We've had our rescue pooch for nearly 10 years, we literally adore him and spoilt him like a little baby so made a rod for our own back really.
Now we have a new grandson and our pooch is making it a nightmare when we have him.
He doesn't bark as such, it's more a scream and constant crying.
I'm constantly giving him attention so he doesn't feel left out or jealous, oh ive tried all sorts.
Now it's got to the point we literally cant have our grandson at our house, it's too distressing for our pooch but im missing out on quality time with my grandson and ive already missed out on so much due to lockdown.
Anyone had similar experiences or any advice?
I'll try anything x
I assume you let your dog off the lead when you go for a walk?
Take grandson and pooch out. Your dog will assert his role as leader of your pack. Your grandson won't compete and your dog will be dominant and won’t see the child as a threat.
Thanks gromit.
No we dont let him of the lead, he's like Houdini if we do, we had our grandson last week and took them both out for a walk, we had to turn back cos our pooch was constantly jumping up at the pram and screaming.
I've tried the firm voice.
I'm thinking the saying "cant teach an old dog new tricks" might be our case x
How old is the grandson? Just in case never leave the two alone in the same room even for a second. Can your wife hold the baby and you have the dog next to each other. Don’t respond to the dogs behaviour by picking him up or anything. Try to ignore it and praise and give treat when he stops the noise. Put some dirty baby clothes in the dogs bed so he gets used to the baby smell. Good luck but keep an ever watchful eye
can I suggest thast you get advice and assessment from a proper dog behaviourist? Look for one that says that they are a member of APDT and check that they are. If anyone talks to you about a quick fix, dominance, rank reduction or any kind of choke collar, anti bark device and so on then DO NOT consider them.
Thankyou x no id never leave them alone together and i absolutely will try your advice calmck.
We got him when he was one and he'd had a terrible first year of life, even after 9 years he's still terrified of feet so we have literally smothered him with love, alone he's a little darling, we just need to get him used to our grandson who's 9 weeks old x
We used the dirty clothes in the dog bed for both my grandchildren and there was always a good bond between them. We did keep them away from the dog food when they were small but as soon as they could let them feed treats
Nine week old baby needs more protection than a dog. Lock the dog out of sight when the baby is visiting. The dog is territorial & thats a danger to a innocent baby.