Girl, that is one huge dog you have there! Does it stay inside most of the time. I am asking because my DH has a 60 lbs Siberian Husky who lives inside most of the time (especially summer because of the heat). I wan't nervous before, but now I am getting a little nervous about her accidentally hurting the baby. How are you dealing with this?
Re: heidismith or anyone else with a BIG dog!
We have 3 and one is 75 lbs. (Other two are about 40 lbs each).
I am actually more worried about the smaller two (they are much more active and jumpy!) than our big guy. He's a gentle giant and I know he'll be great w/ the baby. The other two will as well, but don't realize how crazy they can get.
I wouldn't worry so much about the SIZE of the dog, but the personality and their training, etc.
Why are you concerned? I would assume you won't leave your baby alone with the dog, ever? because THAT's when accidents happen!
If you are concerned about the dog needing manners, jumping etc, enroll the dog in a training class.
My dog, although a 15 pounder, will "leave it" sit, down etc on command. I have full and complete VERBAL control of my dog.
My friends have a 50ish lb boxer puppy who LOVES their DD and lets her sit on him etc.
I doubt your dog is constantly full of energy thus he shouldn't trample over your child on the floor, but Like I said earlier, a dog is a dog and a dog and child always need to be supervised no matter how small the dog is! If you don't want your dog near the baby on the floor than teach your dog that is what you expect of the dog. Just don't freak out when the dog gets near the baby, it will only cause the dog anxiety and thus could cause the dog to "misbehave" Be calm and collected when teaching him to stay away.
PS: You are married and even if DH had the dog before you were married it is STILL both our your dog, not HIS dog... It's that type of wording I have seen before that leads to DH has to get rid of HIS dog etc... and I fear for your dog if this is the case...
DD#1 born June '09
DD#2 born April '11
TTC #3 as of July '14
No need to be concerned. We are not getting rid of "his" dog. It is out of habit that I call her that and it stems from an inside joke. As I posted directly above your post....DD will not be left alone with the dog.
Check out THIS blog.
PittieBoo has an 85 lber and a 120 lber, and a now 2 year old. That particular post relates to preparing her dogs for babies, but the whole blog has lots of info about the 3 of them interacting.
Plus, she's a regular on Pets if you have more questions.
Just making sure! It is a pet peeve of mine that people get rid of their pets because they had a baby. And I did see your post, but AFTER I typed out and posted mine.
As for the pawing thing, if he is doing it for attention, like when you are sitting down etc, basically don't give him any attention, even negative attention is attention to a dog. The best thing to do would be either to ignore it or get up and walk away.
GL!
DD#1 born June '09
DD#2 born April '11
TTC #3 as of July '14