Reply to Dog bit toddler -- should I be more worried?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You need to protect the child. But you also need to protect the dog

We have and 8 year old shepherd type dog and an almost three year old kid. I have zero concerns about the dog but here are our rules

Kid is never alone with dog.  Ever. Under any circumstances. If I have to pee, one or the other cones with me or they are separated with a physical barrier.

Kid is never allowed to hit dog. Ever. Under any circumstances. If kid does, immediate consequence is a trip to his room. Same as if he hits me. Has to apologize to dog, just like any other member of the family. No annoying, teasing, tail pulling, etc.

Kids job is to put food in dogs bowl. Dig learns good things come from kid. Kid learns responsibility. Kid isn't allowed near dog while dog eats.

Dog not allowed to run over child. Kid not allowed to run over dog. This took time to learn. For both of them.

Dog crate and dog toys 100% off limits to kid. Non-negotiable.   Kid toys and crib off limits to dog. Non-negotiable.

[/quote]

I like your rules![/quote]

I love these rules too but for a baby like the OPs when did you start these practices?  In particular, what did you do to enforce no hitting before the child could understand that or when?    What about walking over the dog?
When did you start having the kid feed the dog?

I just remove my son from the area when he is too rough, tries to climb over ,play with the dogs toys and I'm guessing that's what you did until 18 months or so?
[/quote]

Not the PP you're quoting.  Just wanted to say that from very early on, in the circumstances you describe (climbing and playing with toys) you can start redirecting at a very young age, just like you would redirect from an unmovable dangerous thing.  When they go toward the dog or a,dog toy, turn them around.  It becomes a part of their life.  18 months is very old to start unless you are just going to keep,separating them.  [/quote]

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