Want to adopt a dog, but worried about it attacking my baby...?

Question

Hi! My son and I have been doing a lot of talking recently about adopting a dog, and, although I know he's probably mature enough to take care of one, I can't help but wonder how the new dog will react to my 11 month-old baby. Does anyone have any suggestions on whether or not it would be O.K. to adopt a dog with a baby in the household? And, if so, what measures can I take to prevent and possible injury to my baby by my dog?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Adding a puppy to the mix you already have is just asking for trouble. I would recommend getting an older dog from a reputable rescue, one that has been in a foster home situation that can tell you the personality of the dog, how it reacts to children, etc.

I would also avoid getting any herding breed, in general they are not good with small children as they see no difference with 'herding' young children vs. herding sheep. Herding breeds are also more prone to use their teeth to solve problems, it's just in their nature. Doesn't make them bad dogs, just not ones to have around really little children.

Answer 2

Its always hard to be sure about the temperament of an adopted dog. What would be best is if you could find one that's coming from a foster home where its been around young children. If that's not possible, then I'd suggest taking your baby to the shelter with you. If any dogs look promising, see how they react to the baby. If they get nervous or aggressive, then you'll know that they're not the dog for you. And when you do bring one home, just be sure to keep a close eye on it. Children and dogs should never be left alone anyway, and if problems develop after you bring the dog home, the shelter can always take it back and you can try again. Good luck!

Answer 3

I would recommend adopting an older dog from a rescue that has put time into temperament testing, socialization and training. Research the breed(s) that you think you'd be most interested in, and then find a reputable rescue who will work with you to find the perfect match for your home and family. APBT's ("Pit Bulls") are WONDERFUL with children, but please please please research the breed and learn what it takes to be a responsible owner if you decide to get one.

I would not recommend a puppy for a couple of reasons. 1) Puppies chew, a lot, and if not taught proper bite inhibition from an early age, a pup will not understand the difference between your toddlers hands/feet/etc, and another dog or other item that it might chew. 2) Dogs personalities and temperaments change as they mature. What may be a sweet little puppy that loves to do nothing but kiss and play, may grow into an adult dog that doesn't tolerate children very well. 3) Puppies require a lot of time in training and house breaking, whereas MOST adult dogs that are adopted from rescues have already had some training and are more likely than not housebroken.

Look for a dog that is at least 3 years old if not a couple of years older. Adult dogs are mature and more likely than not, set in their ways. It'll be more of a sure thing that an adult dog that does well with small children will remain a dog that does well with them. :-)

As others have said, NEVER leave any child unsupervised with any dog. This is just an accident waiting to happen, whether the dog bites or simply hurts the child while playing. And teach your children how to behave with dogs, not just how to be gentle, but how to play around them even if they aren't playing WITH the dog. Teach them that it's NEVER okay to wake a sleeping dog, or to take toys or food from a dog, or to pet a dog or be near it while it's eating. Teach them not to run from a dog that is approaching them or trying to chase after them, and teach them the proper way to introduce themselves to and pet a dog. (Let the dog sniff their closed fist, then gently pet the dog on its side or back, never on top of its head.) Teach them to stand still and pretend to be a tree if a dog jumps on them, and to get on the ground like a turtle if the dog continues to jump. Show them how to put their hands behind their head and pretend to be a turtle. Small children can learn this too, if you make it like a game.

Here's a GREAT site to use as a reference in teaching your kids how to be safe with dogs (both familiar and not). It covers what I've said here, and a whole lot of other things. :-) And it's a good idea to teach them these things, whether you decide to get a dog now or wait until your baby's a little older.

Good luck! :-)

Answer 4

I'd ask if the dog has had any previous negative experiences with children and babies...in some cases, the animal has already been tested around kids, other dogs and animals before they are put up for adoption and sometimes they are not. We adopted two dogs before I had our baby. I knew one of our dogs would be fine but thought we might have problems with the other one. They have both been really good and our little girl can sometimes be a little rough with them. If you are worried about it you may want to reconsider or keep the baby and the dog separated.

Answer 5

Dogs and kids can be great friends - even dogs and babies. How old is your son - who will be responsible for the dog?

Introduce the dog and the baby slowly. Teach them how best to play with each other. The best thing you can do is ALWAYS supervise the baby with the dog and teach the baby not to hurt the dog. Dogs, especially older ones, seem to know that babies aren't going to play rough with them, and they are often much gentler than they would be with your older son. NEVER LEAVE THE DOG ALONE WITH THE BABY. We get questions on here all the time about young children waking up dogs and being bitten, pulling tails and ears and being growled at - very young children just don't understand that the dog is a living thing that can hurt. Make sure the dog you adopt is good with very young kids - some dogs aren't. I think it could very easily work out, though. Good luck!

Answer 6

Adopted an older dog that has been tested with children. Puppies have sharp claws and teeth that can hurt and scare young children. There is a good chance that an older dog will also be potty trained. Never leave the baby alone with the dog!

Answer 7

When I gave birth to my baby, my dog was about 1 year old; I too, was concerned about the "turf" issue. The suggestion I got from the nurses was to take anything the baby was wearing or playing with & let the dog sniff it.
Observe the reaction from your dog & take it from there.
If things work out, a child & a puppy can be a very worthwhile investment to make. They'll both take care of each other. Of course, you'll have to take care of the walking, feeding, & most importantly be the all important "pooper scooper" for the both of them.
I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 8

Go to a shelter and get a dog that is used to being around kids. Don't get a shy dog because they can get aggressive if kids are too rough with them. Keep baby gates up so that you can easily separate the baby and the dog when you have to leave the room. Don't leave them unattended together. Labs and Golden retrievers are really good with kids and will protect them too. I've even heard of them grabbing the kids and keeping them from touching things that would hurt them like electrical outlets or hot stoves. And be sure to teach your baby what touches are appropriate to the dog. Like no pulling ears and tails or pinching etc. That will minimize the likelyhood of a "stop that" nip.

Answer 9

I actually would recommend getting a puppy because the dog grows up knowing that you protect your child and that it should do that as well.

I'd also recommend a bigger dog because they are more intelligent, learn quicker, and that way it will be easy to train them not to eat your baby. But in all seriousness dogs like German Shepherds are really loyal to the family and can take a lot of abuse from the kids, such as tale pulling and such.

Answer 10

Yes I think it would be fine. I would find out from where you are adopting the dog the dog's comfort level around around children and bring your baby so you can see the reaction.