Will he hurt my daughter?

Question

My dog is growning everytime my daughter tries to touch him she is a baby! What can I do? Im scared one they he attacks her.

He lost his sister 3 month ago. I try to pay more attention to him but in the same time I have to take care of my daughter

Answer 1

You just need to properly train your dog to respect your daughter as a pack leader. Proper training will take care of this issue. Please do not just kick your poor pet out because you have not yet properly trained him.

Seek obedience training.

Answer 2

I used to be a vet tech. When a new baby enters the house, the dog will sometimes feel jealous because he's not the "baby" any more. You don't mention what type of dog this is, but I would reccommend NEVER leaving them alone together unsupervised. However, this is no reason to get rid of the dog. You are his parent, too. You should gradually, slowly introduce them to each other. Start from a distance, until the dog is comfortable being in the same room with her without growling. Then gradually, on a daily basis, work your way closer and closer, with one person holding the dog, and one person holding the daughter. DO NOT allow contact at any point if the dog is growling or showing other signs of aggression. Eventually, they will get along, and the dog will likely be your daughter's most ardent protector. Feel free to email me if you have further questions.

Answer 3

There could be several different behavioral and medical reasons behind this. Did you get this dog as a puppy? Have you had this dog a long time? If you have had this dog forever, and your daughter is a baby, then it may be jealousy kicking in. If you just got the dog, maybe this dog needs a home without children. Is there abuse in the dog's history? If so, try to find out if it was by a child, female, etc. Some dogs are sensitive to the sex of people, so it could be that she's a girl. Is your dog injured, and trying to protect itself, or is it fine when you pet it? If none of these answer it, how old is your dog? Is it close to the end? It could just be irratable and want to be left alone. Otherwise, take it to the vet, and see if they can help.

Answer 4

After having read many of the answers, I'm wondering if the dog thinks it's the dominant one. If so, then it's trying to tell your daughter he's the boss. This is a reflection on you, however, if you have failed to train the dog to be obedient to you.

There still is time to retrain the animal, so you might not need to get rid of him. BUT TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE HERE. For now, keep the two separated, and keep him on his leash - even if you are not planning on walking him (assuming you do).

Many people are advising retraining the dog - and I think that is a good option. Only as a last resort, should you consider removing the dog from the house. BUT don't wait too long to decide, your daughter might get bit. Wouldn't want that to happen.

Answer 5

Wow, I hope the people answering here don't have a dog of their own since they are telling you to just give him away! Dogs are a huge responsibility and people need to realize that before they get one because it is cute. Would you give your baby away if she was mean to a brother or sister??? I would separate the dog and baby and put some of the baby's items near the dog so it can become accustom to the smell. My dog reacted the same way to my nephew and growled a lot. Often it is because children tend to pull on their ears and tails. In my case, the dog was 100+ pound lab that was growling. He never hurt my nephew or even tried to bite him. I read some books and did some research. When my nephew got bigger, the dog was fine and they play together all the time now. What I found out was that he was growling so my very small nephew would keep his distance and the dog would not inadvertently hurt him by knocking him down or sitting on him. As long as you supervise your children, human and cainine, they should be fine and just need time.

Answer 6

help your dog understand the new addition to the family (your daughter) He may see the baby as a threat to the home or even competition for your attention. Reassuration your dog he is not loosing out. if you have to take you dog to a training class. but do not leave the dog and the bady alone together until the dog's behavior is corrected. speak to your Vet. for advice. Your dog should be considered a member of your family, everyone else is saying get rid of the dog, sorry I do not believe that. I think in time the dog will adjust and be ok.

Answer 7

Fist off you don't say what kind of a dog you have. Small dogs are more vunerable around children and tend to be more afraid of them and large dogs don't always tolerate children, but any breed of dog should never be left alone with a baby. Babies don't know any better and grab dogs and dogs don't know any better either and they only know how to protect themselves by growling and biting.
You must keep them apart except when you are together. Give each one lots of attention at the same time.
Your dog could be jealous of the baby. Take one of the baby's blankets and put it under the dog's food dish and he will associate the smell with good things.
But most of all never leave them alone together. If you find this too difficult, I suggest you find the dog another home before damage happens. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I would get him some training (even if he has had it before). When he growls at your daughter, tell him "NO!" In a very firm assertive voice, if he continues, stick him in the crate for 15 minuets. This will let him know, the behavior is not wanted. If the dog just lost his companion he may feel you are responsible. Could you find someone who has a dog they could bring over a few times a week, and let them play?

Like i said, stick him in the crate when he growls or attacks (hopefully that doesn't happen) for 15 no more no less. No acknowledgment until he is out of the crate.

Have you tried running with him? Or lots of exercise?

I suggest reinforcing that you and the kid are the alhpas (i know shes a baby maybe hold her when trying to be the alpha?) Do the crate thing, and find him a play mate who can come over a few times.

Answer 9

I'm afraid that you will need some one on one training for him and make sure you supervise your little girl around the dog ALWAYS just bc they can hurt the dog as well as the dog hurting her. Btw, it's funny how people want to know what breed your dog is, as if it matters!!! Say Pit Bull!!! Say Rottie!!! Thats what some of these people want to hear!

Breed aside, you will need a trainer bc there may be many factors that play a role in his aggressive behavior and you will need to figure out what those factors are.

Answer 10

Oh, you could probably do with a professional trainer. You know when it thunders you know that it's going to rain? Or when you see smoke, you know there's a fire? Well Growling is an indicator that the dog is going to tear into your kid if you don't quit sitting around watching this happen. It's an indicator that you are sucking him up because you have the idea that he is depressed and needs special attention. You have allowed him to think that it's his job and his right to growl at the kid. Might want to do something about this before you are here asking ' Should I get rid of my dog, he just took my kid's face off '

Answer 11

The dog growling is a warning to your baby not to touch him. The dog doesn't know any other way to communicate.

Kids can unwittingly hurt dogs, pulling hair, poking in the eye, hitting, etc.

Both the dog and your child need to be trained to be around each other.

Dogs and young children should NEVER be left alone together.