Babies and dogs

Christina_Diane

It's been a long time since I've posted here, but I'm looking for some advice. We have an APBT that we rescues a couple years ago and an almost 10 month old baby. Out pit is about 3 years old, and she loves DS like no other. However, now that he is more mobile, he is very interested in her and his petting is more of hitting or pulling. We are trying to teach him "nice" and "gentle," but I think it will take a while for him to grasp it. The second he pulls, grabs, or hits, we end their interaction. In the meantime, we make sure we praise Zoey when he pets her. She also must be sitting or laying when he pets her. Any other ideas?

 

RedheadBaker

I think you're doing everything right. I would just keep an eye on your dog's body language and if she seems stressed (averting her eyes, licking her lips, etc.), give her some time alone in a baby-free zone. 

Christina_Diane

Thanks. So far she is amazing with him. It is actually him that I am worried about because I don't want him pulling, grabbing, and hitting her, but I have no clue how to teach that to a 10 month old. 

RedheadBaker

Christina_Diane:

Thanks. So far she is amazing with him. It is actually him that I am worried about because I don't want him pulling, grabbing, and hitting her, but I have no clue how to teach that to a 10 month old. 

At 10 months, you really can't. It's more about prevention, redirection and distraction. 

My son is 14 months old now, and while he knows he should gently stroke the dogs on their sides, he will forget and start smacking them on the head -- I'm always right there to stop him, and I know it will be a while before he truly knows how to interact with a dog, and consistently does it correctly.

nital

We did the same thing, if Abigail was rough, the dogs went away.  She learned she had to pet nice if she wanted to be around the dogs.  

I would also sometimes hold her hand and show her how to pet nice