Dog with Strong Prey Drive

Randi1024 · April 2015

We have a dog that has a very strong prey drive (gets fixated on small animals/wants to kill them). She has been around toddlers and has been fine with them. I'm worried about how she'll be around a newborn. We will of course be very vigilant and never leave baby unattended with the dog. I'm hoping some of you can share a similar experience and how it all worked out when baby came home.

furelise93 · April 2015

I'm pregnant with my first child so I can't tell you from experience with my own children, but I have a German Pinscher and the breed has a very high prey drive. I take him out on walks and if he sees a squirrel, he becomes fixated on it and will take after it, and moles who decide to come into the backyard never make it out alive. :-/

When he is around children, he LOVES them. He is SO great with them. He lets them crawl all over him, let's them pull his ears -- everything. He has been around my newborn nieces, and he's just very curious (will sniff of them), and then he sits next to whoever is holding the baby and will fall asleep. It is the sweetest thing ever! I say all of that to say that I don't think you have to worry about your dog around your child. Of course I wouldn't ever leave any of my dogs alone with my child, but I don't think you'll have to worry about your dog because it has a high prey drive. Who knows -- your dog will probably love your child and be very protective of your baby!

DeeGreer · April 2015

I've actually got the same worry but with my cat. It sounds ridiculous but a 16 pound Maine coon mix pouncing on my baby is terrifying. He loves people but he's never been around children.

erinboehme · April 2015

I have an untrained hunting dog breed, so of course he brings home bunnies and birds in his mouth that he hunted down. He chases moose and bears. I also have 4 kids that he loves to death and cuddles up with and whines about when they're gone.

melalinga · April 2015

I'm more worried about my Chihuahua stealing babies toys. ..:/ He pulls the eyes out of all his stuffed ones

xpaperx · April 2015

If you're worried, you should give the dog away now. Ultimately, he's a wild animal and you never know what they might do. I remember my neighbor got too close to his dogs food bowl and was bitten in the face. That was a sweet and gentle dog. I would never put my baby in harms way no matter what.

hdnetmro · April 2015

I would suggest practicing with a doll that mimics real life ...I.e. Moves, crys, etc. Also there are plenty of other things to do that will help dog become accustomed to a new baby before they come. Maybe also taking him to a trainer with those specific concerns would be a good idea as well. I'm glad you're thinking of these things ahead of time and looking for solutions instead of what so many people do and just get rid of the dog without trying.

hdnetmro · April 2015

melalinga said:
I'm more worried about my Chihuahua stealing babies toys. ..:/ He pulls the eyes out of all his stuffed ones

An idea I've used before and seems to work is if dog takes a baby toy tell them no and take it away BUT replace it with one of their own toys . Its worked for me at least - hope that helps

aah1013 · April 2015

Honestly, I think dogs know babies are human and not animals. Doesn't mean you won't have to train your dog to stay away from baby, but I wouldn't worry about the dog treating baby like a squirrel. Make sure your dog knows the baby is it's master, just as you and your husband are. Our dog caught on really quickly and learned his place.

Randi1024 · April 2015

Thank you all for your replies. You've helped calm my worries. @ahh1013 I was wondering if my dog would be able to tell that the baby is human and deep down I do think she would smell the difference. Thanks again!

ajhellmuth · April 2015

You would be surprised how they are totally different with babies/small children (usually) in my experience. I have had a few kind of obnoxious dogs, just jumpy or hyper, but it's like they do know that it's a tiny human and have always been extremely careful around babies or little toddlers. And I'm always wondering Why can't you be like that all the time!!!?? Like you said, just be vigilant and keep an eye on the dog but I don't think you'll have a problem. Then again, it's what you are going to be comfortable with too.

VioletandRose · April 2015

xpaperx said:
If you're worried, you should give the dog away now. Ultimately, he's a wild animal and you never know what they might do. I remember my neighbor got too close to his dogs food bowl and was bitten in the face. That was a sweet and gentle dog. I would never put my baby in harms way no matter what.

