Pit bull becoming intolerant of my two year old

[jennahenna]

My pit bull has recently began becoming intolerant of my 2 and a half year old (I also have an 8 week old). When she was little, she could do anything to him and he never flinched, but lately he sometimes growls (very low) when she tries to play with him and his hair stands up when she tries to chase him around the room. He's never snapped or shown his teeth- he'd be gone in a heartbeat. I have been watching her and not letting her get too rough or climb on his head or anything. She's not doing anything that should upset him. Sometimes he's fine but other times he isn't. I'd say about 50 percent of the time he's fine. I've had this dog since he was 6 weeks old and he's never been mistreated. He's wonderful otherwise- he's friendly, he follows me everywhere around the house- wherever I am, he's there. He's not food aggressive; I can take anything away from him. He's fine with adults, it's just my baby I'm worried about. I never thought I would have this problem. I don't want to get rid of him but I'm afraid I can't trust him anymore. He has also grabbed my chihuahua a couple of times and shook him, once resulting in an eye bulging out and requiring surgery. I think that is just normal dog disagreements and the chihuahua is just so small it's easy for him to get hurt. 95 percent of the time they are fine and play together and get along. I need a professional opinion and professional help to know what to do about this. I would hate to have to put my dog down if I thought he would hurt my child.

[Annie]

hi there,
I think it would be good for your dog to have a checkup at the vets to make sure he does not have anything that is making him uncomfortable.
I also have a 2.5 year old and have to really watch every contact with my dog. The child is now old enough to be given some clear rules with the dog.
This is what I have set-up.
Our dog has a private space that the child is not allowed to enter. Everybody needs time out from a kid
Our boy is only allowed to stroke the dog gently in the correct way, hair down, and No bopping, hitting, pushing etc.
The child helps with feed times and scoops the food into the bowl ( seperate from the dog, but can be seen) I think this helps a lot.
I will be very firm on the baby if he shoves our dog out of the way, or trys to tread on the dog.
The dog is also trained to leave any situation that is not OK, and go to her safe place.
The dog will go through doors behind the baby etc etc same as Alpha things for grownups.
The baby will allways be fed first.
And always always supervise. When I have a shower my dog is in the garden. When I am on the toilet the baby is with me etc etc. Sounds extreme, and my dog has never shown more than a mild intollerence of the kids....but...I don´t want anything to happen ever! I don´t trust that the baby goes too far one day, and the dog has just had enough. A bite to an adult is tollerable. A bite to your baby could be the end for the dog, the kids trust in dogs etc etc Don´t give the situation a chance....
Our kid is now 2.5 years, and he is starting to be more bored by the dog and leaving her alone.
Teach your new baby the rules from the begining. A child can learn these things really early.
It´s not easy with dogs and kids, and I am always envious of families with goldern retrievers or the like ( we have a Husky mix) where the baby can do ANYTHING to the dog....but it´s not so in our house, but a good balance can also be found. Remember it´s a dog...not a soft toy to amuse the kids
Good luck,
Annie

[jennahenna]

Well, the 2.5 year old does go through the door first and all that, and she loves feeding the dogs; the pit bull is never aggressive with her around food. If this was any other dog I wouldn't be quite so worried, but we all hear about pit bull attacks on the news. I thought since I got this dog as a pup I wouldn't have any problems, since it's supposed to be "how you raise them." They aren't supposed to be aggressive to people. I don't really think he would attack my child, but still I worry. I have done all those things that you suggest but I'm still concerned.

[Annie]

that´s great that you are doing all those things....but it is the job of parents to worry! add it to the list of dreadful things that may happen to your baby.....be careful, but not paranoid. Maybe you could read some case studies of attacks. You will probably find that there are some similarities between them ie. the owner saying'he´s never been aggressive before' or 'I only left them alone for a minute' or a child that is responsible for feeding a dog alone etc etc.Find what makes them similar and then change your behaviour. Don´t be a statistic. Learn to read your dogs signals better....
Good luck, by being aware of the potential problems you are half way to them not happening to you
Annie