My dog lunged at a child. Is it safe to introduce her to my baby?

It sounds like your dog is anxious and uncomfortable around the baby - this is a common problem for many dogs at first. Babies can be very scary to them! By snapping, she is doing her best to defend herself and let you know she is scared. Please do not correct this behavior, as this will only make her more anxious and upset. Instead, listen to what she is telling you and don't allow the baby to approach or bother her. For many dogs, it's best to keep them separated from babies and toddlers using baby gates or other physical barriers until the children are old enough to be gentle and respectful with animals. You can praise her and feed her treats when the baby is nearby to help her associate good things with being around her, but don't allow any direct interaction if your dog is uncomfortable. If you feel that you need more help with this, I would recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate your dog in person. He/she can help you put together a detailed plan to help your dog become more comfortable around the baby and make sure that everyone stays safe. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

Oh goodness. This is a big question. You may want to consider a visit with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. As a veterinarian and a mom I can tell you that is pretty easy to keep them separated the first year of baby’s life, but as they become more mobile the next several years are hard. If you have a dog who as a low bite inhibition, meaning he has already proven he will bite, then the likelihood that he will bite a child is high. Other options are to keep them separated 100% of the time (near impossible in my experience), or to keep a basket muzzle on him any time he has access to the children. I also encourage you to consider the size of the dog - and how powerful and destructive a bite will be to a small child. I have been in your shoes and it is a very hard decision to make. I have also been the mom of the child who was bitten. I encourage you to always put your child’s safety above all else. If you want to discuss this further I would be happy to consult with you. Take care.

It is important to first see a veterinarian to rule out medical causes, and to see if medical therapy is indicated for Charlie’s behaviour if she has bitten people before. It is also very important to seek the advice of a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques, or a veterinary behaviorist, to help curb this behavior. Without training Charlie may indeed cause seruious harm to your boyfriend’s niece or other children. Hopefully she will improve with training and learn what is and is not acceptable behaviour. I would advise keeping her away from children until you have the chance to work with a trainer or behaviourist, and as with any dog, do not leave her unattended around children even after training. See the following link for more tips http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47 Visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/behavioral-help-your-pet for information on how to find behaviour help near you. Ideally you should work directly with a board certified veterinary behaviourist, as they are the experts in the field, and have resources and training available that make them the most likely to be able to help Charlie. See the following link for more information http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/ .

You have to do what is best for your family. All dogs, whether trusted or not, should always be under direct supervision around babies. I would recommend that you have Jack evaluated by a veterinary behaviorist. The vet will be able to help you work on behavior modification and give you guidance on what changes need to be made before the baby comes. Use this link to find a veterinary behaviorist near you: https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709

That is very concerning and I, personally, don't think it is worth the risk to your baby. I don't think you will ever be able to trust him around your baby and it might even get worse as the baby gets older and starts running around and pulling on the dog. I would take the dog back and find another dog that is more tolerant of babies.

It would be a very simailar introduction process yes. I have two young children and two dogs as well and the best advice I have is slow and steady. As much as you trust and live your dogs also, do not leave them in the room unattended with the baby. The most difficult time will actually be once your baby is mobile. Please post another question then and I will guide you through the issues of that time. Make sure your dogs don't feel pushed out when baby arrives. Offer them chews and toys in the same room as you while you feed the new baby. Take them for walks while you push the stroller. Make them feel secure and included as mcuha s you can. I find this book very useful; https://books.google.com/books/about/Living_with_Kids_and_Dogs_Without_Losing.html?id=TvizDEJ8yYUC

I can certainly understand being worried about your daughter's safety around an aggressive dog. She is not safe around him, as he could hurt her greatly, and I would speak to your parents's about your concerns over his aggression. Make a list of incidences where he has shown aggression (documented behavior) as proof of his aggression. If they still won't listen to reason, then I would consider finding alternative childcare while you are at work. If they do listen to your and your concerns, then I would take to them about having their dog start in training with a professional behavior expert ASAP. I never recommend owners try to train an aggressive dog due to safety issues, it should only be left to a professional. Their vet can give them a recommendation to one. Another thing to consider is if he isn't neutered. That can contribute to aggression, and he should be neutered as well.