Dog Dilemma: Baby on the Way, Staffy Here to Stay? Episode 279

In this episode, Niall explores the concern of having a dog, specifically a staffy, around a newborn baby. A listener, who is due to give birth in two months, has written in about her frustration with her husband’s refusal to rehome their dog. She believes it’s too risky to have the dog around their baby. Is she being unreasonable, or is her concern valid?

Some callers agree with the mother-to-be, stating that a dog, especially a breed like a staffy, poses a potential risk around a newborn. They argue that no matter how well-trained the dog is, you can never fully trust an animal in such a delicate situation. Rehoming the dog may be a difficult decision, but prioritising the baby’s safety should come first.

Other callers feel that with the right preparation, there’s no need to rehome the dog. They believe it’s all about proper training, supervision, and setting clear boundaries for the dog. Staffies are known to be loving and loyal, and there’s no reason they can’t coexist peacefully with a baby if handled responsibly. They argue that the dog is part of the family, and rehoming the pet out of fear would be unnecessary and traumatic for both the dog and the owners.