bad behavior with baby

[scott]

this situation is getting serious. My 2yo Pom, whom I absolutely love, has bitten my 18mo child twice. both times on the lip, drawn blood. not serious, no stiches. As much as I love this dog, one more time and he is gone.
My son is at the age where he is climbing on the couch and jumping up and down, and he approaches the dog and puts his face in his face. I grabbed for the dog last night to prevent this from happening, but he was too quick. What can I do to stop this aggressive behavior? It was just 3 weeks ago the dog was letting the baby hug him and pet him, and now he has gotten protective.
I need some help.

[Kim]

I would find a dog behaviorist before I gave up on him. I know there are others on here at PDG that can help you more than I can, though! I feel for your situation...good luck!

[bernicesmama]

I wish i had something to tell you , I am pregnant with my first child so no help here.

the only thing I can think of is the same as kim, seek a dog behaviorist.

there will be plenty of members who have been through this to help you though. good luck.

[Dax]

I would give the dog a "baby free" zone. It's obvious that the dog does not want the child close to him. Giving him a place in the house using baby gates, etc would allow you to have a little piece of mind.

I would also get a behaviorist involved and perhaps use a muzzle on the dog during times that the baby is active.

Once the child is a little older, I would get them to feed the dog and establish their superiority in the pack with them (N.I.L.F.) but in the mean time, you must take extra precautions to avoid problems.

[Kim]

Great advice, Dax! Knew we could count on you!

[scott]

we have gates up, and I just enrolled the dog in an 8wk course at Petsmart.
Seems my wife and I have made some mistakes in how we treat the dogs around the child, who is highly intelligent,and thinks he can do as we do. So many things change when the baby comes along.

[Trace]

I would take the dog to the vets and just have them give him a once over - just in case there is something that is hurting him tat your child may be grabbing.

Start working on your child - two is old enough to start taking directions - they need to learn not in the dogs face please.

Give your dog a kid free zone.

Never leave them alone.

If non of this works - it might be time to look for a kid free home for your dog.

[whimzikal]

The training class sounds good for the dog, but the child also needs some 'training'. Kids need to learn early on how to properly act with a dog. Now is a good time to start Not that the baby is doing anything 'wrong' but he should be taught to respect the dog and vise versa. Maybe keep the dog off the furniture if the baby is on it. Also when the baby is 'rambunctious' put the dog in another room, gated, with a yummy treat. This way the dog isn't being punished and the baby can let loose

[dogcraz_ee]

I hope it all works out for you all and baby and your dog. Some work and I feel the dog can learn bounderies, leave baby alone, no jealously, etc. It does take some time and work to achieve this all but truly possible.