Dog growling at baby

[Anonymous]

We have a ten year old terrier mutt that we have had since 8 weeks old. He was a great dog pre kids. When we had our first child (4 now) he got more annoying(think jumping on counters for food, more barking, etc). Now our 1 year old is mobile and very interested in the dog. He has never hurt the dog but even if he goes to pet dog the dog snaps and growls. I don't want to take any chances. Frankly, I no longer trust the dog at all. Is there a shelter that would take such a dog? Advice please!

[Anonymous]

Keep them separated. Try a trainer. A shelter for a 10 year old dog would be a death sentence. If the trainer fails, find him a new home.

[Anonymous]

Op here. To be clear he is fine and great with adults. We recently borded him and they loved him there. Got along with other dogs, etc. He just doesn't like the whole kid thing in his old age I guess...

[Anonymous]

I love animals, but I wouldn't take any chances with a child. I would rehome the dog ASAP rather than allowing it to remain in my home with the child, especially if the child is mobile: an accident can happen so quickly. As much as you love your dog, are you will to keep him around for the time it takes to see if a trainer will work, and risk having the dog hurt your baby in that time?

[Anonymous]

OK, op again. I am keeping them separate. I know a shelter is a death sentence. But, if that's what needs to happen to keepy baby safe I will do it. I would love to find a new home. But how?

[Anonymous]

I would find a new home. You would never forgive yourself if the dog bites your baby.

[Anonymous]

Op again. Yeah, pp.I agree. A trainer is not gonna happen. I'm not interested in taking chances like that. I love dogs, but safety first...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. To be clear he is fine and great with adults. We recently borded him and they loved him there. Got along with other dogs, etc. He just doesn't like the whole kid thing in his old age I guess...

Call the people you boarded him with if they know childless people looking for a great dog.

[Anonymous]

Then find him a new home. Ask everyone you know and ask them to ask everyone they know. Offer a financial incentive for someone to take him. You don't stick a 10 year old dog in a shelter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Yeah, pp.I agree. A trainer is not gonna happen. I'm not interested in taking chances like that. I love dogs, but safety first...

Keep them separated and there will be no problem. It's bad enough this dog has to deal with a baby in the house, and then you want to rehome HIM because his home is disrupted? I really dislike people like you, OP, and feel so sad for your pets every time I read a post like this. No forever home after all!

[Anonymous]

OP you are very casual about this. Is there a shelter that will take him? Really? You are looking for a place to dump your 10 year old family member?

I would first do some very aggressive training with the dog. Find a trainer who will tell you honestly if he or she thinks the situation can be rectified. If it can, put in the training time and hopefully you will see a wonderful friendship bloom between your child and your dog.

If it can't, yes, the dog needs a new home. Please don't dump him in a shelter. They will likely pts and his last days/hours/minutes on this earth will be spent scared and alone. Just breaks my heart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love animals, but I wouldn't take any chances with a child. I would rehome the dog ASAP rather than allowing it to remain in my home with the child, especially if the child is mobile: an accident can happen so quickly. As much as you love your dog, are you will to keep him around for the time it takes to see if a trainer will work, and risk having the dog hurt your baby in that time?

She's doesn't love her dog. A person who loves their dog wouldn't drop him/her at a shelter for a "death sentence" as OP stated.

You can do this the right way OP- the caring and compassionate way- but my gut says you're looking for the quickest/cheapest/easiest way out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love animals, but I wouldn't take any chances with a child. I would rehome the dog ASAP rather than allowing it to remain in my home with the child, especially if the child is mobile: an accident can happen so quickly. As much as you love your dog, are you will to keep him around for the time it takes to see if a trainer will work, and risk having the dog hurt your baby in that time?

She's doesn't love her dog. A person who loves their dog wouldn't drop him/her at a shelter for a "death sentence" as OP stated.

You can do this the right way OP- the caring and compassionate way- but my gut says you're looking for the quickest/cheapest/easiest way out.

I'm a PP, and I agree with you. It's disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Dogs and kids together means BOTH the dog and the kid needs to be "trained", for lack of a better word. They should also never be left unsupervised, but you know that already.

Older dogs often are less patient and sometimes have some aches and pains which make them less tolerant of young kids or puppies.

It's disturbing your so nonchalant and willing to abandon your dog to be put on death row. If training doesn't work, try to rehome him yourself.

[Anonymous]

You might find someone who wants an older dog and you could rehome him. Ask around and spread the word. My friend and her family took in a 10 year old dog because they wanted a dog that didn't require much exercise, etc. that a young dog needs. She was at a stranger's house for a baby shower and said how nice their dog was. The host actually said, if you want to take him home, he's yours. They took him that week! He was starting to have health issues the owners didn't want to deal with.

I am glad they took him, because he had a nice retirement home for his old age. As a dog owner and lover, it's hard to think of taking him to a shelter. You have to do what's best for your children though.