Your baby\u2019s first attempts at crawling and walking are no doubt some of the most exciting and joyful moments.\u00a0 But that joy can quickly turn to fear when your dog unexpectedly turns and growls at your baby.<\/p>\n
It is likely that your dog has not adjusted to the new arrival.\u00a0 However, newborns are not mobile.\u00a0 Once your baby<\/a> begins to move around, your dog may feel more than uncomfortable.\u00a0 Crawling can be the trigger that pushes your dog to display their discomfort.\u00a0 Up until now, if your dog did not want to be around the baby, they could leave.\u00a0 Now that your baby is mobile, the ability to flee is reduced.\u00a0 If a dog is unable to flee, he or she may resort to fighting.<\/p>\n There are also breeds that are known for being mouthy.\u00a0 Many herding breeds nip at faces.\u00a0 This is an entirely different problem, but also needs intervention.\u00a0 These breeds often herd children, a trait that has been bred into the dog over many years.\u00a0 Breeds that are active working dogs, often need a job to do.<\/p>\n Crawling may also expose resource-guarding issues in many dogs.\u00a0 Dogs are naturally prone to guarding their toys, bones, and food.\u00a0 They may also guard furniture and people.\u00a0 A crawling child may inadvertently get too close to a coveted object, and a bite may result.<\/p>\n Take any signs of discomfort seriously.\u00a0 Many owners see the first bite as coming suddenly, or without warning.\u00a0 When questioning dog owners, you often find is a dog that has been avoiding the newborn, or the dog has been taking their toys and bones into hiding.\u00a0 Look for subtle signs that your dog is not comfortable.\u00a0 Take any overt signs seriously and act immediately by obtaining professional guidance.<\/p>\n Think ahead.\u00a0 Even if your dog loves to be hugged by your toddler, you may want to discourage hugging.\u00a0 Children at this age will attempt to hug all dogs, and other dogs may not be as welcoming.<\/p>\n Watch your mobile toddler carefully.\u00a0 Children will often pull on a dog\u2019s ears or tail.\u00a0 Some will even go through biting stages.\u00a0 Intervene when necessary.\u00a0 Most dogs will not put up with pain.<\/p>\n Supervise, supervise, supervise.\u00a0 All dogs have the potential to bite, and this is a critical stage when it comes to babies and dogs.\u00a0 This is a common time for families to see problems develop.<\/p>\n Bite Prevention exercises are by far the most effective way of reducing the chances of a dog bite.\u00a0 Programs are available from many trainers, and are a valuable source of information.\u00a0 Look for programs that are dog friendly, and based in positive reinforcement.\u00a0 Dog training has come a long way in the last decade.<\/p>\n Give your dog a job.\u00a0 A dog that works their mind and their body is easier to handle, and more relaxed.\u00a0 Find something that you and your dog can enjoy doing with your baby\/toddler.\u00a0 Many dogs enjoy retrieving dropped objects \u2013 a game similar to fetch.\u00a0 Other dogs seem to enjoy learning new tricks that are bound to amuse your growing baby.<\/p>\n Dog parks are great, but not for your baby.\u00a0 Get someone to look after your baby if you go to an off leash park<\/a>.\u00a0 Although most dogs are friendly at these types of parks, there are some that are not.\u00a0 Avoid the chance that something might happen.<\/p>\nThings dog owners should do now:<\/h2>\n