Tough dog question. My husband bought a red heeler right after we started dating 3 years ago. I've always been a little Miss Judgey Judge toward people who get rid of their pets after having a kid, and now we're debating the subject (figures I would have to eat crow at some point, among the thousand things I've learned since becoming a mom.) I'm not a huge fan of the dog, because her herding instincts have caused her to bite us in the past when playing, to the point of drawing blood. She sheds like a mofo, and I'm constantly vacuuming and de-furring Charlie's hands/face/pacis. Our home and cars are plastered in fur, she sheds that much. She's also a huge barker. Basically she's a PITA, but she's family and we love her and my boxer Rory would be lonely without her. But the crux?

Last night, Charlie was sitting on the floor between them and suddenly Juno (the heeler) tried to bite Rory over some canine insult. She didn't get Charlie, but it really scared her and she cried so hard. Now I'm worried that she'll get hurt because Juno will bite her either by accident or because she doesn't understand Charlie is a baby. I don't think these instincts can be trained out of her, because she's a heeler, and that's what they do.

My husband has suggested taking her to his dad's house which sits on some land, but I know he doesn't really want to, and I'm hesitant too. If we take her, we would have to get an invisible fence because most of their dogs get hit by cars, and that would be awful. I think it also sets a bad example to Charlie to send a family member away because things got tough. But it seems like there's more of a safety issue than we originally thought. I know without a doubt my boxer would never bite her, because my husband messes with her until she's practically dog screaming in agitation and has never even pretended to bite him. But the heeler frequently tussles with other dogs, has bitten house guests and doesn't seem to have a protective feeling towards my baby. It seems like she's more of a potential danger, but I honestly can't decide how large that threat is. Would she bite her on purpose? I don't think so. Accidentally? Could very well happen.

Any advice?