dog issues with newborn

Hi,

I have a 3 wk old newborn. our dog seems very jealous- ie barking at whoever is holding the baby. I know she's used to being the center of attention. my husband feels this will improve with time but it's honestly making me a little nervous. anyone else deal with this?

dog issues with newborn

Just give it time and show her attention when holding the baby and when the baby is sleeping. Give her a blanket with the baby's smell so she can get used to it.

Re: dog issues with newborn

Does she bark when you or your husband are holding the baby or only when others? If it's just others she might be protecting the baby. My dog still gets anxious when others hold my daughter. I have to tell her it's ok and then she relaxes. I would just give her time and show attention when holding the baby. It took some time but they are so cute together now!!

Re: dog issues with newborn

It's anxiety. It's newness. Dogs respond to change too, just like another child would. The dog's world has changed and it's responding to the new person in the house. Don't ignore your dog, don't yell at your dog, still give it love and attention and time alone as much as possible. It absolutely will improve over time. Could take months but that would be normal. Please have patience with your dog and it will definitely work out. I speak from experience. Took my dogs a long long time to adjust because a child goes from a new infant, to a growing baby, to a toddler, etc. Those are all going to be new things for your dog as your child's life stages progress. It is not aggression, it is anxiety and just natural response to change.

Message edited 3/1/2016 9:58:02 PM.