Dog bites kids: How to safely introduce my dog to a toddler?

Question

I am trying to get my dog transitioned into living at my boyfriends home. He has a niece who will be 2. I’m afraid that if she gets in my dogs face too much she’ll nip at her. Charlie has done this to other kids before. Any suggestions to keep that from happening? Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 8 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs

Shaneez Wallani, DVM · Accepted Answer

It is important to first see a veterinarian to rule out medical causes, and to see if medical therapy is indicated for Charlie’s behaviour if she has bitten people before. It is also very important to seek the advice of a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques, or a veterinary behaviorist, to help curb this behavior. Without training Charlie may indeed cause seruious harm to your boyfriend’s niece or other children. Hopefully she will improve with training and learn what is and is not acceptable behaviour. I would advise keeping her away from children until you have the chance to work with a trainer or behaviourist, and as with any dog, do not leave her unattended around children even after training. See the following link for more tips http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47 Visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/behavioral-help-your-pet for information on how to find behaviour help near you. Ideally you should work directly with a board certified veterinary behaviourist, as they are the experts in the field, and have resources and training available that make them the most likely to be able to help Charlie. See the following link for more information http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/ .

Dog bites kids: How to safely introduce my dog to a toddler?

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