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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
Member since 8/05 18208 total posts
Name:
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Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Right so I read everyones posts regarding getting rid of a dog if you felt there was a risk of that dog hurting your child, and I was wondering how many people responded who currently had children. I think its an interesting debate...
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Posted 6/30/06 1:03 PM  |
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suvenR
designer mutt
Member since 5/05 4239 total posts
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
I do not have children.
disclaimer: I intentionally chose a very small dog as I think this lessens the type of injury the dog could inflict...
I do not expect there to be a problem. I would also be able to keep the dog separate from the child, so I do not anticipate there being a problem.
However, if I had a pet (any kind of pet) that was acting aggressively around my child, I would remove the pet from the home until the child was older.
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| Posted 6/30/06 1:22 PM |
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Dragonfly75
I love Hypnobabies
Member since 3/06 2333 total posts
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
I'm pregnant right now with my first and nothing would break my heart more than to have my dog have problems with  . I took steps to socialize my dog with children when he was a puppy and he is wonderful with kids. I also plan on doing everything possible to child-proof my dog before is born. That being said, if issues did arise I would immedeately call my trainer and ask for a behavioral consultation and help. I would return my dog to his breeder only if my trainer felt it was an impossible situation. I feel that I made a commitment the day I brought my puppy home. Of course, it goes without saying that I made a commitment the moment I concieved , so I would do whatever it takes to provide the best for both of them.
I didn't post on the other thread, but what I think most people have a problem with is with people who don't take the time to socialize their dogs with children and then turn around and get rid of the dog once a baby enters the picture. The truth is that it is very hard to re-home a dog who has been labeled as aggressive to children. From what I read on the thread the dog sounded uncomfortable, not aggressive -- of course only a trained behaviorist can make that call. I think what most people were disturbed by was the utter lack of desire to bring in a professional who could diagnose the situation properly.
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| Posted 6/30/06 2:55 PM |
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lulugrrl
My 3 Blessings
Member since 3/06 6551 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Posted by Dragonfly75
I'm pregnant right now with my first and nothing would break my heart more than to have my dog have problems with . I took steps to socialize my dog with children when he was a puppy and he is wonderful with kids. I also plan on doing everything possible to child-proof my dog before is born. That being said, if issues did arise I would immedeately call my trainer and ask for a behavioral consultation and help. I would return my dog to his breeder only if my trainer felt it was an impossible situation. I feel that I made a commitment the day I brought my puppy home. Of course, it goes without saying that I made a commitment the moment I concieved , so I would do whatever it takes to provide the best for both of them.
I didn't post on the other thread, but what I think most people have a problem with is with people who don't take the time to socialize their dogs with children and then turn around and get rid of the dog once a baby enters the picture. The truth is that it is very hard to re-home a dog who has been labeled as aggressive to children. From what I read on the thread the dog sounded uncomfortable, not aggressive -- of course only a trained behaviorist can make that call. I think what most people were disturbed by was the utter lack of desire to bring in a professional who could diagnose the situation properly.
VERY WELL SAID!
and to answer the poll. I DO NOT have children, but am TTC . I am taking every measure possible to socialize my dog. I can't imagine having to make the choice not to keep him anymore. Nothing could tear me apart more...EXCEPT a dog seriously hurting my child.
That being said, I would still do ANYTHING possible to make this situation work for all, but baby must come first. TRAIN TRAIN and PREPARE all you can!!
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| Posted 6/30/06 3:04 PM |
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mskimmy98
My twins are one!!!
Member since 5/05 2540 total posts
Name:
Kimberly
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Posted by Dragonfly75
I'm pregnant right now with my first and nothing would break my heart more than to have my dog have problems with . I took steps to socialize my dog with children when he was a puppy and he is wonderful with kids. I also plan on doing everything possible to child-proof my dog before is born. That being said, if issues did arise I would immedeately call my trainer and ask for a behavioral consultation and help. I would return my dog to his breeder only if my trainer felt it was an impossible situation. I feel that I made a commitment the day I brought my puppy home. Of course, it goes without saying that I made a commitment the moment I concieved , so I would do whatever it takes to provide the best for both of them.
