Dogs

I think that as long as you are not leaving the dogs around the baby while you are not right there with them they will be fine! I am also a firm believer that it is in how you raise a dog. We also have a dobie and he is a big giant baby! They are the most loving dogs! I was afraid at first when my hubby wanted to get one, but now I am so glad we did.

It's a real shame that pit bulls get such a bad rap. I've known a few and they have all been sweet, good dogs. We have 3 dogs (lab mixes) who stay outside most of the time, but when they come in I encourage them to sniff her and let them get used to her and her to them. I think that if your dogs really are good dogs then don't sweat it. You are a family, as you said.
Let me also say that it is important that you and your husband are the "alphas" in the house and the dogs see the baby as one of you. If this is the case and they are submissive and quick to obey than you are fine. If they are aggressive and unruly you could have a problem.
I also want to say that anyone who would "bad parent" you and call for the extermination of a breed of living creatures is way off the mark. Trust your insticts.

I would ignore what other people think about the dogs. They're your dogs and you know their personalities better than anyone. I speak from experience on this. From before my son was born, til he was almost 2, I had 2 full blooded rotties and a rottie/pit mix. They were the BEST dogs! So level headed and calm around everyone...except my hubby who rough housed with them. Even after we brought our son home, the female was VERY VERY gentle. She knew he was a baby. If he cried, she would come sniff to make sure he was ok. They were very protective. And I got the same "advice" from other people you did. I chose to ignore them. The only reason I don't have my dogs anymore is because we had to move to an apartment where there is no room for them. So, I found new homes for them. If I still had the room I'd still have rotties. When we do eventually manage to get a house of our own, I WILL have them again. I also would like a Bull Mastiff. GORGEOUS dogs!

"They are family", your words, And why are you even contemplating this? You said yourself they are protective of your son.

Your Pit might never hurt your child. But these dogs have strong instincts and are not very safe to have around children in genreal. Ive worked as a Child Protection worker for the past three years and if I had a dime for every parent who told me "their" pit has been well taken care of and they thought would never hurt a child, I would be a rich woman. The reality about this breed of dog is that they are unreliable to keep around children. Your dog will be good with children right up until the point where he bites a child. Dog bites are the leading cause of injury to children each year. You have taken good steps in taking safety measures for the dogs and having a place where the dogs can get away from the child if they need to. There is no easy anser to this question. Like I said your dog might never hurt your children. But if you look at the statistics of how frequently Pits turn on people, then ask your self; are you willing to take that chance with you child's safety. ALso, so the research. Ask your pedtrician. . Ask Dog Professionals who know about the behaviors of these breeds. They will probably have a lot more accurate information.

i would keep the dogs. is they are use to ur baby then they will not harm him. you said they are protective over him and that is good. i have a dog who is pit boxer and husky mix and a 2 1/2 year old and 5 month old baby. they are wonderful together like best friends.the dog is very protective over both of them. when my son leaves to spend the night with my mom the dog wines at the door all night and is upset. my son plays rough with her climbing on her back hits her with things rolls around in the floor with her and she never does anything to harm him. the worst she has done is leave a scratch. she obeys him and does what he says so if he wants her outside she goes when he says! it is important that the dog understands that the baby is human just like u and knows that it is to listen and obey. it is good they have exposure at a young age so they get use to each other. so if the baby pulls its ears the dog knows it is only playing not trying to hurt it! as long as the dogs have exposure to the baby and you train them on how to act around your baby they will be fine. dogs usually just respond when they feel threatened and as long as you are around to comfort both the baby and dogs everything should be fine. i would watch them closely at first and make sure they are not trying to harm the baby in any way. the dogs are more than likely curious about what the baby is i know mine was. she would walk slowly up to the baby sniffing trying to figure it out and now she knows she lays in the floor beside him to protects him and when he cries she comes to me to get my attention and walks me to the baby. if you see signs of them not liking the baby (barking or growling when he cries, getting to rough-wanting to nip or bite at him) then keep them away or get rid of them. GOOD LUCK!!

I have to agree w/ the writers that you should NOT at anytime leave the child alone w/ the dog. But even then they can turn on a dime!!!

As you can see that ANY breed of dog can turn for no reason.

At the end of the day.. they are dogs and as attached as you may be to them... You have to think to yourself what is more important my Child or the dogs!!!

This decision as well as others come down to research and asking the opinions of professionals.

Whatever the decision I wish you luck.

