My friend brought her four month old grand daughter over last night.She was asleep in her pram so she left the pram in the hall where we could see it.My jack russell went over to the pram and started growling and got ready to pounce.I put her out in the garden.When they had gone I realised that the pram had been in the way of her food bowl.Do you think that is why she was acting in this way?

Just one of the possible reasons. Could be.

Another could be that dog he was only excited by the presence of the baby who's inside the pram and alone in the hall. Maybe he wants to play with it or was just a bit puzzled or amazed by the new sight, an opportunity for him to exercise his vocal chords. Just kidding.

Could also be that it see's the baby as a threat in her territory. With some dogs new people are always seen with suspicion but because of their size you generally get a stand off response from the dog until it feels more secure, with a child they feel much more able to confront to see if it is a threat.

Unfortunately, I knew a couple that it tore their heart up to have to give their dog away (he was a medium sized mixed breed), but the dog WOULD NOT adjust to the child. The dog was acting just like you described, they were worried and couldn't trust the dog anymore and the dog never adjusted.

It was probably best for their dog in the long run. They gave it to a good family friend's friend.

I hope things get better for them!

Has the Jack done it again? I think it's very possible the dog is jealous of the baby. There are lots of books and websites out there about how to prepare your dog for a new (human) baby. Childproofing your dog is one title I thought was quite good.

I know that my dogs are really jealous of anything that takes attention away from them. One of the aggressive ones bite a 2-year-old that was at our house. You might just have to keep them separate.