Client's dog showing aggressive behavior - Page 1

I'm not really sure where to post about this particular topic, but this seemed like a fitting place. I have recently started pet sitting (so not very much experience) and am currently boarding a lab/sharpie mix in my home for about 10days while his owners go out of state to visit family. He really is a sweetheart, but has shown aggressive behavior towards my 1yr old by growling and snapping at him when he reaches his hand out. He hasn't caused any physically harm, but because of this I've had to verbally reprimand him and keep the two segregated for the most part (I say most b/c he is fine with my son as long as I'm holding him). I have a large area that is blocked off just for the dog, so he is ok. I was just really hoping that he would have more freedom to roam around the house b/c he is not an outside dog. When my son is asleep, he has free reign of the downstairs area of our home. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this issue other than segregation or should I just continue to do what I'm doing currently? I feel like I don't really have a lot of options b/c he isn't my dog. Also, the owners have an 18 month old girl and told me that he is very good with her. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

This is what boarding kennels are for. a dog that is good with a small child who is a family member,does not mean the dog will be safe with a child strange to him. You need to keep your child away from this dog at ALL times. Better yet, find a boarding kennel to put him in. JMO

Do not allow your child to go around this dog. Your going to get the child bit or killed and the dog will end up getting killed also. You have through the goodness of your heart introducted an unsafe animal into your home. Keep them completly apart and do not feel "Sorry" for the dog. As soon as the owners return send this mutt home and do not offer to take him again. If you do not have prior experience dealing with dogs or this dog i would not recomend having strange dogs in your home with a baby.
Please be safe and not sorry.
Fry

Joanro, you're right and I definitely shouldn't have assumed that a family dog that's good with his owner's children would be good with mine. That was my own mistake (a mistake I won't be making a second time). Thanks to the both of you for taking the time to respond.

Your son will eventually get bitten if you keep that dog in your house.It's not your dog and your methods of training are limited. Don't pet-sit that dog anymore.

If you do wind up sending him to boarding, I'd see if you could get in contact with the owners first - just to let them know whats up, and maybe they have a second place lined up for the dog to stay instead. I agree with the others that you should definantly keep the two apart, but if I was the dogs owner I would at least want to be contacted (if its possible) with whats going on rather than coming back home to find out that my dog was sent somewhere else without my knowledge.

I agree, definitely notify the owners.. However, I would TELL them the dog is going to a boarding facility, and do NOT ASK if you can remove him from your home. The safety of your child comes first.