Is my daughter safe around these dogs?

Question

I have found a new babysitter for my daughter. She is great and has a lot of experience with children. It's not her I'm worried about, but her dogs. She has two MASSIVE rottweilers -I'm talking the female is 100lbs and the male is probably 150lbs, maybe 200lbs. I've called and checked on her today twice, made my husband go over there and "pop in" since he's about 9 miles away at work and I'm about 30 miles.

The babysitter has tried to make me feel easier about it, my husband doesn't think "these dogs are an issue". I still do, no matter what I'm told. I have felt a pit in my stomach all day. The most important person in my life, a two month old baby -is in a house with these dogs.

Let me just say, I'm not against dogs or even this breed. I used to have a pit bull, but even so, all the horror stories and all the experience I have had tells me not to "trust". These are animals and you have to remember they have animal instincts.

We have not been able to pay for a daycare, and pretty much are going on "good faith". But I'm afraid my faith is not enough to stop something horrible from happening. No matter how much she reassures me, I picture the worst happening. I know these dogs are an agressive breed, they are also protective and intelligent. She has told me that the male is onle provoked when he's scared, but what's to say a sudden movement from an infant won't scare him? What will stop them from disfiguring her for life, or worse -killing her?

The babysitter says things have gone fine but who knows if that will change any day? I am afraid to ask her to keep her dogs locked up or outside.

Answer 1

I too would be concerned... from a fellow dog lover and owner of many "Bully" Breeds over the years.

My main concern would be the issue that I have absolutely no idea how these dogs were raised and their destructive abilities are pretty much limitless. Like I mentioned, I have owned many bully breeds over the years, but I still practice a great deal of caution and respect. I'm afraid that I would not allow my daughter to be in such close quarters with them. I would have to find another babysitter or have her resolve the issue and find another place to keep her dogs while my daughter is in her care.

Answer 2

it depends some dogs even if there mean they are very nice around babys they look out for them so i would not worry

Answer 3

I agree with what others have said so far, rottweilers are not necessarily dangerous & it does depend on how they have been raised.  I have two big dogs and have never, ever left my son alone with them...not because they are dangerous but because dogs are pack animals & need to know where they stand in the pack, humans are just part of their pack.  So, my concern would be that the child is never alone with the dogs so they are not tempted to be sure the child understands her place in the pack!

However, the bottom line here is that regardless of her and your husband's assurances you do not feel good about it.  You HAVE to feel good about where you leave your child and how they are being cared for...child care is not cheap but for the most precious thing in your life it's worth every penny.

You have a few choices, either tell her that despite the assurances you cannot stop feeling uneasy & if she could please keep the dog away from your child.  However, she may say "sure" and do whatever she wants!  Another choice is to find another child care provider, or do the math & see if you're working is simply paying for child care & it may be just as cost effective for you to stay home.  Of course I make these suggestions having NO IDEA of your personal situation, so just take it with a grain of salt!!

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

First of all, you're a mama bear and your first priority is the safety of your child. Trust your instinct. There's a reason why you're so upset about it. I'd be sick to my stomach with worry if I were you. You have to know those dogs wouldn't disfigure her -- they'd kill her. Instantly and easily. It doesn't matter the breed or upbringing. Dogs are dogs, god bless them, and they shouldn't be around infants. Period.

Tell her you have nothing against the dogs at all, but you're having a really hard time leaving your daughter with her, knowing they are around. Ask her to leave them in the back yard while your baby is there.

Or maybe look around for another sitter.

Trust your instinct. Even if there is only a .01% chance that they would harm her, that's still too much when it comes to your baby's life, and when the problem can be solved easily by having them placed outside for a few hours a day.

Answer 5

Pit Bulls really are sweet dogs. They are only aggressive when they are raised like that way. It has been said that they love small children. I have small children and babies in my family and they have been around ALL kinds of dogs, even pit bulls. We've never had any problems. It just all depends on how that dog is raised!