The dog and baby...... what to do!?

Question

2 months ago i brought my self the most amazing companion in the world. my boy, troy, the rottweiler. ive heard alot of things about these dogs. their nasty, the devils dog, you know all that sort of stuff. only to find out that its all rubbish. the dog is what the owner makes it. and troy is the most loving dog ive ever had. with a baby on the way, everyone is now telling me and my fiance that we should get rid of it because of the baby. i can understand this but their is no way i could get rid of him. i keep telling them all that he want get anywhere near our baby and he will have to be outside.. I'm not stupid i know that. but its really getting on my nerves with them saying i should get rid of him all together. ive looked at videos with rottweilers and baby's together on youtube. so their is people out their who let them mix.

what do you think people?

Answer 1

i brought home premature twins to a rottie...she turned into a great big slobbering nanny.  she was very protective and needed to know where the babies were at all times and would hunt till she found them.  ANY dog properly trained is fine around children/babies.  be sure to show the dog attention as you always have, do not shun the dog or forget him after the baby comes.  keep  a close eye on baby and dog and never leave them unattended (and that goes for ANY animal).  there were many that worried and voiced opinions about my rottie and babies, but actually i really didnt notice or listen.  i trusted my BIG dogs alot more than the little yippy quick to snap small dogs.  any dog can "snap" any dog can bite no matter the size.  i now have another rottie along with a pit/lab mix and my babies are 11.  the dogs still keep a close eye on the "pack" and are ready at a moments notice.

keep a firm hand (i mean training not beating), let the dog know that you are the leader, and be sure to correct behavior you do not want.  

Answer 2

Having a baby doesn't mean you have to get rid of the dog.  It takes some planning, training & preparation, to make sure your dog won't have a difficult time adjusting to the baby.   If your dog has been aggressive at all to children however, that may be another story. Only you know your dog.   Even the best dog needs to be always supervised when around babies and small children--if you're careful and responsible, you can make the change in your family easier for him.  Good luck.

http://dogs.about.com/cs/childrenanddogs...

http://leerburg.com/dogs-babies.htm

http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/AnimalS...

http://www.classick9academy.com/articles...

Answer 3

If he is a well trained dog you have no issues, see how he reacts once the baby is born and go from there.. My mom has a pit bull and I trust her with my childrens life, it just all depends on the dog.

Answer 4

I think what your friends mean is with a new baby coming along, a dog can sometimes get jealous because he will be having less fuss possibly..  I wouldn't get rid of a dog either just because a baby is coming along but i would gradually introduce the dog to the baby so he can used to the sounds and the smells.  I wouldn't leave my baby with a big dog until i was totally sure i could trust him.  Saying this though, you know the dog best so use your initiative, I'm sure you will cope.  Good Luck..

Answer 5

I think that i would NEVER put my baby at risk even if i thought everything will be fine. NEVER!

Answer 6

You need to get him ready for the baby arriving.

I read an article about this once in a dog magazine. There were several suggestions. The ones I can remember were as follows:

Get a CD of a baby crying, and play it at varying volumes at different times of the day. That way he'll get used to it and when the baby cries he wont be freaked out

Buy a doll and begin to treat it like the baby. That way you can train him that when you're holding the baby there are certain things he shouldn't do. ie jump up next to you on the couch, Grab the baby out of your arms, that kind of thing.

When the baby is born your girlfriend will have been away from the house for a couple of days. When she and the baby return to the house you should carry the baby in. The dog sees her as a hunter and if she carries the baby into the house he will think she has returned with the dinner, and that's not ideal. If you carry the baby in and let her greet the dog, he will not associate the baby with food as you wont have been away long enough.

Before the baby comes home bring home one of it's blankets and let the dog sniff it so he will associate the baby's smell with you and not something strange that he must investigate.

As well you need to remember that dogs can become jealous and you and your girlfriend must spend some time each day with him with no baby present.

As he's still a puppy he'll probably adapt really well.

Answer 7

Is your dog a puppy?

If so, then the baby and the dog will grow up together and be the best of friends.

But if he's an older dog then really there is no way of truely knowing his personality at all, you need to know his background.

Personally, i think keeping him away from the baby is the worse thing you can do because that will make him jealous and resentful but if you're unsure of wether to trust him then re-homing is probably the best option but if you want to keep him then just be aware and never leave them alone together and give him lots of fuss when the baby is around.

To be honest, i think its cruel to give a dog a loving home then discard him to outdoors now there is a baby on the way.

Try thinking of whats best for your household, whats best for your baby and whats best for the dog. Stop thinking of yourself!

EDIT: Now that you've said he's a puppy, its easier on you.

Get him socialised, perhaps introduce him to babies and small children before yours is born.

He'll be fine because you'll raise him properly.

Good luck with everything.

Answer 8

I have a border collie and she is great with kids! all my nephews and nieces love her! I know rottweilers are different but I think the key is having them together at a young age! you don't say if you bought yours as a pup? stick to some stern ground rules but also make sure the dog gets to see and smell the baby when you get in that first time, dogs are inquisitive and as long as he has had a look he will loose interest!

