Is this dog a risk?

[MooseyMouse]

Hi everyone

I'd like to ask for some advice. I know nothing about dogs. I've never had one. Never knew any growing up. I don't mind them but I wouldn't know how to look after one or how to train it.

I have kids aged 7, 4 and 18 months. The 7 year old is very scared of dogs with two exceptions (two of his friends have dogs he likes). The 4 year old adores dogs - all of them! I've tried to teach both some dog safety based on a website. The 7 yr old is learning to be calm around dogs (even if he's scared) and the four year old is learning not to approach strange dogs and not to overwhelm them.

Our good friends have a staffy/Rottweiler cross. She is calm, soppy and nice to be around. Both my seven year old and my four year old love her. The dog lives with a nine year old and a four year old.

Anyway, to get to the problem. The last three times we have visited she has growled at my 18 month old. I've never seen her display aggression to anyone else. I don't think he has provoked her but I'm not sure. We're always there with him (never unsupervised) but I'm scared something could happen in the blink of an eye.

What should I do? Should the owners train her? Should I "train" my son? I really don't know how serious this is but it's scaring me. She's a big dog and at the moment we're avoiding taking him to visit them.

Thanks for your advice.

[GinAndaDashOfLime]

I'd stay away tbh .. Or ask your friend to lock the dog up while you're there, or meet at your house without the dog? Being in the same room won't protect your baby because IF he attacks it'd be in the blink of an eye. I reckon it's because the dog isn't used to the more unpredictable movements of babies / toddlers. Well, whatever the reason, if it was me I'd steer well clear!!

[tabulahrasa]

What did your friends say about it?

[MooseyMouse]

Thanks Gin.

Tab - they told the dog off. They are confused by her behaviour. I'm sure they'd lock her away when we visit if I asked.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I'd keep them apart personally. The dog is probably a bit scared of your toddler, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. When my niece visits, I keep my dogs behind a stair gate. They have never shown any aggression to anyone, but I won't risk it. I don't want to have to see her hurt because I've taken my eye off the ball.

[Lilcamper]

They shouldn't be tellng the dog off for growling. She is letting them know she is not happy and they need to listen to her. Take away her ability to growl and how else will she express her displeasure?

[cathpip]

My bosses dog was exactly the same, hated children under the age of 2. Couldn't blame her really they do have a habit of poking and pulling but then that's what an under 2 does! I just kept them completely separate and at no time left my ds unsupervised. Funnily enough said dog now adores my ds (now 4) and they spend many an afternoon snuggling on the sofa:)

[tabulahrasa]

If they're confused by it - I'd just keep them apart when you visit, the dog's clearly unhappy with your DS being there and will be happier out of the way and it eliminates any chance of it escalating into something worse than growling.

I just wondered if they knew what set him off or if he's just a chatty dog - I've got a rottie and they're fairly vocal when they're playing for instance.

But if it's not usual behaviour or something that they know upsets the dog, it's better to just avoid the situation.

[onemoredayplease]

Avoid. I would ask for the dog to be kept seperate. For whatever reason its not happy and it is telling you that. Ive had dogs all my life and would not risk this.

[MooseyMouse]

Thanks everyone for your advice. We'll ask them to keep the dog separate when we visit. Thank you.

[Jolleigh]

The risk isn't worth it with any dog to be honest.

I'm expecting my first DC March next year and I've already started to work out how many baby gates I need to make sure my spaniel is never near the baby.

My dog doesn't like other dogs but adores people. I've unfortunately had to pry him off another dog in the past when the dog trainer who I hired to help with this issue dropped the lead. It happened too quickly for anyone to have stopped it.

I'd suggest you have a chat with your friend. Dogs often don't like the way babies and small children move, so I'd discuss whether she'd be comfortable you bringing a baby gate with you to keep doggy separate from anyone under 5. If she isn't. ..play dates are at your house.

The only way you'll KNOW if the dog poses a threat is after it's attacked someone.