Dogs around baby

[corrine546]

Hello, I’m new here and a first time Mummy but really wanted some opinions on something that’s happened.

I have a 4 month old son and since he was born, my Mum has always came to my house to visit him and has never been an issue. I have said to her a few times before that I won’t go round hers because she has a Labrador x Rottweiler who is still a puppy and is very jumpy. The dog jumps up on you and all over the sofa especially if you’re sat down. All of a sudden, my Mum decides that she’s outraged I don’t go over her house and starts an argument with me that I’m out of order for not taking him round to her house, I’m not a nice person and I’m treating her like rubbish.

All I’m concerned about is the dog jumping up and hurting my son in some way. You can never fully trust a dog and I feel like I’m being guilt tripped into taking him over to her house. If I don’t feel comfortable, surely I have a right as his Mum to say no?

Please can anyone say what their take is on this? I feel like I’m losing a battle!

I am a through and through dog person, and I would never ever trust a dog around babies / small kids as a generalization.

Not worth the risk .

If I were you I'd visit on the basis the dog is secured in a crate / kennel / utility room / kitchen - separated by a door or a baby gate OR is well behaved enough to be on a mat on the floor in a "place stay" on the lead if necessary .

I wouldn't ever want such a large dog around a baby that I do not know exceptionally well / is not a trained service animal or with a proven very high level of obedience .

It's your baby and it's entirely up to you with what you are comfortable with . Do not feel pressured . Hopefully you can have an open and honest conversation.

I like dogs very much but you need to prioritise your baby. If your mum can’t respect your wishes, she doesn’t see your baby.

You're the mum and what you say goes. I'd be worried with a dog jumping up too, it's not worth the risk. Surely she'd be ok with putting them in another room or behind a gate? I don't think that's too much to ask

I have a friend whose baby was mauled by their family dog. You never know what could trigger their instincts.

Our youngest is 8 and we can’t go over to in laws a lot anymore because of a similar breed dog. He’s a dote but he once properly growled at one of the kids and for the first time ever I saw sil look worried. The next time they had him out when we were in. It’s not fair to the kids or the dog so we just don’t go over. It’s sad but it is mostly their idea, they jump to come over to us for a short amount of time instead and I’m relieved they’re on board. Definitely stand your ground. Don’t even, just say nothing or shrug or change the subject!!

This is one of those 'zero fail' events, where the impact is so high of it going wrong that the likelihood of it happening does not really matter - just not worth the risk.
Most owners in dog attack situations will say 'oh fluffy is such a sweetheart they would not hurt a fly'. Rubbish! Every dog is safe until they are not. The size of that dog means the impact of any issues is really high!
If it was a chihuahua I would likely feel a little different but as it is - just tell your mum to pipe down, or deal with not seeing her grandchild. She can moan but it you are in charge here. Be strong! Xx

Can she not just shut the dog out while you're there? Not going to your mums house at all in 4 months does sound a bit mad unless you've had a falling out or something. On the other hand, if she won't shut the dog out or keep it on a lead and is completely in denial about the risks yes absolutely don't go if you don't feel comfortable. I'd suggest trying to find a workable solution rather than perpetuating the argument though.

The issue isn't just that the DDog is La large puppy it's also that your DM clearly isn't doing enough training and that she's then guilt tripping you.

Do not be guilted into taking your LO around. If she wants to see your LO she can come around to yours, but without her DDog.