We have a 4 year old beagle/cocker spaniel mix who can be aggressive with resource guarding and barking. Apart from his reactive behaviour, he is the sweetest most loving dog.
We welcomed our first child last year and he is now 11 months. Until he could crawl, the dog would just give him kisses but would growl if baby touched him. Now that he can crawl, the pups behaviour towards baby has gotten increasingly aggressive with him jumping at baby and barking/growling in his face. If baby crawls towards him he will growl and walk away. BUT this isn’t a consistent thing.. he sometimes will give him kisses and if I’m holding baby he will let him pet him. When pup comes in baby’s room in the morning he is all smiles and wagging tail.
My husband and I are quite attached to the dog but because of the increasing aggressiveness, I have become much more nervous with the dog around. Most of the time, he is separated by a baby gate and I can see sadness in his eyes while he lays and watches us.
My head is telling me to rehome pup so it is better for everyone, including him. But my heart wants me to keep trying and has a tiny bit of hope things could change. Also, the risk seems too big to keep him around unless he is separated at all times.
Any advice would be wonderful. 💙