Introducing an unpredictable dog to the new baby

[stepmum100]

Hi
I have a three yo collie x staff, he seems to be noise reactive to skateboards, footballs, scooters, football studs on concrete and other random things and he gets very barky and lunges.. although thankfully he has never actively gone for anyone. Hes also protective and dislikes some men he sees (no idea why). Anyway hes our baby, he sleeps in our bed, follows my step daughter around (9) but because hes noise sensitive and spoilt im really worried about getting him used to an actual baby, hes very snappy with pups. I already know Im not going to trust him but my husband thinks ill put the dog on edge because he will sense im nervous.
Hes used to having free roam of the house and furniture, although he is very obedient with commands.
Does anyone have any experience in this?
Thanks

You need to start working with the dog well in advance of the baby arriving so that he is used to the new routine and doesn't associate it with the baby.

First thing, the dog cannot sleep in the same room as the baby so you need to get him out of your bed as a priority. You also need boundaries as to where he is allowed in the house. Use dog gates.

He should have his own place where he cannot be disturbed. Sensitive dogs usually prefer somewhere den like under a counter or similar. This is important as if he has somewhere he can go to escape noise he may accept it better.

Find a dog behaviourist to work on reactivity to noise. You cannot risk him nipping a baby as even a nip could be fatal.

Be vigilant to signs of stress in the dog, and remove him from situations where he is getting stressed.

The obvious, never ever leave the baby within reach even if you are in the same room. A dog can move faster than you can.

I have a dog/car reactive collie and I had to get professional help as he was beyond my control. He still isn't 100% safe around other dogs that invade his space and although he is very gentle with the dcs they know they must not touch him unless he approaches them for a pat.

Doesn't sound like a ideal situation, I'd get in a qualified dog behaviourist for a few sessions to give you an unbiased opinion on the risk.

Until you acknowledge he isn't actually your baby you won't get far. .

He sounds very dangerous, and he's not a baby, much less your baby.
I would not have him in a house with an infant, still less a toddler.

Hes not very dangerous, iv said I wont trust him around the baby, I love him but im not stupid. I will take the positive advice and start working with him and putting more boundaries in place and contact a behaviourist so Thank you autumncolours. As for people who had absolutely nothing helpful to say, maybe just dont comment on peoples posts, your advice was invalid and unnecessary and personally I think it was judgemental which is not what people are looking for.

Hi is he a rescue dog? Often rescues can give follow up advice. Our boy is from dogs trust and they have been helpful.

It's not just the noise to consider, it's the smells, change in routine, seeing a baby in your arms, baby being in your room, how unpredictable older babies and toddlers are etc to consider.

You definitely need professional help with this

My dog was quite similar albeit older, he's snappy and narly if he's grumpy, his space is his space. He would also sleep on our bed at night. He was sensitive to noise so we did wonder how he'd react when he brought new baby home.

My dog was giddy around children and hates other dogs, including pups.

One thing we did in advance of baby coming was get him used to sleeping on floor, I didn't want him at the same level as the Moses basket. This worked fine.

We put a blanket in with Baby in hospital and for a few days there and then gave this to the dog to get him used to it.

To be fair the dog pretty much ignored the baby when he was new, he just wasn't interested. As long as he had his cuddles on the sofa he didn't care. I didn't trust him around the baby but to be honest I wouldn't trust any dog around kids, this is just common sense.

We never ever left them alone together, if I was making a cuppa tea, baby would stay in his bouncer in living room and the dog I'd call to the kitchen with me so he didn't feel left out. When I had a shower baby would come with me and the dog would be downstairs somewhere.

The baby is now a toddler, two and a half, and the dog is still the same as before! We've had one incident when the dog nipped him as he pulled his tail, however apart from that they leave each other alone but acknowledge that the other is there.

Thank you dertyyuoih2, your story has helped alot! My dog isnt jealous and hes used to my step daughter but like you id never trust any dog with a baby. He has his den which he knows is his space and like you Ill ensure I juggle them both, iv already started getting him used to sleeping on the floor and he now waits to be invited for a cuddle. Id obviously never rehome him unless I felt there was a real danger, but the blanket idea is brilliant so ill try that!
Thank you for putting my mind at ease with a similar story!