I have a 9 mo. old baby living in my house now. My little dog snaps at her. I

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   mary615posted 12 years ago

   I have a 9 mo. old baby living in my house now.  My little dog snaps at her.  I can't allow that.
   
   How can I teach my little dog not to snap at my baby grandaughter.  I think she is jealous of the baby.

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2. 80

   Brett Winnposted 12 years ago

   If you wish to keep  both the baby and the dog, the safest thing for you to do is to keep the dog separated from the baby until the baby is old enough to understand rules and limitations regarding the dog. Children's body language, unfortunately, is usually opposite that which reassures and soothes dogs. Their direct gaze, full frontal approach, and jerky and unexpected movements (toddler falling down, for example) all are threatening to dogs. You can modify the dog's behavior with lots of extra attention, can hold it on your lap and feed it treats while the baby pets it, etc. but to be truly safe, their interactions should be supervised. Also, the dog should have a "safe place" where it can go to get away from the baby. I recommend a crate. As the child grows, she should be taught that when the dog goes into the crate, that that is her "time out" place and space, and to respect it. The child should be taught not to crawl into the crate with the dog, or to stick her fingers in, or to poke things inside, or to bother the dog in any way.
   
   If you can hang in there until the child is old enough to be taught appropriate body language and respect for the dog, it will probably work out fine,
   
   Also, remember that growling and snapping is a WARNING from the dog. It is communication. The dog did not bite the child ... yet. Take heed of the warning and give each the space they need.
   
   Hope this helps!

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3. 81

   peachpurpleposted 12 years ago

   Keep the dog away from the baby. You may never know when the doggy gets crazy and bite her!

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   cperuzziposted 12 years ago

   Ordinarily, I'd recommend Tabasco sauce on the child's finger tips.  However, given that children are prone to touch their own eyes this will not work.
   
   I agree with what Brett Winn says about separation.  I would also say that you should not get rid of the dog.  This is a matter of training and readjustment.
   
   Train the kid, in the long run, it will be better for the child and they won't do anything stupid in the future like antagonize innocent animals.

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