I didn't post on the other thread, but what I think most people have a problem with is with people who don't take the time to socialize their dogs with children and then turn around and get rid of the dog once a baby enters the picture. The truth is that it is very hard to re-home a dog who has been labeled as aggressive to children. From what I read on the thread the dog sounded uncomfortable, not aggressive -- of course only a trained behaviorist can make that call. I think what most people were disturbed by was the utter lack of desire to bring in a professional who could diagnose the situation properly.
Very well said... 
And no I don't have any children.. does that really matter?? Do I not have any right to say anything on the issue because I don't have kids.. I hate when people say "oh you'll change when you have kids".. well maybe I will or maybe I won't... but i really think that my view on this issue will not change regardless.
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| Posted 6/30/06 3:19 PM |
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Gertyrae
Peace out Homies!
Member since 5/05 20046 total posts
Name:
Gerty ®
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
I think she was just asking how many who responded have children now. Nothing was said about the right to respond - as a matter of fact, I beleive she said it was an interesting debate.
I also think that those who have children or are PG are closer to the situation than those of us who don't have children.
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| Posted 6/30/06 3:28 PM |
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mskimmy98
My twins are one!!!
Member since 5/05 2540 total posts
Name:
Kimberly
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Posted by Gertyrae
I think she was just asking how many who responded have children now. Nothing was said about the right to respond - as a matter of fact, I beleive she said it was an interesting debate.
I also think that those who have children or are PG are closer to the situation than those of us who don't have children.
Ok thanks 
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| Posted 6/30/06 3:32 PM |
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casey31
Mommy of 3!
Member since 5/05 2967 total posts
Name:
Mommy to two boys and a girl
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
I'm pregnant and have two dogs and I responded. We are preparing the dogs and, knowing them, I really don't think there would be a problem.
Because I would want to do anything possible to keep our dogs, I would consult a trainer if there is a problem and keep baby and dog separated in the meantime. However, if I was not 100% convinced that my child would be safe after consulting a trainer then I would find a new home (not a shelter) for my dog. The issue at heart I think is that I even after consulting a trainer, I don't see how I could have 100% confidence.
I fully agree with other posters that it is important to prepare the dogs as much as possible before the birth and to not initially adopt a dog that you don't research if you are planning on having young children around. However, once you see aggression (that noone can really anticipate) how can you trust to have the dog and child live together even if you get the training? I do believe in training - but I don't think I would bet on something as serious as my child' safety with it....
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| Posted 6/30/06 4:14 PM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Posted by Dragonfly75
I'm pregnant right now with my first and nothing would break my heart more than to have my dog have problems with . I took steps to socialize my dog with children when he was a puppy and he is wonderful with kids. I also plan on doing everything possible to child-proof my dog before is born. That being said, if issues did arise I would immedeately call my trainer and ask for a behavioral consultation and help. I would return my dog to his breeder only if my trainer felt it was an impossible situation. I feel that I made a commitment the day I brought my puppy home. Of course, it goes without saying that I made a commitment the moment I concieved , so I would do whatever it takes to provide the best for both of them.
I didn't post on the other thread, but what I think most people have a problem with is with people who don't take the time to socialize their dogs with children and then turn around and get rid of the dog once a baby enters the picture. The truth is that it is very hard to re-home a dog who has been labeled as aggressive to children. From what I read on the thread the dog sounded uncomfortable, not aggressive -- of course only a trained behaviorist can make that call. I think what most people were disturbed by was the utter lack of desire to bring in a professional who could diagnose the situation properly.
I agree with this.
I would never tolerate aggression towards anyone from an animal; not just aggression towards a child. But if you decide to become a pet owner, you have a responsiblity to be an educated pet owner and to train that animal. A pet owner needs to be familiar with behavior. Going to the bathroom where a baby has been is NOT AN AGGRESSIVE behavior, it is actually quite submissive. Miss interpreting behavior is going to cause dogs to be labeled 'aggressive" that are not aggressive animals.
