[newparents]

please help - we have a 1 month-old newborn baby and a 4 1/2 year-old maltese (Cosmo). Cosmo has been potty trained for some time now (years). Cosmo's behavior has changed. His tail has been down most of the time -- totally out of the ordinary. And all of a sudden, we have occasionally found small pieces of poop (not full amount) around the house. This is our first child, so everyone is stressed and there is no real routine/schedule any more. We used to have a very structured routine morning, day and night. I understand these changes would be stressful for Cosmo, but what can we do? We have done all the introductory things since pregnancy and prior to bringing baby home but it hasn't helped. The only thing we can come up with is that the schedule/routine has changed dramatically and mom and dad are stressed. Nobody sleeps through the night anymore either. Cosmo has always given us 'signals' that he needs to go potty and he still does, except when he leaves behind a small surprise. He was never 'crate trained' and we use his crate as an open-door safe place for him (we have never even shut the door). We have never forced him to be confined since puppy-hood so we are hesitant to take the drastic approach of 'starting over', as it will definitely be extremely stressful. Cosmo is interested in the baby and is very calm around her so we don't think his misbehavior is directed at her. We have read it could be a way to protect the baby (new pack member) "This might seem like an act of anger or jealousy, but it isn’t. In the wild, dog parents mark around a new litter to cover the scent of the newborn (and defenseless) babies. If your pet is doing this, it’s probably feeling anxious about the family’s ability to defend the baby and keep things moving forward smoothly. Don’t punish your pet for this. They’re actually trying to help." We are so confused! What can we do to correct this behavior? Thank you!

[sweetdog888]

I think your dog should need to have his/her own place. You can have a separate room for the dog.

[newparents]

Thanks for the advice. We have provided Cosmo his own 'room'. In fact, he has one place on each floor of the house so he can be nearby if he wants. Still not sure why this behavior has come about however.

[DoggieVogue]

A schedule is everything to a dog. I think he is just upset about the change in routine and the stress he feels coming from his parents, like you said. I know things are hectic with the new baby, but I would try to re-establish some kind of routine for Cosmo, and I think that will help him get back to his old self!

[newparents]

Thank you! We are working to try and (re)establish a consistent routine, even if it is just for Cosmo for now. Regular feedings, walks, and attention. It's pretty hard to get a 6-week old baby to adapt to a schedule yet.

[Lunareclipse]

I remember when we had our baby, our dog peed on the bed. I think she felt neglected. So tried involving her with everything we could, including special trips to McDonalds for those (godawful) chicken nuggets and some extra trips to the dog park.

[Bacis Dad]

I agree, dogs are a creature of habit and when you have something that throws off their routine it strongle affects them. Dogs dont have many ways to commnicate to us, they read us and adjust their lives around our lives and live for that routine. I think you need to try hard to get a routine for him, I know that must be hard w/ a newborn but a semi schedule that applies to cosmo.
Also lunar has a Great point, dogs are part of our family/pack. Every dog/member has a role to play, and without a function Cosmo may be frustrated bc he does not know how to help you out (& of course sensing your frustrations). I would recommend having him help you out with thing around the house or with the baby. Teach him to give you socks. Drop them on purpose sometimes so he can "help you out". Teach a clean up command... the baby drops some cheerios or baby food(being that it is ok for the dog) call "Clean Up"! and have him run in and clean up the floor for you!
Just try to get a routine, and have him partake in some activities together.
The potty problems sounds like just a symptom of stress.
Best of Luck!

[newparents]

Again... you all have been great! We are working on a routine that we think is sustainable. Cosmo has started to show the baby some of the signals he does when he needs to 'go outside'. We are also doing more things with the baby lower to the ground so Cosmo can see and participate. It's a very complex dynamic. Cosmo has always been a friendly, social dog but now sometimes on walks (both with and without the baby) he snarls and 'huffs and puffs' at some neighborhood dogs he used to play with. I certainly don't want the 'mean' dog that needs to be avoided. We are hoping it's all connected with the stress associated with the baby.

[Bacis Dad]

im sure it is all related and a new lack of socialization... but it sounds like you are on the right track! Keep it up!