![]() ![]() Some experts recommend that the dog become acquainted with your baby's scent even before they meet. This almost always makes a dog less aggressive. And if you haven't done so already, have the dog spayed or neutered. In particular, make sure all of his vaccinations are up-to-date before he comes in contact with your children. Regular veterinary care can help keep your dog gentle and well-behaved. How can I prepare my dog for the arrival of a new baby?Ī healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to bite. If he thinks he's just "one of the kids," he's more likely to bite. He needs to know his place in the family. And don't let him get up on the furniture or beg from the table. Don't wrestle with him or play tug-of-war - these games only encourage him to be more aggressive. If your dog likes to nibble, swat, or pounce on people, redirect him with a ball, stuffed animal, or other dog toy. He should also learn to not growl when someone takes his food. In addition, you should teach him submissive behaviors like rolling over on his back. ![]() A dog that knows the basic commands of "sit," "stay," "come," and "no" will be much easier to control. Good training can help keep most dogs from turning into a biter. If your dog suddenly develops any aggressive behaviors, ask your veterinarian for advice. Even if a dog has been gentle since puppyhood, you should watch for signs of illness or changes in attitude. You won't know much about his history or personality, and you won't have as many chances to shape his behavior. You should also avoid bringing home a dog that's more than four months old. If he acts aggressive, or if he has bitten people in the past, you don't want him near your baby. Whether he's a lab or a Chihuahua, you need to pay close attention to the animal himself. Good "family" breeds include boxers, labs, retrievers, English setters, and English springer spaniels. These dogs may not be completely trustworthy, but they're less likely to attack a child. Some breeds have a more gentle reputation. (Some of the fatal attacks were from pit bulls trained to fight, but children have also been killed by their family pit bulls - dogs whose owners and neighbors described as sweet and loving.) Other aggressive breeds include German shepherds, malamutes, chows, Rottweilers, huskies, and wolf hybrids. In one report, pit bulls alone accounted for about one-third of all fatal dog attacks. Experts advise not letting your baby or child near a pit bull. Still, several breeds of dogs seem to be unusually likely to bite people. Babies and dogs can live together well, but they need supervision and guidance.Īny dog is capable of biting, although a particular dog's behavior has a lot to do with his training and how he was raised - not just his breed. And if you already have a dog, take a few extra steps to prepare for the arrival of a new baby. ![]() If you have a baby in the house, think carefully before adding a dog to the family. Unfortunately, if a dog feels like biting, any child can be a target - including newborns. (And lots of other nips and bites undoubtedly go unreported.) Many dogs bite out of fear, aggression, jealousy, a sense of territory, or even playfulness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 400,000 kids in the United States get medical care for dog bites each year, some of them from the family pet. Unfortunately, the warm feelings aren't always mutual. Even babies want to crawl on the furry member of the family. ![]()
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