My dog nipped at 7 mo. old baby

tlucca · 02-10-2009, 06:59 PM

Hi all,

I have a 4 year old lab mix male, that is definitely an alpha male type. He is aggressive on leash with other dogs. He is also fairly skittish. He has gotten much better and we have worked with a behaviourist about his alpha tendencies.

We have a 7 month old baby that is just starting to crawl. the dog seems to respect the baby and there have been no problems so far. Today when I had the baby on the floor (I was playing with him), I tried having the dog come over while we were playing. the dog lied down next to the baby. When the baby reached over for the dog, he growled and nipped at her, then immediately got up and went away. He didnt bite down or anything, but the situation made me very fearful.

We would obviously never leave the baby and dog alone in any circumstance. the dog usually seems well behaved around the baby. Is there some way to get the dog more used to the baby? I know in a few months he will be walking and this could pose as a threat to the baby.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

Vegas's Mom · 02-10-2009, 07:16 PM

a skittish alpha male dog doesnt sound like a good match for a 7 month old. Any high pitched noise could set your dog off out of fear...and fear leads to dog bites in some cases. I would keep your child away from the dog and talk to a specialist.

wvasko · 02-11-2009, 08:10 AM

Also a squeal can set off predatory stuff. Do not call dog over to baby unless baby is on a serving platter for dog's dinner. I know that sounds terrible but just think about what your post said, alpha dog-7 month old baby on floor next to each other. I have no idea whether dog is alpha or scared or whatever else it could be. Do not trust dog and baby together.

zimandtakandgrrandmimi · 02-11-2009, 08:55 AM

first thing I would say is reassess the whole alpha thing. Its not going to help you in this situation IMO.

Second thing. what Wvasko said. Baby should not be on the floor with the dog. Even the friendliest dog has the potential to harm a baby without meaning to. they use their mouths like we use our hands. they are far rougher with their babies and may think its ok to be that way with human baby too.