Would you let a husky around your baby?

DEBBIE33CASEY

My sister occassionally babysits for me when I'm desperate for a babysitter.  She has a 1 1/2 year old husky. He is high energy and she lives in a one bedroom apartment with a small yard, so I know that dog isn't getting enough exercise.  When DD was younger I told her the pup had to stay locked in her bedroom but the past few times I've come over to pick up DD the dog is hanging out with them in the living room and she posts pics on FB of DD and he dog.

I know I would never forgive myself if something DID happen. Am I overreacting my telling her that the dog has to stay locked up and risk having no babysitter or is it totally reasonable that I make the dog and baby keep a distance?

jbl126

I have a husky who is 5  now and still very active and hyper.  And she is so great around the girls.  They are known to be family friendly dogs.  My only problem is that my dog is a licker so she is constantly trying to lick the girls.  But she lets them pull on her and she does nothing.  Just make sure your sister does not leave your LO alone with the dog.  It is still a dog and not to be trusted alone.

katekirschner

could you spend time with your sister and LO with the dog around and see how they interact together? our dog is not a husky but a 1 1/2 yo lab mix who's about 50 lbs and he is great with DD and also lets her pull up on him ect...

mrs.tashnash

If it makes you uncomfortable it makes you uncomfortable it is what it is.

I personally would have no problem with it. DS is around dogs all the time though and we have a small dog of our own. I like to have him around different kinds of dogs because it gets him used to them so he's not afraid but I'm always sure to keep and eye on him.

I'm sure your sister is being responsible but maybe talk to her about it and it might put you more at ease.

Mrs.21

This will probably get me flamed, but no I would not feel comfortable with that. But I don't like any dogs around my DS, regardless of breed.

I think the bigger problem here is that your SIL didn't ask you if it was ok to let the dog near your DD. I would be livid. 

AutumnBride929

It probably wouldn't bother me, normally (I'll explain), I would just make sure to tell her to be careful about leaving the baby unattended with the dog around (aka don't do it, lol).

Now, I would want to the dog away or I would just not let someone with a dog watch LO.  I only say that because of a little mishap that occurred at ILs with their stupid lab (DS was napping on their bed and the dog walked into the bedroom and jumped up onto the bed and scratched DS' head).  Now, I'm freaked out about dogs around DS.  My mom has a rottie and he is much more mild-mannered than the lab but... it still makes me nervous.  I'm just way more careful about it now.

Cityplanner

I would let a husky around my baby, but not a husky whose owner couldn't control it.  I don't think the breed is the issue, it's the behavior of the individual dog in question.

It's not clear from what you say how the dog interacts with your LO.  Underexercised is a bad fact.  Does your sister monitor the dog?  How does the dog act around the baby?  Is it uncontrolled?

I agree with everyone else though, the fact that you've told your sister one thing and she disregards it is a big problem.  

chiromommyMichelle

It really depends on the dog.  I sort of have two...they're with my ex husband, because I JUST bought a new house and he kept them for me while renting over the last few years.  The plan was that I'd take them after I got a house.  Didn't expect to have a new baby  so soon, and now I'm in a quandary.  One is amazing and I have no concerns whatsoever about him being around Jake, but the other one is much more energetic and busy.  He's never done anything to anyone or toward any child, but my gut just says he wouldn't be a good fit for a house with an infant or small child.  The dogs are brothers, so I'm really torn on what's best for them also.  I hate to separate them, but I really want my trustworthy dog!