This is being my specialty right now (Keeping Babies nd Dogs safe from each other. Keep them separate at all times. Fear makes a dog very unpredictable. How often does this baby visit?

 

Thanks for the answer. Will of course keep behind gate. This is the very first time he has ever seen such a small toddler. Other toddlers (3-4 y old and up) he has been around without problems.

 

If he's never been around a toddler I would keep him separate. Toddlers move fast and grab on, pulling or twisting, not meaning to hurt, but a dog not used to it and who is anxious could snip. Better safe than sorry. I don't let dogs that haven't been raised with toddlers around them near them, so no stories to tell.

 

Deja has not been raised with babies or any age kids under 12. So whenever I have them over she is in her outdoor kennel, no matter how obedient and non-aggressive she always is and has been so far. But I, like Deb, don't want to be in the news. I know what her teeth are capable of; she crushes a Tom turkey neck with ease.

 

Toddlers tend to reach for dogs over and through gates or can even climb them. The average baby gate is not that safe for a full grown GSD. few years ago a toddler ws killed by the family's Rottweiler when the kid climbed into the x pen (read: gate).

 

Baby was in the arms of the friend, not crawling around by itself and dog nearby. You dont really hear me out here...

 

All im asking is is it normal for a 2y dog to be scared and unsure of a baby when seeing/meeting it For The First Time?

 

Every dog is different. Some dogs instinctively seem to understand what a baby/toddler is and are drawn to them. Others are unsure and fearful. The dog who is unsure may never change. I would err on the side of caution and keep them apart.

I apologize, if I misread, but it sounds like the baby was shown to the dog multiple times? I wouldn't do that. If the baby only visits infrequently, I would put the dog in his crate in another room.

 

When Nitro was a puppy or adolescent:
he met our neighbour's little girl, but barked when her father picked her up.
he barked when we passed an athlete in the plank position, but ignored the same athlete when he jogged passed a minute or 2 later.
Nitro barked at a person pushing a twin stroller, but completely ignored single strollers.

Shared all that as I'm wondering if your dog simply didn't understand what he was meeting/seeing with the mother holding the baby.