[kevgmeta]

I have a Rotti Chocolate Lab Mix - he is 4 yrs old. My wife and I had our first child who is now almost a month old. The dog was fine with our child and has not had a problem yet. Yesterday while I was at work and now today - my wiofe said the dog is acting extrememly scared. He is fine when he is outside on the deck or out in the yard but as soon as he comes in he puts his tail between his legs and his ears back. I feel terrible and need to know if anyone can help.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Marc]

Has he been scolded for being too near the child? For some reason, he feels like he is not welcome in the house anymore.

[kevgmeta]

No we have tried to keep him very involved with everything. I make sure I have not changed anythign when I come homr from work every single day. I make sure to pay attention to him first as I alway have. It's wierd and I feel terrible.

[Marc]

Then I think it's just that he has sensed a change and is being overly cautious about it. He will adjust. His inside home has changed, and that's why he doesn't feel as welcome. Be sure you are inside and outside with him. Anything that can be both outdoors and indoors (favorite toys, snacks, you) will help him feel like he belongs since he's obviously comfortable outdoors. If it's possible, you may also leave your door open for a couple hours so he can 'venture' in and out.

[Trucker01]

I never heard of that before...

Does your dog act that way only when he's in the same room as the newborn?

[kevgmeta]

Originally Posted by Marc

Then I think it's just that he has sensed a change and is being overly cautious about it. He will adjust. His inside home has changed, and that's why he doesn't feel as welcome. Be sure you are inside and outside with him. Anything that can be both outdoors and indoors (favorite toys, snacks, you) will help him feel like he belongs since he's obviously comfortable outdoors. If it's possible, you may also leave your door open for a couple hours so he can 'venture' in and out.

He did way better last night. We just made sure to include him in everything. IHe was licking babies face and kissing on him.

Originally Posted by Trucker01

I never heard of that before...

Does your dog act that way only when he's in the same room as the newborn?

He was acting like that all through th ehouse. he would go downstairs and hide or go outside and be lelaxed. It was wierd. He was way better last night though. Included him in everythign from changing diapers to him sitting right next to me while I was feeding baby

[superdoglover]

Originally Posted by kevgmeta

I have a Rotti Chocolate Lab Mix - he is 4 yrs old. My wife and I had our first child who is now almost a month old. The dog was fine with our child and has not had a problem yet. Yesterday while I was at work and now today - my wiofe said the dog is acting extrememly scared. He is fine when he is outside on the deck or out in the yard but as soon as he comes in he puts his tail between his legs and his ears back. I feel terrible and need to know if anyone can help.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Has your dog ever been scared of anything before? It could be just a normal everyday thing. My dog is ultimately scared of hula hoops, being trapped in a small space and things that are big and move. since it's a chocolate lab mix it should like kids. I really can't help. I'm puzzled too.