Introducing toddler to dog

[familyissues12345]

Hi,

We have a 7 year old mixed breed, small dog. She generally has a very loving temperament, very people focussed (loves a fuss)

However - we know that as time has gone on, he love of "her people" has meant she can get a bit jealous - she'll jump up and whine at me if someone gives me a hug for example.

She has never ever bitten, but will grumble (growl?) lightly if someone knocks her tail.

Now to today - we have family visiting with a baby and 2 year old. We had made plans to have our dog cared for, but have decided that we can't avoid them being in the same house forever!

To be clear - under no circumstances will the dog and little ones be left alone. Under no circumstances will we allow the toddler to do things to upset our dog.

We have been muzzle training, so have that as a plan. We would only use for short times when dog/child are in the same room - we have enough space that I'll keep our dog with me whilst I'm cooking, away from the guests. However there will be times we'll all be together.

We could leave the dog in another room, but she's likely to get really upset, and I'd rather try and avoid it.

We will at all times have somewhere that dog can bugger off to if she wants to.

So after all of that waffle - any tips on how to introduce them?

Absolutely we can, however we see them very infrequently due to the distance - too far to leave dog at home and not always someone to leave her with - so if we can find a way for them to visit (we can't take dog to them, they have a cat) then that would be good.

To be clear - they are pushing this. Oh and there is no way in a million years I would leave a baby and a dog in the same room. Hence the reason for this thread. I want to get this right.

Put the dog's comfort first and let it be safe in a space it knows away from a child. Children pull ears, tails, are rough unintentionally. The dog should come first.

Thanks all

From what you say about the parents and their possible reaction, there is no way I would have the dog anywhere near their toddler. Even a passing claw could create a scratch on sensitive toddler skin. Keep your dog well away from them.

Well that went really well! She was absolutely fine being allocated an area of the house, just slept on the sofa all afternoon.
We then decided to do a supervised meeting (so she could have a wee in the garden) and she gave him a sniff and a lick then just sat on the grass watching him play for a bit.

Worries over!