I live in a house with my spouse, our baby, and another couple and their baby. The other couple has a dog who is a rescue. The dog has always been anxious and is untrained. Generally, the dog is fine at home, but is nervous around large groups of people and startles easily.
Since both babies were born, the dog has seemed more on edge. He has been keeping to himself more and has shown no interest in the babies, and actually tries to avoid them, especially now they have started crawling.
The other day, I was sitting near the dog with the baby on my lap. I moved my leg and it brushed his back, making him jump and he turned around and bit my leg. It didn’t draw blood but it left a mark and a bruise. He has never bit anyone before, which to me is a sign of his stress levels.
The other couple think that the solution is to keep the dog separated from the babies at all times. Ie always keep him in a different room or outside. I’m worried that this isn’t a good long term solution and that rehoming the dog is a better option that will lower stress and risk levels all around. Understandably, they don’t want to rehome their beloved pets.
Curious as to what others have done or would do in this situation. Thanks!