Really Upset

So, we have a 6.5 year old 70 pound chocolate lab mix...she is very hyper to say the least...She jumps like an insane dog when anyone she KNOWS comes into the house, my mother, father, and IL's....she is much better with strangers and usually after me saying no a couple of times she's OK...she also has a tendency to paw and steal things...We both love her beyond words, but DH has been on me to figure out what we're doing with her bc he is terrified she will hurt the baby, not on purpose bc she's a huge mush, but just not knowing and jumping or pawing her...I've assured him that this baby will not go unsuprervised and its on us to watch the dog, but he said accidents happen etc....my mother has been on me too....he doesn't want to take the chance he claims its going to be too late WHEN something happens...
We have gotten a trainer and done the training collar as well...I really don't know what to do DH is completely torn apart and I'm a mess...

Re: Really Upset

if the first trainer isn't working, get another one!

after watching the dog whisperer show, I'm convinced a proper trainer can get even the most uncontrollable animal back under control.

your dog doesn't sound too bad... maybe your trainer just wasn't right for him?

Re: Really Upset

Re: Really Upset

I'm not pregnant and have no children- but I wouldn't give up the dog just yet.

She may be fine around the baby. You would never leave the baby in a room with her alone anyway.

If she sleeps in your room (or in the room where the baby will be), I would start training her now to sleep somewhere else (so she won't be scratching at your door at night to get in.)

If she acts at all aggressive during the first few weeks, then I would make your decision.

ETA:

Maybe you could ask the last trainer for some advice or if he knows anyone who specializes in this sort of thing.

Message edited 8/26/2008 4:12:32 PM.

Re: Really Upset

I agree with the OP.... I would also start training her now that certain rooms (where baby will be) are off limits. If she's used to that before the baby arrives, it will be much less of an adjustment at that big moment.

Also start dog-proofing those rooms and other home areas now. maybe create a zone just for the dog with a lot of comfy stuff... and encourage her to sleep there (corner of living room?)

Message edited 8/26/2008 4:15:49 PM.

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aww, I totally understand. Def. keep with the training, it will work out. Babies & Dogs can co-exist ok with proper guidance and training.

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I agree with the pp just because she's hyper with people now you can't assume she'll be like that with the baby. I think you're doing all the right things with the trainers, etc. Just keep at it!

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dont give up yet. i would definately try another trainer. We had a dog in the family that was exactly the same - it took 4 different trainers and it finally worked. u just have to stay persistent with it.

the dog maybe totally different when it comes to the baby also

good luck!!

Re: Really Upset

You don't need to get rid of the dog. Just be firm with him and make sure he knows his limits.

Both my SILs have very hyperactive labs and golden retrievers and had kids recently.

All the dogs would jump on me in greeting whenever I come in through the door, but they don't seem to be a bother to the kids.

Just make sure the baby is not alone with the dog at any time, and when the baby becomes a toddler, teach him/her to who's the boss when dealing with the dog.

You can do it! A hyperactive dog and baby can live in harmony. :)

Re: Really Upset

Please don't give up on your dog. Keep training him, it will take ALOT of work on you and your DH's part but it's part of having a dog.

One thing to note is that usually, the primary factor for overexcitement and aggression is pent-up energy. Dogs, especially dogs of your size, need ALOT of exercise. They should be walked every single day for at least 45 minutes. This will help to exercise them of course, but also to get their energy out on the pavement, let them smell the roses so to speak, be nosy and curious, just be dogs. This will also help them to be more calm when they're in the house.

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I would talk to your DH and tell him that he is part of the problem with the dog's energy if he doesn't do his part to walk her more. The closer you get to your due date, DH is gonna have to walk her alot more if you can't do it at all. Labs are such loving animals, I am sure she will be fine with the baby. Like the other ladies have said- you have to be firm with your commands to her. And enforce them all the time! Don't let her go on the furniture anymore, if she does, starting now. You need to be the pack leader and take hold of the reins.

Re: Really Upset

We have a chocolate lab, and she has done the whole training thing as well. She is the exact same when someone she knows comes into the house. She jumps all over them and won't calm down for about 5 minutes. But, I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and she has been around them both ever since they were newborns and she has NEVER done anything that has hurt them (on accident or on purpose). It's wierd-but it's like she just knows not to act that way around the kids. Maybe your dog will be the same.....

Re: Really Upset

A few questions for you...

---has your dog been around babies before?
---does your dog listen to you once you've made it clear that you don't like the action?
---does your dog calm down once people are inside the house?
---do you have somebody that can bring something of the baby's when you give birth from the hospital?

