When Our Dog Bit Our Toddler: What I Learned About Dog and Baby Safety, Training, and Responsibility

A Fateful Decision About Our Dog and Baby

Like many families, we were thrilled to welcome a new puppy. I did my research on breeds and chose based on temperament and compatibility with our lifestyle. But I overlooked one crucial factor: the source. Looking back, I now understand how early decisions affect a dog and baby dynamic long-term. A dog’s temperament, confidence, and ability to regulate around children all begin long before they come home with you.

Best family dog breeds from AKC

What I Missed About Choosing a Breeder

In my eagerness, I chose based on convenience and cost—not on ethical practices, socialization, or health. I skipped researching the breeder and didn’t consider how early life experiences affect a dog’s long-term behavior—especially around babies or toddlers. Raising a dog and baby together takes more foresight than I realized. The breeder should be the first partner in raising a dog who can safely co-exist with a baby—and I hadn’t picked a good one.

AKC tips on how to choose a reputable breeder

Inconsistent Training, Real Consequences for Dog and Baby

I started with good intentions but lacked consistency. Despite understanding the importance of crate training, I caved often. I didn’t hire a professional trainer until well into Cooper’s adult life—and then chose someone who didn’t specialize in the unique dynamic between dog and baby interactions. This was a mistake I wish I could undo. Social media and DIY tips can’t replace personalized help, especially when safety is involved.

We didn’t practice foundational safety skills like stationing, building tolerance to handling, or helping our dog read baby cues. The truth is, babies are unpredictable. Their cries, sudden movements, and curious grabbing can overwhelm a dog that isn’t prepared—and we weren’t preparing ours.

Helpful training visuals by Lili Chin

The Turning Point: Becoming a Parent to a Baby and Dog

When I became pregnant, we brought in a trainer, but it was too little, too late. We didn’t prioritize follow-through, and most critically, we didn’t choose someone trained in dog-child dynamics like our Family Dog educators. We thought a trainer was a box to check, not a relationship to build. I now know how important it is to choose a trainer who understands both dogs and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting.

Meet Sheri | Meet Sue

When Our Dog Bit Our Baby

At 14 months old, our daughter was bitten by Cooper. The bite resulted in hospitalization and was the hardest, most heartbreaking experience of our lives. It shattered our trust and reminded us of everything we didn’t do to prepare our dog and baby to live safely together. We were lucky that our daughter recovered fully, but the emotional aftermath has lingered far longer than the physical scars.

What we didn’t realize was that the warning signs had been there: resource guarding, avoidance, stiffness when approached. These red flags were brushed off or misunderstood. We weren’t aware enough to recognize escalating behavior, or how overstimulation can build over time and trigger a bite.

Sharing Cooper’s Legacy: A Safer Future for Dog and Baby

We want families to know: you can prevent this. That’s why I created the Kids & The Family Dog Course—so families like ours can learn, plan, and feel supported as they raise children and dogs together.

This course combines evidence-based dog behavior education with real-life parenting strategies. You’ll learn about body language, boundary-setting, supervision tips, and how to prepare your dog well before baby arrives—and how to keep both dog and baby safe as your child grows.

Whether you already have a dog or are considering adding one to your growing family, learning how to support a positive dog and baby relationship is essential.

Want to learn more? Explore all our courses here.