Answer 9

If his routine suddenly changes when the baby arrives, like being made to live outside, he will associate the baby with bad things and may be jealous. I would say treat him in exactly the same way you do now, so he knows baby does not affect him in a bad way. The most important thing is to never leave the dog alone in the room with the baby, but this is the case with all dogs, not just rotties. You could also start now getting him used to children. Walk him past the kids playground, and carry treats to give him one every time you hear a baby screaming, so he associates that noise with getting goodies. It is perfectly workable to have a baby and keep your dog, in some ways it will be good for your baby, those who grow up with pets tend to have better immune systems. Chances are he might even bond with the baby and become his or her guardian angel!

Answer 10

i had a rottie years ago before i had kids an it was the most fantastic loving dog, just a great big teddybear. i really dont see why anyone should be worried about a rottie any more than any other dog,all dogs can bite. use your common sense seek expert advice about introducing your dog and never leave it alone with the baby.

Answer 11

A well-socialized Rottie is one of the best and most loving "nannies" around. They have never forgotten their herding past, and absolutely love anything "baby". The only problem I've had in this respect is keeping them from l*****g the skin off of any baby in their path.

Do your research, and call a respected trainer to learn tips on introducing a new baby to the house and never, ever leave your baby unsupervised with any dog.  

Answer 12

When i met my husband he had a 3 yr old rotty, 1 yr later we had a baby and boy they was the best of friends, my daughter and him..it took him 1 week to realize that it was baby as it was new to him, but never did he ever show any signs of wanting to hurt the baby, all i did was have him sniff the babys head, hands, and what not and he came to love the baby..he slept next to her crib and bassinet and didnt let anyone near her that he didnt know..as she grew  up they became the best of friends and followed each other all over the place...Them people that tell you that is so wrong...you do have to remember that you can not ignor the dog when the baby comes to the home as he will become jellous if you put the baby over him...show him as much care then like you do now..when your on the couch with the baby let him lay next to you and the baby, dont yell at him if he wants to sniff or see the baby..Let him interact with the baby as much as possible..You will be amazed how wonderfull he will be with that baby,,,OH AND BTW, DONT JUST THROW THE DOG OUTSIDE AND DONT LET HIM NOT GET NEAR THE BABY AS THIS WILL MAKE HIM JELLOUS

Rotties are wonderfull dogs and can be great with babies..

Answer 13

There are a few things to bare in mind, 1 - did you buy him off a respectable breeder or animal shelter? 2 - if he had a former owner, was he well trained and loved, are you sure he never suffered abuse or was used as a working dog? 3 - Do you both have the time and patience with him so he wont be left on his own? If the answer is yes to all of them, then its unlikely he will become an aggressive dog anymore than a labrador would, rottweilers are one of the most misunderstood dogs, if they've been reared well they can become a loving family pet as you've experienced, but with any dog there are always risks when you have a new baby, it entirely depends on what you both think. If your fiance is unsure in any way, i think you should go with how she feels and sadly give him away, the baby must come first

Answer 14

We had a similar question yesterday.  Always, ALWAYS, closely monitor your dog and child's interaction!  The best behaved pup may accidentally harm the child, and, as the news likes to point out, ANY breed of dog may cause an issue.

A few things to consider-Is your dog an adult dog, and if so, do you have a previous history on him, or a way to contact previous owners to see if he's had issues with children or people before?  And suddenly restricting the dog to the outside after the arrival of your child could cause him to have negative associations with the baby.  Is he neutered?  Neutering can calm any aggressive tendencies he may have.

Don't despair, and don't panic.  Rottis can be wonderful family dogs, loyal and protective.  It's the owners who make 'bad' dogs.  Just monitor his reactions to your new arrival carefully, and never leave dog and child unattended!

Best luck, and congratulations!

Answer 15

I'm my opinion its usually scum that gets a dog like that in the first place. But hey i don't know you so i'm going to assume you're a decent guy. If you want to keep the dog keep it away from the baby at all times until the kid gets old enough. The dog might become jealous and try and hurt the baby or lay on it and suffocate it. Little children and animals don't mix not matter what people say. Sorry to say that but it has happened more then you might think or know that during playtime the kid gets bitten because it, example: pulls on the dogs ears or puts its hands in its mouth.

If it were me personally i would get rid of the dog. I understand that hes your friend but your child should be worth more than anything in the world.

Answer 16

don't do it mate dog like yours hate children, but dogs are like your child they have lives don't get rid of him he loves you very much i can tell just keep him outside :)

Answer 17

Why would you make your dog live outside because of your baby? I would be willing to bet that the dog would be the baby's greatest protector. When my first baby was born we had a Rotty mix. When we brought the baby home, lots of people were coming in and out to see the baby. Our dog, named Clyde, stayed right at the door of the baby's room, and wouldn't let anybody go in unless me or my husband told him that it was ok. It worked out great for us. Best of luck to you, and congrats on your new baby.

