Havent been on here before but would like advice from doggy people rather than baby people!  My daughter is 16 months old - she was premature and only weighed 4lbs when we bought her home. We already had our Cocker spaniel dog (now 3.5years) and did all the things you should like introducing a blanket with her smell etc etc and he didnt seem that bothered.  He was more excited that I came home than the fact that I had a baby with me.

Trouble is that I think that we made him nervous as we did try to keep him away from her as she was so small and he was so bouncy and cockerish!  As I said, she is now 16 months and walking and he grumbles every time she goes near him - except if she has food.  Its not quite a growl which is why I said grumble and I dont think that its him warning her its more nervousness.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I can get them to bond - she is oblivious as he has been grumbling since the day she was born and she is very gentle with him.  We heap on the praise if he is OK with her, she feeds him chews etc and I am out of ideas to help this along - is it something that will just get better as she gets bigger?

thanks!

I have an 11 year old that just doesn't like children under the age of about 8 years old. I have learnt to keep her away from any young children, including my daughter (when she was younger) and grandchildren. She gives off a little grumble then takes herself off to bed (in my bedroom).

I'm afraid it might not get any better for a while, especially as your daughter is still toddling around. Please don't leave them alone, even just to put something down in another room. I'm not saying that anything will happen, but you just never know how a dog will react.

There is always the possibility that your dog may never come to accept this 'intruder', or they may become firm friends in time. No one can say.

many dogs are uncomfortable around toddlers, the goal posts keep changing, until recently ti was a static creature, now ti wobbles about, most unnerving for the dog.  In just the same way many dogs, especially males cannot handle baby puppies,a but are fine once they are bigger and more like proper dogs.

If your dog has never really been around a lot of very young children he may just be happier once she is more like a proper person in his eyes.

At the moment you just need to make sure he can always escape away from her where he feels safe.

She is far too young to be allowed to pet or play with him as such so rubbing along with minimum interaction (bit like my Dad and any babies in the family) is the best option.

Hi

We had an old cross breed years ago who taught everyone of the kida where the boundaries lay between kids and dogs.
She accepted them around her but if they started to be a nuisance she would give them a grumble and walk off. They all soon learned when she had had enough.
Bringing dogs and kids up together with close supervision can be so rewarding. Encourage your little one to give the dog some quiet time when she is grumbly and maybe when calm call the dog over and get baby to stroke her by holding her hand under yours reassuring dog all the time in  a calm voice.
Both my daughters (now teens) learned to walk by holding onto the dog's back and being taken around the furniture- The dog came and set this up not us!
Good luck - Hopefully you will be left with many happy memories- just always be around

Thanks all.
I got a cocker off my great aunt for my 1st birthday as she was adament that children should be bought up with dogs and I loved that dog so much that I have been a fan ever since.

i hope that he does get better as she gets bigger.  Fortunately she is really good with him so I live in hope that he will come round and they will be inseperable......either that or I will have to get another one when she is about 5 that will be her dog!

Hi,
I've just sent you a quick PM.

Ive got a cocker age 2 and he has taken to grumbling at one of my nieces, Brainless post is good, I too give him chance to escape and he's fine. He usually ends up on my lap and is fine, if she has a biscuit he's all over her like a rash!!

I think its wise to just give him an escape route, and dont ever box him in. In a few years they will both have the measure of each others and Im sure it will be a friendship for life.

I'd suggest getting in a reputable behaviourist who can assess the extent of your cocker's concern, and also give help and advice as to how to get the dog to relax with the child present . I agree the problem is likely that there is fear due to the toddler "toddling" and being unpredictable. Escape routes are vital,as previously mentioned; plus not allowing the toddler to go after the dog in any circumstance. You will need eyes in the back of your head!

I suspect at the moment the dog is under pressure and the only problem is, if he does not feel his grumbling is taken notice of, his warnings may escalate. The same thing might happen if there is any additional stress in the house which adds to the dog's stress levels. I'm not trying to worry you - it may well be that it will stay at this level and when your little toddler is older, all will be well

For a reputable behaviourist, try www.apbc.org.uk If you do go down this route, please don't just use anyone - as anyone can call themselves a behaviourist these days. 

Good luck

Lindsay
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