Dad provokes American Bully into 'protecting' newborn by feigning abuse

"One day you’ll go to pick the baby up and that dog will go for you. Don't confuse him," begs one of the millions of appalled viewers. Please note: sensitive content

A father of a newborn has been 'pranking 'the family pet into thinking his daughter will be smacked, and then recording the dog's protective reaction to post online.

The content is intended to be funny or heartwarming, but is it really... or is it simply provocation and abuse?

One of Italian dad Massi's more outrageous clips has more than 204 million views; and the internet is divided about what they're watching.

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"A very risky game"

It is clear from Massi's account that he's an enthusiastic pet owner who adores his American Bully (similar to a Pit Bull but a different breed), Mino. His baby girl, Sophie, who seems to be a newborn at the time of the clip in question, is also much-loved, and appears in multiple videos.

But in the clip that's attracted a huge 35 000 comments from his 4.5 million followers, Massi is sitting on the bed with his daughter - who is lying on her back. Mino is with them, watching.

Massi raises his hand high in the air, and brings it down fast on his baby's face, just stopping short of connecting. It is obvious that Mino is becoming agitated. Massi does it again, and Mino finally reacts by jumping up to bite his master's hand and stop the risk.

Massi turns to the camera, evidently pleased with this response. The 'prank' seems to be to demonstrate Mino's loyalty and protectiveness, but there's also an element of 'I've tricked the dog' - and Massi is the only one of the three truly enjoying the interaction.

Thousands expressed their love of Bullys as protectors, and lamented the "bad name" similar breeds have. But one viewer called it "A very risky game" - and even more agreed with him.

Image: TikTok

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"Please don't confuse him"

Many viewers were deeply concerned for a variety of reasons.

"Please don’t! You worked hard to heal him, don’t confuse him. He loves you," one begged.

Others were also worried about Mino being confused, with another writing, "Bro no no no. Mino is a good boy but don’t confuse him into having an accident and stepping on bambino."

And a third added, "The whole time I was scared in case the dog accidently fell on the baby trying to protect it."

Some viewers could see larger risks.

"One day you’ll go to pick the baby up and that dog will go for you. You’re confusing him as an attacker not a protector," read one comment.

This person agreed, warning Massi, "You're doing it all wrong... this behaviour is a recipe for disaster... you're teaching him to become aggressive and possessive over the baby."

And another wrote, "This is so irresponsible: you may think you know your dog but not 100% and he could turn at any point."

There are also videos of calmer moments. Image: TikTok

Is it safe to provoke dogs in this way?

Alexandra Dias, the general manager of Sydney's Dogs in Town, one of the city's largest and most popular dog care and training centres, viewed the clip and told Kidspot:

"Professionals working with dogs emphasise the importance of promoting positive interactions between parents, babies, and dogs.

"It's important to create a safe and harmonious environment for everyone involved.

"Doggies behave also based on their instincts. Their behavior, reactions, and communication are often rooted in their natural instincts as canines. Understanding and respecting these instincts is essential for having a positive and healthy relationship with our companions."

The Raising Children Network also says: 

"You can also promote safety by encouraging positive experiences and preventing competition between your dog and the new baby. For example, you could take both your dog and your baby for walks together or give the dog a treat when you need to spend a lot of time with your baby, like when you’re breastfeeding or changing nappies.

"Note that some dogs will never accept children or will always be aggressive. These dogs shouldn’t be around children."

For information on pets and children, see the Raising Children Network, and the RSPCA.

Originally published as Dad provokes American Bully into 'protecting' newborn by feigning abuse