boxer and newborn

Question
Hi Elaine, I am soon to be a first time grandmother and am extremely concerned about my daughters boyfriends boxer who she plans on moving in with in just a couple of months after the baby is born.  The boxer is 5 yrs old, 85 pounds, never been neutered due to an agreement with the breeder he came from, he has not been around children other than an occasional visit with friends, he seems to be socialable and friendly, he is active, jumps on furniture to look out window and to sit on laps, sleeps in owners bed, jumps on people and plays with squeaky toys very aggressively, (in fact, as I was playing with him and took a toy from his mouth and prepared to throw it, the boxer jumped up and grabbed the toy from my hand and accidentally wounded my thumb breaking the skin requiring a bandaid).  I have expressed my concern with both my daughter and the dog owner.  My daughter thinks I'm being ridiculous and has no concerns for the safety of her child.  Her boyfriend, the dog owners response to me was that he will never get rid of his dog PERIOD, he says he will gate the dog in a room away from the baby.

My concerns, possible jealously of the baby. Even if the dog is not a risk of intentional agressive harm, I do worry about accidental injuries of my grandchild, whether it be the dog grabbing toys, possible jumping on the baby, knocking the baby over into furniture, etc.

Are my concerns real and justified, or is my fear justified?

Thanks,
Grandma

Answer
Hi Grandma to be,

I would say your concerns are normal. Any dog can cause harm to a newborn accidentally or otherwise. I believe that once your daughter gives birth her maternal instincts will over ride her boyfriend's position.

There are many books available on the subject, you may want to give them a few. If you go to www.dogwise.com and type in babies and dogs they is a wealth of information for both them and you.

You may also want to see if someone offers Dogs and Storks classes. We do one at the hospital here as part of their pregnant mom courses.

Enjoy your new grandchild!