I have had my two dogs for almost a year now, and i'm due next week. I always hear everybody talk about how bad pits are, he is a really wild dog, but i dont want to take any chances. My German Sheppard is not bad at all, he is the sweetest dog, but I need them to know my baby, and get use to him.
2007-07-09 08:06:39 · 20 answers · asked by ~~Smiley~~~ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Have someone bring something of the baby's (like a blanket) home from the hospital before the baby actually comes home so they can get used to the scent. Keep them away from the baby when you first get home until they adjust to it's precense and then gradually let them come closer one at a time. Set very strict boundaries, no jumping and watch for any signs of aggression. NEVER leave them alone with the baby, even if the baby is in a playpen or crib, until the kid is big enough to defend themselves. If they show any signs of aggression you're going to need to find them new homes.
2007-07-09 08:20:16 · answer #1 · answered by Meems 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As with any dog a baby can disturb the way of life. You should bring home a blanket from the hospital before the baby comes home. The dogs will be curious as they are with any new visitor. Setting up a baby gate at the door and telling them to stay at the gate when you go into the room lets them know that this room is off limits to them. Also don't disturb the routine that your dogs are in. They might become jealous of the baby if they were indoor dogs and they are now out door dogs. When you introduce the baby to the dogs let them smell it only no licking and only one dog at a time. Do you walk your dogs? When you start taking the baby for a walk also with the dogs keep the stroller in front of the dogs. That way the baby is a leader not part of the dog pack. Good luck. Just remember any dog can be a people biter. You must keep a good eye on your dogs whenever the baby is around. NEVER leave you dogs unattended with the baby. I have grown up with pit bulls and they are wonderful dogs. However not all dogs are created equal. Trust your motherly instincts more than any advise you get!
2007-07-09 09:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Meadows Momma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some say to have someone bring a blanket the baby has used in the hospital home and let the dogs smell it to get used to the new scent.
I agree that at no time should a baby be left alone with ANY animal. No matter how good they are (cats are especially bad to leave alone with babies! Think about how much they like to chase, bite and scratch things that move. Plus, they don't like change).
You (and any other human in your house) are the boss so it is up to you to set the boundaries. Germans can be very protective and territorial. That can be good and bad. If you are at all worried about what happens with the dogs, the first priority is the baby. If you are nervous or uncomfortable, the dogs will pick up on that and react, not in a good way. You have to be confendant. You are the boss and they will do what you want. Period. If they don't, get rid of them.
You can always get a puppy when the child is older and they can grow up together (pick your breed wisely. Mutts can be the better choice). In the end, what is more important, your attachment to the animals or your baby.
2007-07-09 08:30:31 · answer #3 · answered by drgnflwer2000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I have a pit / jack russel mix and he's VERY jealous. I would not leave a pitbull and a newborn in the same house together. My mom was attached by a german sheperd (the family dog) when she was a baby btw. Both of these dogs tend to be very partial to one person and are not going to see the significance of a baby as much more than a small nuissance to them. I know this sounds very unpleasant, but you should start taking steps to have someone else take care of your dogs until your baby is more grown up. Even then, having them around will not be too safe.
Dog owners that see their pets attack their children are always surprised and always say that their dogs would never do such a thing. If you are under that same impression, take a long hard look at the chosen breeds in your home and think twice about having a newborn in the house with them.
2007-07-09 08:13:21 · answer #4 · answered by largegrasseatingmonster 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have a male Pit 4yrs and a male German Shepherd 6yrs.First off "NO CHILD SHOULD EVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED AROUND A DOG,REGARDLESS OF BREED OR TEMPERAMENT OF ANIMAL". If the dogs are aggressive already it might not be a good idea but if they've been good natured then you should be fine introducing
them to baby..Just take it slow, let them smell baby blanket or something first then baby..My Pit is very gentle with people and kids wouldn't hurt anyone..My shepherd is more aggressive,tons more energy and likes to try and be the boss.He has growled on occasion, I'm pretty sure it has to do with him trying to be dominant...thankfully his growl has been bigger then his bite...Make sure you let the dogs know you're the boss.
2007-07-10 03:28:15 · answer #5 · answered by ~Meg 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like has been said before, keep a close eye on the dogs. Your Pit might surprise you. I have an APBT. The first time my daughter came over with my one month old grandson she just sat him on the floor in his carrier. The Pit went over took a sniff and laid down next to him. She stayed by his side for the next hour, she would not leave his side. The baby is ten months now and my daughter will sit with him in her lap. The Pit will go over and put her head in the baby's hand and let him play with her ears while she licks his toes.
2007-07-09 15:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have had my pits around my baby's even my friends but if you have a bad feeling do what you think is right, follow your instinct's. I have to say MOMMY always knows best. Try getting the dogs to lay near your stomach so they can feel the movement. I THINK that you should be o.k but a lot depends on your relationship with the dogs and how old they were when you got them.. My dogs have all been with me since they were baby's and treated like family. I would beleive that my dogs beleive they are baby's haha.. Just remember follow your instinct's !!!
2007-07-09 08:36:53 · answer #7 · answered by stacy m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
its simple, dont ever leave the dogs and child unatended. and thats with all breeds! but just watch how they are, are they stiffened up around they child? are they acting more territorial? watch the tails, dogs should be non-stop wagging their tail when a baby or child is around. but..
by nature some male dogs that are dominant to a female, (you) they might think that getting rid of your young with put them back at the top of the list. Pit bulls by the way are more often that not, great with kids.
in england they call pit bulls "nanny dog" because of their patience and their abillity to be so gentle with kids. pit bulls are acctually in the top 5 dogs to get a child. remember though, no matter how much you trust your dog, or what kind of dog, its extremely irresponsible to leave children and animals alone.
2007-07-09 08:25:56 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fortunately both the Shepherd and the Pit Bull are noted for their loyalty to their humans.
You really don't have to get rid of either dog. Introduce them to your baby slowly and allow them to "help care" for Junior - that is - to just be present when you change, feed, etc. the new "people-puppy." Don't be surprised if they show a huge amount of curiosity. Allow them to sleep at the door to Junior's nursery - perhaps not in the room (yet) but at least at the door.
Once Junior is crawling, you'll have to supervise his interaction with the dogs. By that time they will have become accustomed to Junior's presence - and will probably be very protective of him - both dogs, mind you. But be cautious of their play - because dogs can play roughly at times - and babies and toddlers can torment a dog into frustration-nipping. So watching Junior - more than the dog - is what's called for.
But you don't have to get rid of either dog - even Mr. Bounce, the Pittie will be a good and loyal companion to your baby.
2007-07-09 08:22:03 · answer #9 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My Dad told me this and it has proved to be true....when a dog sees a baby/infant/toddler they think one of 2 things; either a.) it's something to play with (for these dogs you need to supervise them closely and take the get aquanted sessions slowly), and b.) they think it's game (as in something to get), these dogs need to be kept away from the child at all times except for when leashed. I would not let a pit within 100 ft of my newborn...and I used to hang around with a lot of guys that had'em, some where bad and some were "good", but they were all pits. German sheperds can be very good child dogs if you have one with a good temperament. Watch any large dog closely...except for hound dogs, they are safe with anything that doesn't have 4 legs and fur on it..lol
2007-07-09 08:14:45 · answer #10 · answered by Steelhead 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