I would try a trainer first, before going to the extreme of giving your dog away.
There's also tons of books on amazon about preparing your dog for a baby.

Sweet Sadie Mae · April 2015

I think your baby will smell like you and the dog will see you nurturing it and just get it. Still need to watch though.

adcoxmt · April 2015

I'm honestly more worried that my poor (big ol' 75lb) dog will be scared of my baby, haha! He luckily has no prey drive at all, almost to a fault, but he is terrified of all people. I'm not worried about his fear turning to aggression, he lets people get in his space and pet him and does nothing but shake, but I don't want him to be scared of his little human brother/sister either!

VioletandRose · April 2015

OP, is your dog pretty obedient? If you tell her to stay away from the baby, will she?

My dog is only about 21 lbs and chases squirrels and cats outside, although has never hurt or killed any. I do have a cat at home though, who I had wayyyy before the dog. It took a few months, but now the dog doesn't even bother with the cat. Dogs usually act totally different with "your" stuff (people, things, other pets, etc) than stuff outdoors.

My dog's quite excitable and I'm a little worried that she might jump on the baby, but I'm making sure that everything I buy to put the baby in is high up/out of her reach. I'm not worried and I'm sure after a few days and a few scoldings she will get the message to not go near the baby.

wildbutterfli2001 · April 2015

I would be cautiously optimistic, first you need to get your dog familiar with all things baby. Sounds, smells, toys. For now I would just get a diaper and put baby powder in it, stuff like that. When we were in the hospital after having our son, we had mom take anything that smelled like the baby home and just laid them around the house. Receiving blankets and pajamas etc. She is more protective over him than she is us. Hopefully this is your experience too. Until you are sure, I absolutely would not leave him unattended with baby, but I hope he surprises you in a good way

cgummie · April 2015

Some hospitals offer pet classes for new parents. We live in St. Louis and Mercy Hospital has a class for just $15 all about preparing your pet for baby.

nsaid4u · April 2015

I am an animal lover but when it comes down to it, they are ANIMALS and there is a first time for everything. I do not allow any animals near my babies.

GeorgiaaMayy · April 2015

We have a dog that is very territorial and jealous. When me and my boyfriend first got together she peed on me! I'm worried she'll get jealous of the baby and start peeing on everything.

jenhaug · April 2015

Watch the dog whisperer. I swear by everything he says.... Never seen on how to deal with babies but principles are all the same.

lissabee21 · April 2015

I didn't have a problem with my 80lb shepherd, but my 13 lbs cat was the issue . She was already a little crazy to begin with. Then she actually started stalking my son when he was in his playpen and attacked him a few times.

I took her to the vet and tried to medicate her to calm her down but it didn't work. The vet and pet adoption agencies told me they couldn't adopt her out due to the biting and aggression and i had to put her down unfortunately

Knottie86476496 · April 2015

I was just talking to my sister, whose a vet tech, about bring a baby into the house with my dog. She suggested finding a good trainer. Also I read some good tips and on line such as if possible have your the room set up before hand to get used to the changes, practice with baby crying sound tracks coming from the room (and maybe treat during the sound so it's a positive this), also have you significant other bring home a blanket that smells like the baby before you two home home. Put the blank in the room running on corner at dog high to establish this is the babies space.

My dog has a strong prey drive but never directs it at my three cats. They can distinguish what is prey and what isn't. Also prey runs away and acts like prey. You baby will be pretty immobile at first.

pdittle · April 2015

My husband had 2 pit bulls when we got together. One is very laid back and the other was very aggressive. I wanted to see how she would do if we had a baby so I got a kitten. She almost killed it and then started to be dominant over me and I said she had to go. Now we have a just the laid back dog and a cat. I'm confident they will be great big sisters when our baby comes in October.

Unknown · April 2015

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Unknown · April 2015

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Randi1024 · April 2015

Thanks for all of your helpful comments!

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