Bringing my Pup up with a baby

Hi people, last week I bought a staffy puppy who is currently 9 weeks old. I have a 7 month old daughter who is currently st the stage of sitting up herself and close to crawling. I love staffys as when I was younger my dad has 2 but I had never witnessed the puppy stage as his 2nd staffy was 3 years old when he got her. He swore they were always brilliant with kids and were brilliant with us when we were younger. I had the argument with my other half and my point was that getting a pup may be holding back the progression of our daughter and ruining play time for her. I have a gate set up in my kitchen but I don't want the pup to feel like he can't go near the baby I would rather they were used to each other but I'm very nervous and on edge anytime the pup goes near her.

Google " Nanny Dog "

Only two dogs are recommended by the kennel club Staffordshire bull terrier is one of them. 

Your pup will be like a brother or sister to your child, as with all dogs you shouldn't leave them alone.

I know it's only week one but he has little nips at her fingers, thinks that when the baby is on her tummy that she wants to play with him and also doing the toilet on her play mat. A bond between may take a few scares and a bit of time to develop

I'd say keep a sensible head on your shoulders while the two of them grow up and absolutely don't leave your dog alone with your daughter. Supervise, but try to relax. You don't want to create a feeling of tension that either of them will pick up on. If it helps, train your pup to a harness and long lead so that you can keep hold of that, a safety net if you like.

Nearly all puppies are nippy, and staffie pups/young dogs in particular can be quite mouthy. It is something that will pass but do be very aware of it with your baby. In particular, I would make sure that your baby's fingers are clean before puppy bonding time, so as not to encourage him to use his mouth on her fingers.

I would also be careful with toys, especially squeaky toys that can excite dogs of all ages. Over excitement is probably a bigger issue than anything else. If your pup starts getting excited, pop him behind the gate and let him calm down.

Get a proper product to counter the smell of urine for the play mat. Just ordinary household cleaners won't do it and once something smells like a loo to a puppy they will keep returning because they think it is the right place.

You'll have testing times but it'll all be worth it!

Can only add to above advice keep an eye on both baby and pup ler them interact as much but give your pup time out also you will find in time your pup will protect the baby and good socialisation for the pup too.

My partner took this picture yesterday it's definitely a keeper!
She is amazed by him it's quite nice to watch.

I feel as if I'm constantly telling him off when he opens his mouth slowly at her hands. Although I understand that this is the equivalent to a baby using its hands to feel an object, I cannot help but think he is going to nip her.
He has urinated on her play mat twice and immediately after both occasions we washed the babies play mat. Surely after a wash the scent or urine should be removed?
As for the toys, controversially it is my daughter trying to steal the dogs toys! Don't get me wrong when she madly waves her toys in the air I can see he is tempted to make a move but he has actually picked up what pretty well which toys belong to him and which ones don't.

I don't want to keep telling the pup off resulting in him feeling jealous or envy towards the baby but on the flip side it only takes a split second for a fatal accident to occur. My other half is probably more laid back than me but I would just never forgive myself if the worst was to happen

Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

To be honest I would be cautious too, new born babies are so precious and can't really move out the way so a wary eye is good. As regards the mat, it really depends on what your cleaning it with, a good deodorising cleaner is best and better still, keep it out of his way thus lessening temptation for him to use it and associate it with the place to go.

I do also agree that they will be the bestest of buddies growing up and you'll probably find that when the pup is all grown up at about 2 years he'll be watching over her

What a gorgeous photo! Definitely a keeper.

Try not to tell your pup off. He has no idea he's doing wrong (that's really a human concept), and dogs learn much better by being shown what to do rather than what not to do. You're better calling him away to play with something else or for a treat (which is good recall training too!).

A lovely pic of the pup and baby.To be quite honest I would be a bit worried as well,because as all those who have had any dealings with a staffy pup know that they cant help but bit at any thing that they see while they have got those baby teeth,it's by no means intentional to hurt,but it does and is part of the pups development.If the pup does happen to nip the baby in his way of playing it is certainly going to end in tears.
Once those little needles fall out and the adult teeth arrive things will be much better.
Looks a lovely little pup.

Gorgeous picture

Can only add that dogs learn as LizP has said by being shown or by learning that it's not a good idea, to try and drink out of a hot cuppa tea ( Ronnie learnt this way ) they live in the here and now.

If you call him away and pop him in his crate ( if you have one ) for some me time might be a good strategy for you too ..

You can get a spray called Urine Off that breaks down the urine crystals. Dog urine can transmit Leptospirosis so it's worth washing on a high temp and treating it.

If you can, make dedicated regular time each day to play with puppy without the baby around. Not because the dog is unsafe but just because puppies need stimulation, more so when they are too young to be walked. All that playfulness needs to go somewhere! Your dog will trust you and bond with you, which builds obedience, which is what you want.

If your other half brought the dog home or thinks this a good move for you, then get him to help as much as possible. We made up a puppy accident kit with cloths, gloves, stain remover, so any accidents can be dealt with.