Visiting a home with a dog - baby in tow

Kayl06

So you want the dog to be locked in the kitchen for hours whilst listening to everyone enjoy themselves? He hasn't even done anything wrong!

When my dog gets excited he forgets basic commands, doesn't mean he isn't well looked after. The majority of dogs that i have met have been the same and i see no problem with it.

The dog is going to meet your child at some point so why not do it now?
I could understand if it was a much bigger and stronger dog but a schnauzer is pretty easy to control and doesn't pose much of a risk.

emlou2009

i dont think its right to assume a dog is easy to control because of the breed and size of it. i've heard of jack russells and chihuahuas (however you spell it!) mauling people and causing considerable bodily damage?

not really something that can be commented on without knowing the actual dog. they are all different, as are humans.

GemmaB78

This is a really tricky situation to be in. First of all, I feel very sorry for the dog. Not specifically for the Christmas situation, but in general. To be owned by someone who doesn't give it the exercise and training it needs - it's no wonder it barks all the time. That must be one very confused dog.

I also feel for the OP. If I had children I wouldn't take them into that situation - and I'm a dog owner. It's a tough one to call. Do you shut the poor confused dog out of the room before they've had the chance to do anything wrong. Or do you potentially put the child into a risky situation? I think the idea of having the dog on a lead might work. Also taking them out for a walk together. Tire the dog out so that it wants to sleep when it gets back. Does the dog have a crate that it could be put into.

My niece who is now over a year old has never been to visit us in our house - because her dad (my brother-in-law) has a similar fear of dogs that the OP's OH has. He won't allow her here. Both myself, my OH and my sister are frustrated with the situation and concerned that niece will grow up with the same fear. Granted, my younger dog is only 2 years old and still quite boisterous. But also well trained and will sit/go to bed if needed. She has also met other people's kids and there haven't been any problems. I would be quite prepared to control the dogs, or even shut them into the kitchen if they were causing a problem, but BIL won't allow it. So how is niece supposed to learn that dogs are to be respected, treated nicely, but nothing to be scared of, and do infact give the BEST cuddles?

lostinrates

I wonder if you can talk to your brother, or his partner, before the visit..casually, letting them know that you are looing forwatrd to the visit and that you want it to be ok for the dog but reminding them of your concerns? The chances are your brother doesn't want the dog worried either.

FWIW, I wouldn't let our dogs mither around babies either: while I'm pretty happy they'd probably be enchanted, the probably is a big gamble. We have a baby gate, which they respect. They HATE being locked away from visitors, but the baby gate lets them feel included.

The walk is actually a super idea...IMO, allowing the dog to burn off some steam (as well as the family) and to feel partof the whole thing.

Some time in the room n a lead is also worth considering, remember that n first being introduced the dog is liable to be bubbly and effusive....it would be best to try and work through that for the nervous people and the sake of the dog really, if possible.

I hope its a happy family day: planning will help IMO.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

1. The baby is probably startled by loud noises, not frightened (they have to be taught that bit)

2. Dogs don't generally make a habit of scaring children. They're just dogs. They are interested, as they smell different and make noises, but they aren't seen as a viable food source when the only food they have known comes out of a can.

3. Your OH is probably making this a million times worse. He needs socialising with a dog more than the other way around.

4. Your family are probably thinking that you are - dare I say it? - overreacting a touch and will be much happier if you all go there, see the dog doesn't try to eat the baby and chill out a bit.

Obviously, don't leave the baby unattended with the dog (I do suspect that there a couple of rather anxious parents here, tbh, so that it somewhat unlikely), but I think being relaxed around the dog will be more useful than fussing and sweeping the baby up and away from the scary mutt as soon as it makes the slightest noise.

You'll be fine. Your family knows this. Your OH doesn't. So he needs to learn first and foremost or there is a good chance that your baby will end up scared because she is being taught by him that dogs are nasty scary things.

Happy Christmas!

mikey72

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

1. The baby is probably startled by loud noises, not frightened (they have to be taught that bit)

2. Dogs don't generally make a habit of scaring children. They're just dogs. They are interested, as they smell different and make noises, but they aren't seen as a viable food source when the only food they have known comes out of a can.

3. Your OH is probably making this a million times worse. He needs socialising with a dog more than the other way around.

4. Your family are probably thinking that you are - dare I say it? - overreacting a touch and will be much happier if you all go there, see the dog doesn't try to eat the baby and chill out a bit.

Obviously, don't leave the baby unattended with the dog (I do suspect that there a couple of rather anxious parents here, tbh, so that it somewhat unlikely), but I think being relaxed around the dog will be more useful than fussing and sweeping the baby up and away from the scary mutt as soon as it makes the slightest noise.

You'll be fine. Your family knows this. Your OH doesn't. So he needs to learn first and foremost or there is a good chance that your baby will end up scared because she is being taught by him that dogs are nasty scary things.

Happy Christmas!

I've love to see you in the lion enclosure at London Zoo, remember, all their meat comes from dead animals. (Obviously with your arms and legs tied, so you have the same motor skills as the baby)
You'd be fine, I know this.
Happy Christmas

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

mikey72 wrote: »

I've love to see you in the lion enclosure at London Zoo, remember, all their meat comes from dead animals. (Obviously with your arms and legs tied, so you have the same motor skills as the baby)
You'd be fine, I know this.
Happy Christmas

Well, my dear, I don't think I was suggesting that they have Christmas in a lion enclosure with a baby. And they obviously have enough common sense not to leave their child alone anyway.

mikey72

I guess you have mis-understood.
I was suggesting putting you in a lion enclosure, but not with a baby.

mrcol1000

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

1. The baby is probably startled by loud noises, not frightened (they have to be taught that bit)

2. Dogs don't generally make a habit of scaring children. They're just dogs. They are interested, as they smell different and make noises, but they aren't seen as a viable food source when the only food they have known comes out of a can.

3. Your OH is probably making this a million times worse. He needs socialising with a dog more than the other way around.

4. Your family are probably thinking that you are - dare I say it? - overreacting a touch and will be much happier if you all go there, see the dog doesn't try to eat the baby and chill out a bit.

Obviously, don't leave the baby unattended with the dog (I do suspect that there a couple of rather anxious parents here, tbh, so that it somewhat unlikely), but I think being relaxed around the dog will be more useful than fussing and sweeping the baby up and away from the scary mutt as soon as it makes the slightest noise.

You'll be fine. Your family knows this. Your OH doesn't. So he needs to learn first and foremost or there is a good chance that your baby will end up scared because she is being taught by him that dogs are nasty scary things.

Happy Christmas!

I don't think the OP was stupid enough to think the dog will eat the child. However there is a good chance the dog will nip the child which I am sure your agree would not be a good thing?
By the sound of it the dog does not know its place in the household so bringing in something forgien into its household is going to put it defensive. Your attudie above is exactly why this dog is the way it is Trying to shift the blame from the owner to people around it. Owners who try and justify their dog attacking someone in the street because "the dog doesn't like people with hats".
Unless someone is coming through the window during the night there is no excuse for dogs showing agression to people and the OP should be able to visit without being scared of the dog. Every owner has a duty to ensure their dog does not cause a nusiance to people.

Hintza

This is obviously an issue even before the event.

If it was me I would play it by ear (bearing in mind it is someone elses home) keep a close eye on the dog and the baby but hopefully they can meet and the dog and the baby will learn from the experience. Obviously you need to be careful but take it one step at a time.

Sounds like the dog hasn't been properly socialised and is a bit of a pain. But you also want to ensure that the baby is socialised and meets as many other people/animals as well.

Try not to make it a huge issue though which will cause a family fall out on Christmas day.