now how to stay out of the dog's way, let sleeping dogs lie, and how to be gentle. The dog's not learning any new tricks. So, just wait until the baby is a toddler and then let them be together.
2007-07-08 15:18:51 · answer #1 · answered by twinmom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dog Aggression Towards Children
2016-11-04 13:14:34 · answer #2 · answered by stender 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happens sometimes. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to get rid of the dog. Its the safety of your child over the love for a family pet. I know its difficult, but the baby comes first. You COULD try some dog training, but I doubt it will do much since he's already 10 years old. He's use to it being just you and him and is now threatened by all these "new people". Try giving him to a close friend or relative so that you can still visit on a regular basis. I'm sorry. Good luck.
2007-07-08 15:57:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen a lot of dog training shows were this happened. In the shows, the trainer always said it was because of jealousy. Believe what you want, some say animals can't be jealous, but trying giving your dog some extra attention WHEN SHE IS BEHAVING! If what she really wants is your attention, this should really reinforce her positive behavior. If the aggresive behavior continues, talk to your vet about your options. There could be something else going on!
2007-07-10 05:48:04 · answer #4 · answered by ... 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get rid of the dog. The baby is more important. I use to have 2 cats that I'd had for years before my son was born, these cats were my babies and I loved them. I tried making it work having the cats and my son, but they started hissing at him and though they had never been aggressive, they are animals and have that potential. Needless to say, I found the cats another home. I know you love the dog, but it is just a dog. Your child is much more important.
2007-07-08 15:46:18 · answer #5 · answered by Brandy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yep, I would ask family members as well as friends who know the dog well if they would take over ownership. Perhaps you can help with vet bills. I would even consider putting the dog down. At least that way, your pet will never have to experience the disability of old age. She is getting close to the end of a dog's life span.
2007-07-08 14:58:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you don't want to get rid of the dog? Do you want CPS to come and remove your baby from you when the dog takes a chunk of flesh out of her? You have a choice, find a home where there are no small children for the dog or get ready to take the baby to the emergency room for dog bite.
2007-07-08 16:34:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's going to be hard to change an older dog's behavior. I am sorry, but if it's between your baby and your dog I think you know what you have to do. See if you can find a loving family for her - maybe that will even let you visit her. Best of luck. I am so sorry.
2007-07-08 15:17:05 · answer #8 · answered by TNEmily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get rid of the dog at the first sign of aggression towards my child, or any member of my family for that matter. Did you hear about the 68 year old woman who was recently killed by her pet chow? Apparently the dog showed increasing signs of aggression and she fenced off a part of the yard for them and stopped taking them on walks. Well one of them finally attacked her while she was feeding them. There are plenty of dogs that take lots of ear pulling, tail pulling and general abuse from kids without doing what you have described.
2007-07-08 14:56:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
your dog is jealous of your baby and possibly your husband too and is probably territorial now that all of your focus is off him and onto your other "distractions"you might just have to get rid of your dog.did you try introducing your dog to your baby when the baby came home?now I'm not too fond of dogs myself but i respect those who do.i wish you the best sweetie in whatever you do.and if you do have to get rid of him I'm sorry.also the dog just might be old and ornery and set in his ways.
2007-07-08 14:58:07 · answer #10 · answered by cyrontae1110 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