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| Posted 6/30/06 4:26 PM |
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Ambersmom
Straight up nasty
Member since 5/05 7740 total posts
Name:
Sharon
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
Posted by casey31
I'm pregnant and have two dogs and I responded. We are preparing the dogs and, knowing them, I really don't think there would be a problem.
Because I would want to do anything possible to keep our dogs, I would consult a trainer if there is a problem and keep baby and dog separated in the meantime. However, if I was not 100% convinced that my child would be safe after consulting a trainer then I would find a new home (not a shelter) for my dog. The issue at heart I think is that I even after consulting a trainer, I don't see how I could have 100% confidence.
I fully agree with other posters that it is important to prepare the dogs as much as possible before the birth and to not initially adopt a dog that you don't research if you are planning on having young children around. However, once you see aggression (that noone can really anticipate) how can you trust to have the dog and child live together even if you get the training? I do believe in training - but I don't think I would bet on something as serious as my child' safety with it....
Thank you Rach for bringing up this point. Everyone IS entitled to an opinion but I was once a believer in "all for the animals" too.
I was horrified when my sister found new homes for her cats because they were acting out over the new baby (urinating everywhere, etc.). She tried nuturing, she tried patience and then she tried punishment to deter their actions. Nothing stopped it. When they decided to urinate (and ruin) his carseat as well as a load of his laundry, she had hit her limit. They were gone. I didn't get it and I thought "My, how heartless...the poor things. They are just having adjustment problems!". But you know what? She did the right thing! You can't rationalize with an animal or "make" them change their minds. Yes, I believe training does work but if a tendency IS there, it's there. The safety and well being of my baby is my priority ABOVE anything, including an animals feelings. I have a boston at home that shows indifference to my child. It kills me that she has not bonded with Amber, because the other one has and they are very close. I look at the indifference as a red flag, and if I see her acting out in any viscious tendency, see you later dog!!! This is not an animal I've kept around as a novelty for five years. I've blown over $4,000 JUST on medical expenses to keep her alive. My committment to her (as well as to the other several hundred assorted animals I've had/rescued over my lifetime) is as strong as it could be. But threaten/injure my kid? You're outta here!!! No second chances on scaring/maming my child. I think it's more of a diservice to keep an unwanted animal (lack of attention/affection). At least the pet owner in the other case is attempting to do the right thing and find it an acceptable home.
Everyone who is getting their panties bunched up about this particular case should look into how many loving animals are EUTHANIZED everyday and how many animals are being adopted out by local shelters to creeps who will abuse/neglect them. Exert some of your energies into volunteering for animal programs, etc.
Sharon
Noah's Ark Volunteer 
Another issue related to this subject:
If you're child was born with severe allergic allergies to the pet, would you keep the pet around and have your child suffer or spend a lifetime on medication or would you try to find a more acceptable home for your pet?
Message edited 6/30/2006 4:46:24 PM.
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| Posted 6/30/06 4:39 PM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
nope...no kids but TTC
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| Posted 6/30/06 4:53 PM |
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azoodie
Member since 8/05 8377 total posts
Name:
Team SEXY BACK
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
no kids right now and while i think my dog would never bite a child, he does not get along well with children but it's out of fear not aggression
he was adopted so we never had the opportunity to socialize him that way. we don't even know if we want kids so we're a long way off from ttc
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| Posted 6/30/06 4:56 PM |
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CheeChee
HI THERE!!!!
Member since 5/05 3416 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Anonymous Poll
I do have a child and for me my outlook regarding my dog has changed since having my son. She is no longer my "baby." He is. Her needs are still met to the fullest, but her needs are now placed 2nd. Take that any way you want, think less of me if you must. I feel bad that she does not have 100% of my attention anymore, but I know that when my son gets a little older he will be giving her more attention than she could have ever imagined. But for me, the first sign from her of any danger toward my son, she will be gone. I dont have to think about it twice.
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| Posted 6/30/06 11:54 PM |
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