What kind of dog is safe for babies?

I'm so sorry, TwiceAsNice , I didn't mean to horrify you or any others. I am a responsible dog owner, on our 4th golden retriever now (smile), and was just helping the op make an informed decision.

Of course one can't keep watch 24 hours a day, and anyway that would make the child and dog neurotic! Training and trust are the best ways.

Interestingly, I used to take my retriever to school with me every day and he had free reign of the classrooms and playground. He adored all the children and the benefits to the pupils were enormous too. One mother, who fainted when she saw a dog, deliberately chose the school for her son so he could interact on a daily basis with the dog. In my experience dogs, (carefully chosen and trained), and young children are very compatible.

I'm with NannaandGrampy on this. Great photos too. Dogs are all around us and the sooner a child learns to be with animals the better.

Cats need watching with small babies too, I am sure lots of grandmothers can remember cat nets specifically to keep cats off babies.

crun - what a ghastly clip! There is no way of knowing whether that dog might suddenly have become irritated by the child. I think it was very irresponsible of the carers to allow this. And as for the dog licking its willy and then the child's hands - words fail me!

crun

I agre with all who say, none!
As Hildajenni wrote all dogs are animals with animal instincts. However well trained they can turn, self control is not in a dog's nature.

None! Dogs and small children don't mix. I would never take the risk and you can't watch 24 hours a day. Sorry Lillie your photo horrifies me

One like this.

I'd think their 'fur and other things about dogs' should be the least of your worries, OP. What an odd thread to start!

I totally agree with Luckygirl and HildajenniJ- no dog is entirely safe and dogs or puppies do become jealous.

I wouldn't trust any dog around a baby. No matter how good natured and quiet the dog is, it is still an animal with animal instincts, remember the TV programme entitled "The Wolf on the Hearthrug".

I don't think it is a good idea to bring a puppy into a home where a new baby is expected. A puppy will need to be house trained - and trained generally - and that will require time and patience. Trying to train a puppy whilst getting used to caring for a new baby is a recipe for disaster.

I agree with those who feel it is better to wait until the child/children are a bit older - around 5/6 - and able to understand how to treat an animal properly, and that failure to do so is cruel and can be dangerous.

I think retrievers and Labradors are quite good natured dogs. We have a pointer and he has a lovely temperament. However, I think almost any dog is likely to bite if a child takes it by surprise, frightens or hurts it.

Hello acemodar are you a new member, if so welcome.

I must confess to finding your op a bit

Labradoodle, or Goldendoodle, less shedding apparently. I'd still wait though, as a new puppy is a full time job.

I am with those who say wait until the child is older - three at the very earliest - before bringing a dog (a puppy, i assume) into the household. As to breed, i can only recommend a labrador or, as above, a golden retriever. They are the most patient and accommodating of dogs where young children are concerned. On the downside, they take up a lot of space, need a lot of exercise and shed a lot of hair!

Golden retrievers, full stop.

I'd suggest waiting until they've finished having their family and the youngest is six or seven. Having a dog is a massive commitment and the baby will always take your attention first.

At age six I believe you can start to educate the children about dogs and their needs. The children will also all be at school so you can begin the long process of training a new puppy. Dogs are wonderful animals and they deserve our attention and love if we bring them into our homes. Anyone with a new baby simply cannot give a dog what they need.

We had a golden retriever when my youngest was six. She was possibly the most gentle, loving dog you could ever imagine. She was always ready to play with the children, no matter how many times a day they wanted her. I'd suggest that when the time is right your family do their homework. Dogs do have different personalities, which is down to how we as humans have bred them for different jobs over the years.

Badenkate they are a great family dog definitely. My daughters both grew up with them. In fact I remember bringing one home from Worcester as an 8 week old puppy and it curled up in the bottom of our 8 weeks old daughters carry cot all the way home.

Definitely, a safe place is a wonderful idea, our Sam as his cage and all the little ones know that if Sam goes there he doesn't want to play anymore. Sometimes I think 'kiddy cages' might be quite useful grin or one for tired Nanas !!

No dog is entirely safe around children.

Even if they are usually docile and friendly, just like us they their off days, and it is simply not worth the risk.

Oh NannaandGrampy I love Bernese Mountain dogs ❤. They always seem to have them in parades for local festivals, usually accompanied by a wooden trolley full of adorable BM puppies.
We had a wonderfully good-natured golden retriever when our two sons were babies and children, but even so I didn't leave him alone with them - it's not fair on the dog or the children. We also had a special place that he could go to if he wanted and the children knew that was Bundles' space and they were not to bother him there

I'm puzzled. Are you thinking of getting a dog for you or for your daughter? If so, when? I would have thought that a combination of a new baby and and a new puppy is not a good one. Both need an awful lot of work and attention.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201601/medium-378359-dsc-0082.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201601/medium-633344-dsc-0025.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201601/medium-81828-dsc-0032-2.jpg

Any dog is safe with children .

Temperament wise there are some breeds that are more predisposed towards being good with children and not all of them are small breeds. We had Bernese Mountain dogs for many years, and in their native Switzerland they are often referred to as nursemaids as they seem to really enjoy being with children.

I think there are 3 key things to bear in mind. Dogs should be well trained from the start to recognise their place in the family pecking order. And well trained generally. No stealing of food from small children , no boisterous jumping at small people ( or any people for that matter !) That sort of thing.

Secondly, children should be well trained no poking, no ear or tail pulling, gentle hands at all times.

Thirdly, never leave a dog and child alone together. Both are unpredictable. Your dog, no matter how well trained is still an animal. A bad day and a rough child could be catastrophic. A child might inadvertently stand on or poke in the eye and get a disastrous response.

If you're keen to get a dog then I suggect you visit this show :

www.discoverdogs.org.uk/

There you can see, meet and touch every breed and ask people who understand their breed what their dogs are like with children.

Children and dogs DO go together , we have a much loved 'dog dog' , here he is with his best friend. Good luck in finding the perfect dog for you.

A stuffed one. Obviously.

A cat!