We have a 12 year old mahoosive dog (he outweighs me!) and five kids. The dog has been around for all of them and is another member of the family. He was rock solid with the first three then on number four he growled when the baby started crawling too close/on him. He was 10 then. We treated the growl as a gift of communication and made sure the baby/dog were never in the same place alone. Soon as the baby walked all was fine. I've had loads of kids in and out of our house and never had a problem.
But now he's 12 and he's suddenly become dog aggressive and started whirling round at joggers who get too close. Not barking or snapping but it's clearly aggressive. He's now on the leash at all times. The baby is just about to start crawling and I'm having a bit of a panic. He's a gorgeous old dog and deep down I don't think he would hurt a child as he's never hurt anyone or anything but he seems to be going unstable in his old age. The vet says he's sound but might be starting to get some form of dementia? Anyone else been in a similar position? I think I'm just going to have to keep them as separate as possible but it's hard going with 4 older kids opening and shutting doors etc.
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The doghouse
Old grumpy dog and baby
12 replies
doggonedoolally · 27/04/2017 23:25
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