I ask you these questions b/c one of my dogs is the exact same way....however, I've had her around infants and toddlers and she is the most gentle and tender dog I can ask for when around "little humans." Also, she knows that once she's done jumping around in excitement when new people come over, it's time to calm down and act rational. She only needs to be told once or she gets a "time-out." Also, a friend of mine told me that the best way to introduce the new baby to the dog is to bring home a blanket and a onsie that the baby had on in the hospital BEFORE the baby comes home--that way the dog gets used to the scent and knows what to expect when you come home as a family.

I wouldn't give up yet...continue training. Jumping and being over-excited is easily correctable with the proper training.

Good luck!!!

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Message edited 8/26/2008 4:50:12 PM.

Re: Really Upset

I have a jumper of a dog too. He is 60 pounds and is very hyper. Sometimes dogs get really excited with people they know b/c people they know LET the dog jump! My IL's do that. They let him jump, even when DH and I ask them not to, and then they praise him with hugs and kisses when he jumps. So he associates them with jumping. Our dog is better with strangers too.

Have you tried a vibrating collar? Its the same concept as a shock collar but there is no shock. It vibrates just like a pager or cell phone would. You teach them that the jumping is associated with the vibrating, which is negative. A friend of mine used one with a trainer and it was awesome.

Re: Really Upset

It has been my experience that dogs absolutely know when a baby is around. I have had many dogs in my family with little ones and it's if they just know to be easy/gentle around a baby PARTICULARLY LABS! They are the best dogs to have around babies and children.

They automatically relax and become a bit protective when it comes to children. Don't give up on the dog just yet. See what happens when the baby comes. You'll see how much they wind themselves down.

Believe me.

Message edited 8/26/2008 4:55:21 PM.

Re: Really Upset

Re: Really Upset

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You mentioned that the dog doesn't listen when you tell her not to jump on people you know come to the house. Do you actually tell her "NO JUMP" and take her by the collar out of the room where the guest is? If not, try that so she can associate her jumping with your stern "NO JUMP" and taking her out of the situation. Good luck.

Re: Really Upset

ooh, you know what I just remembered??? I used to be a Cesar Milan fanatic..and I remember one episode was about the dogs jumping when people came in the door. He said when you walk in the door, when ANYONE walks in the door, if the dog gets excited (in the sense of jumping and barking) you should ignore them. Completely. As hard as it is. You're ignoring a negative behavior to bring about a positive. Don't pet them, don't call their names, don't dote on them, don't even discipline them, just ignore her. When she calms downs down, then praise her profusely. She will learn that calmness upon you or anyone entering is the correct behavior and will be rewarded.

And also, awkward as it might be, let guests know this when they come over, whether she knows them or not. Tell them when the walk in to ignore her if she jumps and gets excited. When she calms down and approaches, then reward her. It worked for those dogs on the show, in combination with the walking of course.

Re: Really Upset

Being that my dog to me is seriously like my 1st baby I know how you feel but I agree with everyone else and I would not be so quick to give up on your dog. You are his family and as a member of the family you have to give him a chance to accept the new addition before making a rash decision you will regret. I have a 2 year old cocker spaniel and she is AWESOME............she is sweet, loving, a complete mush ball with us and everyone BUT she also loves to run around the house sometimes and jump up on the couches and play which is fine with us but with a baby we need her to relax a little. We have found though that when she is around babies and children she somehow has a sense that she needs to be gentle and more relaxed. When we have had our friends babies over she is very, very calm around them (even though she is more excitable with the adults who are over) and she lets them pet her and grab her and when she has had enough she simply walks away. I really believe dogs just have a sense about how to behave when they are with children...........at least those dogs who have never shown aggression in any way such as our little Sophie. I know she will be a little jealous at first because she is the baby now but she will adjust.

I've read that it's important to not alienate the dog when the baby comes. You need to include them in everything, pet them while you're holding the baby, make sure to give them attention throughout the day......especially a few minutes of alone time each day, and don't relegate them to another part of the house alone when you have the baby. They need to know they are still a part of the family and in doing that they will accept the baby as another family member and love them instead of feeling jealous and displaced. That's when you will have problems. It's great you're with a trainer, that should help for sure!! I also think that you should bring your dog around kids/babies if at all possible. If you have any friends with babies have them come over and see how your dog reacts and try to get him use to little babies and kids. I think your dog will surprise you and be fine........don't give up on him!! It will be an adjustment for the dog but he will make it. Give him the benefit of the doubt and do everything you can to get him ready and don't make any decisions about finding him a new home unless you have no other choice. Lots of luck!!!!

Message edited 8/26/2008 5:19:59 PM.

Re: Really Upset

I totally understand but I am in the opposite situation. I am scared and DH thinks the dog will be fine. All I can say is, I am not one to get rid of pets so I am going to look at this as a touch and go situation. We hired a trainer to work with us and are taking the introduction very seriously. Maybe if you do some research, learn some techniques, your DH will be more comfortable with it. I'm sorry, this is a tough one.

Re: Really Upset

Message edited 8/26/2008 5:23:37 PM.