Dog snapped at baby, help!

[MilkyCuppa]

Desperately need advice!

I have a 9yo female Pekingese. My baby is 10mo. The dog loves the baby, sits close to him and licks him. On a few occasions the baby has pulled the dog and the dog hasn’t minded. Obviously I discourage this. But over the last few weeks since the baby started to crawl the dog has lunged at him a couple of times. Usually because the dog is next to me and the baby has approached. I resolved this by cuddling the dog while someone else holds the baby, then sending the dog to lie down while I play with the baby.

However the dog has now snapped at the baby unprovoked. The baby crawled up to the dog while she was sitting watching me prepare her dinner, and the dog snapped at the baby’s face and left a pink scratch on his cheek.

There are several issues here. The dog has recently been on a low fat diet prescribed by the vet and always seems very hungry. The dinner was a rare treat of roast chicken. The dog is old and achy and not used to children. Also I’m really struggling with the baby due to him being high needs, clingy and not sleeping. We’re all exhausted with his constant crying and clinging to me. The dog hasn’t had sufficient attention or walks because I can barely cope with the baby. And she has a history of being barky and snappy with other dogs, I keep her on a lead. She has also snapped at an adult’s face in the past - about three years ago she bit DH on the cheek when she was on my lap and he approached.

I immediately considered having the dog PTS. I genuinely love her and it’s breaking my heart but I have to protect my child. I’m worried that if I don’t get rid of her Social Services will attempt to take my child because I haven’t safeguarded him. And I feel sick just thinking about the damage she could have done if I hadn’t been nearby and grabbed the baby. Rehoming isn’t an option, not just because she’s old and bites, but also because she adores me and will pine away.

I fully accept that my dog’s behaviour is due to a lack of training and supervision on my part. I’ve treated her like my baby. Is there anything else I can do before considering having her PTS?

[Nesssie]

Dogs and babies should never be allowed to interact. Doesn't matter how 'cute' it is when the baby pets the dog and the dog rolls over, or that the dog 'tolerates' being pulled. Separate at all time.

[Ycochyn]

I'd rehome the dog. Find a breed rescue group to help you then she can have s home with someone who has no children and more time for her. I speak from experience as we got two of our miniature dachshunds that way. Proper checks were made to make sure we were right for the dogs. They settled in very quickly and are now much loved members of our family 😊

[Branleuse]

id rehome. The dog wouldnt pine for you as much as you probably think.

If you cant rehome, or guarantee that you can keep the dog and child apart, then you have to PTS