P.

ps... All the dog lovers dont tell me Im not a dog lover or I would side w/ the animals. I do love animals, but I would not ever take the chance of there being an incident w/ the child.

T.
I would do whats in your heart. You always hear stories about dogs turning on people. If these dogs have been use to only having your attention then I would be cautious when they are around the child. I have a mixed dog (boxer greatdane) He is great with the babies but I am still cautious because I could not live with myself if anything happened. I would just make sure that someone is always around when the dogs are around
You know whats best so just follow your heart

I too have pits. And the best thing you can do is ignore them or like me waste your breath trying to convince them that the breed is not all it's made out to be. They've been given such a bad wrap that even the mention of the breed makes people quiver. Blue thinks he's a house dog and has to go everywhere the kids go. Including the house, the couch, their bed (he's not allowed in the house).

There is nothing wrong with having your dogs. Your child will grow up to love them and the responsibility of having them. Just enjoy your life the way you want it and don't worry about what everyone else is saying.

Dear T. G:

I've worked with dogs since I was a child and we now have our 2nd Dobie, a Bichon Frise, and a Border Collie - all of whom stay inside, unless they want/need to go out. Every dog is different and like people they go through stages. Should you see them become aggressive there is medicine that your vet can give you. We had to put our first Dobie on it for about 3 weeks and then he calmed down.

If your Dobie has chosen your son you won't find a better protector than the Lord. On the other hand if your Dobie has chosen you, you will need to be watchful. My friend's Dobie has chosen her and when her 2 year old was pitching a fit in her arms he snapped at him, but he didn't bite. My newest Dobie has chosen our grandson, who is also 2 years old. When his parents come to pick him up he tries to get between them and Thatcher. He also wants to play with Thatcher and we have to watch him because he does knock him down, but then he kisses him and they play.

My Bichon is more trouble around my grandson than my Dobie. She tolerates him but we have to watch her because she doesn't want to play. Our Border Collie is a puppy and she's constantly trying to coral Thatcher, to his amusement and aggrivation.

If you have a problem you deal with it. Don't be afraid to talk to your vet about your concerns. Our vet is priceless and never minds answering questions and he understand our dogs are a vital part of our family.

I have dogs myself and have had them when all 3 of my boys were little. Dogs are great friends, and tend to be somewhat protective of the kids. But let me tell you from experience, they can turn on you, the kids, or anyone for that matter and cause bodily harm, if not death. I also knew a woman who was out feeding her rot along with her 2 year old daughter and the dog, who was gentle, sweet and never had done anything harmful to anyone, growled at the daughter, jumped on her, knocking her down, latched onto her neck, shaking her back and forth, took her into his pin, and guarded her from the mother, he was protecting her because she was hurt, even though he had done it, and she ended up passing away because noone could get the her fast enough. The dog was put to sleep!!! Just think about what those animals could do to your child!!!!

You know your dogs, trust that instinct. We had a 6 year old German Shepard when our 1st daughter was born. Major was gentle and protective from day 1. As a toddler she would pull ears and tails, climb on him, put her fingers in his mouth and he remained patient ALWAYS. Not all dogs are so good, but again, trust your instinct.

People are judging your dogs because of the breed, pit bulls have terrible reputations and dobies can be tempermental. ALWAYS be in the room when the dogs and the child are together, other than that just let everyone adjust. You are going to be family for a long time!

T.,

I have a 15 month old and we had 3 dogs when she was born but have since scaled back to 2. our 3rd dog was just a little too hyper for my sanity. Our baby was a preemie and she has never had a reaction to them. She now loves them very much. We have a huge Newfoundland (he's a big teddy bear) and a toy poodle (who sleeps with us). Our dogs are protective of her as well and she hugs on them all the time. We don't keep the poodle blocked off from her but we keep the Newfie blocked off (for his own comfort) because she loves to climb on him and lay on him. He is getting pretty old for a big dog, so we try to give him a break several hours during the day. He never seems to complain though.

I'd keep the dogs. I've seen kids who were terrified of dogs because they were never allowed to be around them. That's pretty sad. Don't worry about what other people are saying about the dogs. We heard it all the time too. Just find a polite way to tell them that you want YOUR child to be pet friendly and the dogs are staying. :) As you know, I'm sure, you should never leave your child in the room with dogs alone. Even our closest family pets can be unpredictable at times. We never want to leave an opportunity for those who warned us to say "I told you so!" (which they will be all to happy to do.

