I guess this is more of a vent rather than asking for advice... Though advice is very welcome anyways, I'm 34 weeks and it's starting to hit me that baby will be here before we know it. I feel pretty ready and prepared, but there's one thing that has me worried... My fiancés dog, a three year old lab. I know most people are thinking "labs are great with kids!" But unfortunately our guy isn't. He is so attached to DH that he will fight off our other dog when he tries to pet her instead. He has knocked me over a few times during pregnancy for food, and will do anything necessary to be the center of attention. Its almost like he knows life is about to change because he has been acting up so much lately, even trying to start fights with the neighbors dog. He really isn't a bad dog... He has been great as a hunting dog for DH where he gets all the attention he needs, im just starting to freak out about bringing an infant here. We've been working hard on training him for a while now, but its just not getting better DH is convinced that when we bring baby home the dog will magically change and start acting perfectly...
What training have you been doing? Are you able to work with a professional trainer? I can give you recommendations.
And tell your hubby this professional dog trainer says he will *not* magically get better when the baby arrives, he'll probably get worse!
This.... A professional trainer is key. It will be important for both of you to work with the dog. If your dog is a rescue, many trainers will offer a discount. Short of your husband being an animal behaviorist even with his best efforts I don't think he could bring about the change you likely need to have a comfort level with the dog.
I will say that dogs can over time calm down when it comes to this. Sometimes it is a matter of exposure and de-sensitizing them. The first time ever that my 90 lb retriever mix saw me pick up a child he tried to knock him out of my arms. These days? He lays at my feet when I'm holding nieces and nephews. At this point, I'm hardly worried about him when it comes time to bring the baby home although we will be keeping to all of the standard introduction instructions: bringing home items that smell like the baby, walking in first to great the dogs alone post hospital before bringing the baby in etc.
Thanks guys talking with dh about looking into professional training asap cause time is definitely running out. Hoping for the best!
@Norway23 Check out familypaws.com. They certify trainers to work with dogs/kids, but even if you don't use a trainer, there is a ton of great info on their site. Between their articles, youtube videos, webinars, etc you should be able to piece together a plan of what to do.
Sit Means Sit did wonders for us and our fur baby. It was worth every penny.
Just as a warning- an owner of a Sit Means Sit franchise was charged with animal cruelty for using an electric collar improperly. Often trainers for large companies like this don't have the proper background and education for effective dog training (there are currently no laws regulating dog training in the United States, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer) and they receive minimal training from the company (mere days or weeks, rather than the years it takes to become knowledge in animal behavior). Many customers do have success using them, but many also end up getting ripped off, or their dogs end up with worse behavior problems than before they started training, or in some cases there is outright abuse.
Sit Means Sit did wonders for us and our fur baby. It was worth every penny.
Just as a warning- an owner of a Sit Means Sit franchise was charged with animal cruelty for using an electric collar improperly. Often trainers for large companies like this don't have the proper background and education for effective dog training (there are currently no laws regulating dog training in the United States, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer) and they receive minimal training from the company (mere days or weeks, rather than the years it takes to become knowledge in animal behavior). Many customers do have success using them, but many also end up getting ripped off
Yeah the franchise here is very highly rated and has been around for a long time. Most of the trainers have been with them for years. Franchises are always hit or miss, so do your research!
For the person with a Lab please consider all or any of the following: doggie daycare weekly, a dog walker so the dog gets frequent exercise, and your husband personally taking the dog to classes himself at an AKC dog training club. Always make the dog sit before meals and wait until you have a release word, the dog should give you enough time to set the bowl down. That way you don't get knocked over anymore. https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/clubs/search/index.cfm?action=obed&display=on
@Norway23, Do you have a yard for your dogs to spend time in while you care for LO? Exercising your dogs is extremely important in wanting them to behave and respond better while training. I also recommend a pet/baby gate in order to section off areas of your living space to make it safer for when you spend time with LO. Dogs should have their own space that is safe and away from baby and vice versa. We have 2 dogs (1 beagle mix and 1 german hound puppy). I have taught them not to go into the nursery because this will be LO's domain. Although our dogs spend most of their time in our house, we have been gradually training them to spend more time in our back yard so I won't go crazy with 2 dogs and a newborn in the house while recovering from birth.
Good luck to you! Hope your doggies adjust well to LO
@Norway23, Do you have a yard for your dogs to spend time in while you care for LO? Exercising your dogs is extremely important in wanting them to behave and respond better while training. I also recommend a pet/baby gate in order to section off areas of your living space to make it safer for when you spend time with LO. Dogs should have their own space that is safe and away from baby and vice versa. We have 2 dogs (1 beagle mix and 1 german hound puppy). I have taught them not to go into the nursery because this will be LO's domain. Although our dogs spend most of their time in our house, we have been gradually training them to spend more time in our back yard so I won't go crazy with 2 dogs and a newborn in the house while recovering from birth.
Good luck to you! Hope your doggies adjust well to LO
We do have a backyard, but when they're out there they bark non-stop (literally) and try to attack the two chihuahuas next door... They won't stop until they are pulled off the fence. Its just so frustrating, and something that i just wont have the energy for with a newborn!
Re: Dogs and baby
Thanks guys
Always make the dog sit before meals and wait until you have a release word, the dog should give you enough time to set the bowl down. That way you don't get knocked over anymore.
https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/clubs/search/index.cfm?action=obed&display=on
Good luck to you! Hope your doggies adjust well to LO