[mhaggert]

We've had a 45-lb hound mutt for about a year now. She's a rescue and we think around 5 years old. The past few months she's a few times acted aggressively toward us when we accidentally touched her while she's sleeping. (She likes to nap near us when we're home.) On these occasions she gets startled and jumps up growling and biting at whoever is there. It has happened once every couple of months, but now we have a baby so we really need to figure out how to prevent it.

Other than these times, she's very sweet and affectionate to us and is very comfortable in our house. As soon as she comes to her senses she returns to being a sweet dog. The problem is really the immediate response when woken up.

It would be kind of difficult to completely avoid her while she's sleeping, since she's so calm with us and then will fall asleep gradually while we're there. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

 

[PoppyKenna]

It's probably that she's just startled. Instead of touching her to wake her up, try making a noise from a bit of a distance to bring her out of sleep and give her a chance to get her bearings.

If it's something that happens if she falls asleep on the couch next to you and you accidentally nudge her, it may just be best to get her a nice dog bed and not let her sleep on the couch. It's certainly not the end of the world to not be allowed on furniture

As for your baby, management will be your friend. You don't want the baby to mess with your dog when your dog is eating or sleeping, so initially you'll have to be vigilant to prevent it from happening. When the child is old enough, you'll still have to be vigilant and teach that those are times when the dog needs to be left alone.

 

[Eenypup]

Management is 100% key, you can't take chances. I know someone who had a wonderful rescue dog who was easily startled when woken up. He had two minor bite incidences where he snapped at someone as they woke up him up. But the owner didn't seem to learn his lesson, and kissed the dog while he was sleeping... Needed surgery and the dog legally needed to be put to sleep. He was heartbroken.

Probably have the dog sleep separate from everyone, and I agree never on the furniture. You need, like any parent, to be supervising the child and dog ALL the time. It can happen so quickly that a toddler could go over and grab an ear while the dog is sleeping.... Management and supervision.