Good luck!
S.

I have two dogs and a two year old. The dogs and my daughter are never alone together. Ever. Crates are the most fantastic thing for dogs. They can be kept inside and be part of the family, but can be safely contained during dinner time. My dogs are both Jack Russel Terrier mixes and can be aggressive at meal times. We are extremely careful and never trust our little dogs because they might bite our child. It wouldn't be the dog's fault if that happens since it is the parent's responsibility to protect the child.

get rid of the pit and the dobie. Do you not read the news? I had a lab the growled at my baby once and that was more than I was willing to take a chance with, the dog was gone within the next two hours. I know this sounds harsh but I would put you on the list of a bad parent if you keep a pit over your babys safty. I think all pits should be put to death. JMO

I am the daughter of a veterinarian. Every dog is different. Some breeds just have a bad rep. especially Pits and Dobermans, because the few that do attack do tremendous damage. And the fact that some creeps fight them. You know your dogs. If anyone says anything ask them if it would be a problem if your dogs were cockers, poodles, or datson. I can tell you from years of working in a veterinarians office those breeds were the worst about wagging one moment and biting the next.
But bottom line people are going to find something to talk about, listen but then make up your own mind.

I agree with everyone who has told you not to listen to everyone else and do what you think is neccessary. I had a doberman when I was very young and he was the best dog that I have ever had, and I have never met a pit bull who wasn't sweet and loving. As a matter of fact, I have never had any problems with big dogs. The only dogs that I have ever been bitten by are small dogs. In my personal opinion, I think that small dogs are afraid of children whereas big dogs are not and that makes them less agressive. If you know the temperment of your dogs then you are best to decide if you should have them with your child. And by the way, Most children are attacked by other peoples dogs not by their own.

My parents have four dogs. They are all mutts. My daughter and I stayed at my parents' house for a while after she was born, so she pretty much came home to a house full of dogs! haha But she LOVES them! She thinks they are hilarious lol

One of the dogs is getting a little aggressive, but he is old. We don't feel that we have to get rid of any of the dogs, that's just silly! We just make sure that she is never alone in a room with any of the dogs. She tries to pet them sometimes, but she grabs their fur and pulls! No dog would like this done to them by anyone! So we just make sure she doesn't hurt them, so they won't hurt her :)

Hello T.
I know how you feel however my dog is little. I worry sometimes she might "turn" on my baby. But i keep them apart.
With having a 8 month old i would definatly keep them away from the baby because he is prolly at the stage where he might like to pinch or do something the dogs don't like. Even the person that will protect you most could turn on ya. As far as getting rid of them, i would fence ya yard if you can if not i would just keep them locked in the kitchen. Maybe you can get a pin and put in on the deck. I know that my dog i love her but my husband and I have already talked that if she acts as if she is getting to jealous or like she might be going to bite the baby that it would hurt but we'd give her to someone we know.
I think you are good for now. Just watch them and don't let them looose when your baby is on the floor or playing in something.

My suggestion is to ensure that your baby boy is supervised and watched 100% of the time if the dogs are in the same room. I love dogs - have owned many through the years, but sometimes instincts rule. I have a little 9 year old pug without an aggressive bone in her stout little body, but when my baby's born, I fully plan on ensuring that she's never alone with him. Just in case.

ignore the people and do what you feel is right...if they pose no threat, then they pose no threat, simple as that....tell people to mind their own business.

You do whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you are not concerned about the dogs hurting him then just ignore what everyone else says. I have 4 dogs, 7 cats, a ferret, a rabbit, and a pig. They are all family and I would not get rid of them unless I thought they would harm my son. Everyone keeps telling me to get rid of my cats but I just watch them closely and make sure they don't get in his face. They are mostly scared of him though so they don't get too close. Good luck with your decision.

I think as long as you are not having problems with the dogs, if they never act different around the baby then it'll be fine. But as soon as they even flinch they should go outside. Most people have a bad misconception about pits and bigger dogs. I had one and everyone told me the same thing but they weren't around her and knew the dog like i did. If you honestly beleive that they would never hurt a fly then i say it is ok just as long as the dogs aren't around the baby unsupervised.