Answer 18

You sound like a well rounded kind of bloke & a responsible dog owner. If your Troy is a puppy then I would suggest you don't listen to them. I had the same kind of rubbish spouted to me when I bought my English Bullterrier, only to find they were all wrong. I would however suggest that you do not put him out in the garden. Remember he was there first, & the last thing you want is a jealous Rotti on your hands. There is a lot of psychology involved in dog training & putting him outside every time little one is around could cause problems. Introduce dog & baby, & supervise their contact. If baby & dog bond, wheres the problem? so long as baby is taught not to antagonize him, I can't see there being a problem. Just try not to leave them in a confined space alone together for a long period of time. Prepare Troy for the baby's arrival. When he eats, put your hands in the bowl, knock some of his food on the floor. Sit in his bed, play rough (not too rough, just enough to replicate a toddler) so he gets used to being pulled around a bit without turning him aggressive. Keep him off of your furniture & create a space, such as a kennel or crate that he can go to to get some peace, make sure your child is taught that that is Troys space & no one else's. If you have an adult dog, this is a different kettle of fish. If you know his history & it is all good then the same rules as above will apply, if  you don't know then I would suggest you not put him outside but closely monitor his reactions to your child & go from there. If there is anything in his past to suggest that he has been aggressive towards anyone, or if he was trained as a guard dog it would break my heart but i'd have to put my child's safety first & re-home the dog. At the end of the day your priorities would have to lie with your family. Maybe he could be re-homed with a family member or friend who have no kids. Good luck & remember, your the boss, not the dog. If he knows that, your more than half way there. x

EDIT* He's a pup, well, then don't listen to them, the idiots! My Bully is 14 weeks & as big as an adult Staffie already, mad as a hatter but as soft as the proverbial. My 3 kids (all aged 8 & under) are given the responsibility of giving him his treats when he obeys a command, so naturally he loves them! Good luck again, I don't think you are going to need it though if you take sensible advice. x

Answer 19

The dog might get jealous.

I think you should know in your heart weather the dog would be any bother.

You have to remember, you can have the most well behaved dog in the world, and it can still turn.

A girl i know owns 2 rotties, and she has a 2year old child. She has never had a bit of bother with her dogs, both of which she owned before she had the child.

Good luck. Hope you make a good decision.  :)  

Answer 20

more then likely you will be fine with your dog. has the dog interacting with children before? As hes only a pup he will learn quickly that he needs to be gentle.

I have a 1year old dogue de bordeaux and an 8year old autistic brother, an unlikely pair? the dog is huge, but knows that when he is near my brother he has to stay calm. the dog even had a 5week old baby crawling over him last week!! I was so proud of my dogue and hes only a pup still.

So yeah dont listen to what those morons say, im sure he is was a labrador they would be saying different?

Answer 21

If I was to fall pregnant any time soon there would be no chance in h**l of me getting rid of my 4 dogs I have 3 Bull terriers (english) and a JRT both breeds at some point have had some bad press around kids but I agree with you it is how the dog has been brought up and also how responsible the owner is! I was brought up around dogs and learnt very quickly how to behave around them and I never got bitten or came close for that matter we had 4 dogs a GSD which was a trained guard dog, a lurcher and two JRT's we had more than that at some points too ut when you grow up with dogs the and you learn very quickly how each should behave around each other. If I wound our dogs up and made it snap or growl the dog was never punished, I was because I was aggravating him. My parents never left me alone with the dogs when I was a baby and toddler but as soon as I could tell the dogs off and them take notice of my authority then my parents did leave me alone with them!

Ignore the people telling you what to do it is your life and your choice!

Answer 22

Rottweilers are the most amazing dogs and make such wonderful companions!! they are very lolay and are very protective sometimes a little too over protective! I honestly dont think its a good idea to keep him when your child comes (sorry i know thats hard to hear) but at the end of the day it is not worth taking any sort of chance no matter how small it may be. If you try keep baby/ dog seperated this will lead to later problems such as ur child been afraid of the dog etc..  but more importantly the dog sees u as his master and will do anything to try protect you therefore maybe seeing your child as a threat!

maybe could you 'give' ur dog to a family member/ neighbour where u would still b able to bring him for walks? It might seen a dractic measure but when u see stories like that 2 year old child been savaged by a rottie I think thats warning enough!! No dog is worth risking the safety of your baby for!! just have a look at some of those stories on the internet it should help you make up your mind!

good luck

Answer 23

i have a rottie oscar he is so nice they are not mean who ever says that i a lier and a @#*

Answer 24

My thoughts are that if there is the remotest possibility, why chance it?  Last thing you want to do is be sorry.  As for the breed, that may or may not make a difference - theoretically, any dog could hurt a child - my goal is to let my children grow up a little, and then get a dog, so the dog comes into a home that has children, and will get used to the fact that that is the situation - not the other way around.  good luck with your decision.