Hi there. This might seem a little cheesy, but I am amazed by "The Dog Whisperer" Ceasar Milan. It's a show that comes on the National Geographics channel. He works with all breeds of dogs, but he does a lot of work with the steriotypical "mean" dogs (ie Rot, dobie, pit, etc) He says they only act in the way has been nurtured by their humans. He also has some books out. He addresses this issue from time to time on the show. If you are interested in his views on dogs and babies you might be able to find info on his website dogpsychologycenter.com. I am not advertising for him, I just think he does great work. Take a look. I hope this helps! A.

Sweetie, don't let everyone tell you what is best for your child. you know best even when it comes to the dogs being near your child. All i ask and suggest, when your dogs are near the baby, watch them and make sure they aren't going to do anything to harm him. I don't believe they would but any dog could turn and do something at the least notion. I think you are doing just great with the situation. Just tell the people that you know what is best for your family and to step down a little. hugs good luck

I would definitely say they both need to be outside. I work in a hospital and I see too very often where the family dog that the family thought would never do anything to the child attacks the child and the family has no idea why this sweet little dog would harm their child.

No matter the bread, a dog "could" turn on anyone at anytime for any reason. None the less, we love them and have them in our home. Dogs are part of our family as well. What I have found to work best is teaching my child what is right and wrong when it comes to playing with the dog. My mom has a 12lb miniture schnauzer. I worry about him more than my 50lb Lab. So, you do what you feel is right and best. We used to raise Dobermans. They are ~WONDERFUL~ dogs. I had one that treated me like her own! LOL!! My brother currently has a pit. She also doens't realize she is a bit dog, much less a pit bull. Good luck and do what you think is best for you and your family.

First of all it is your child and your dogs, you do what you see fit. The way a dog is raised has a lot to do with how they act. There is the chance (do to over breeding) that they can become violent. As long as someone is always around to keep a eye on things, I would say keep them. I wouldn't ever leave the baby alone witht he dogs, no matter what kind of dog. Babies can do things to make a dog bite, that normally would not due to then protecting themselves. Hope I put your mind at ease some what.

Well T., it is a tough situation. I know you love your dogs and consider them part of the family. However, I have always heard that even the most loving pet can turn against you all of a sudden. Do you want to risk something bad happening to your child? Also dogs can be possessive of their owners ... maybe jealous of the baby, and harm him on purpose. If it were me, I wouldn't have the dogs in my house around my baby. You will make the right decision for you and your family.

hey I can see both sides i am a dog lover i have seen dogs that have never harmed anyone i have seen them good as gold your best friend and in a second just like people they also could go haywire i have been around dogs now for 30 years worked in grooming shops hospitals etc i also helped raise dodies in training the best and lovable but could tear your arm off dont get me wrong i love them and i think alot of it has to do with the way they are raised but there is always a chance they could turn if you keep them just always keep your child with you i know they are part of your family if at any dought they might harm your child you should let them be outside dogs mabey if not possible then i wouldnt leave them in reach of the baby

About dogs around babies, I don't think, as long as you keep a close eye on them. Never leave them alone with the dog, because like it's been said and proved before, the gentlest dog in the world could turn at any moment. My mom has 6 cats and a rottweiler and yorkshire terrier. They are both around 3 years old. They grew up around the cats, so they learned early to be gentle with the "kitties". I also had a 7 year old whom the rottweiler simply adored, and protected with her life. As he's grown, it's gotten even stronger (the bond) between them. I also have a 20 month old son as well. I trust those dogs with both my sons. But I always stay within close range.....

i understand your concern and wouldnt worry about it i have always had dogs around even at a young age and i have 3 little ones the ouldest being 4 and the youngest 2 i know there is an age difference but still we have a pit and even tho the youngest smacks and pulls on he he dont seem to think about it my other half did research before we got it and come to find out pit thrive on human companionship theyr agression is towards other animals but thats once they get older but then again it all depends on how the animal is raised but we all love our pit even the kids and he is great with them he even looks in on them when they are sleeping and when they arent here he hangs around their bedroom as if asking where are they he patrols the peremiter of the inside of the house each nite before he lays down

I know exactly what you are going through I have two pitbulls a male and a female I have my male outside in yard i had the same problem as you about him getting out so I put up an electric fence around the bottom and now he doesn't get near it at all that could be one of your option if you for sure want to keep your dogs.. My female stays inside she would go crazy if she was outside all of the time cause she is my lil princess.. But my dogs have never acted out toward my son but I still never do leave him alone in a room with either one of them by himself.. But I feel that should be the way with any type of dog.. Just becuase they are pitbulls does not mean that they are bad dogs.. Punish the deed not the breed!!!