Dogs accepting new additions to the family
By applsofgld
@applsofgld (2506)
United States
May 5, 2007 5:28pm CST
How long should it take for my daughter's poodle to accept the new baby? Chloe has been the baby since she was only a few weeks old, now she has a real baby sister and she is so obviously hurt and jealous. Her mommy & daddy try to show her all the extra love and affection/attention that they can, but it's heartbreaking to see her depressed or pouting. The baby is now about 3 weeks old and yesterday she scratched her baby sister on the face/head by accident trying to get mommy's attention. I offered to take Chloe (I would give almost anything to have her, I just love her sooo much anyway), but they said NO, unless I gave them a million dollars, if I had a million I'd sure give it to them, she's worth it. But I understand them not wanting to part with her, she is unique and sooo sweet and precious and loveable. Just like their new baby is too. Any tips or information from anyone who has gone through something similar would be greatly appreciated.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
5 May 07
That is a shame. When I was expecting my daughter we had an Old English Sheep dog who was getting on in his years. We were concerned about the new baby coming into the family because he hadn't been around babies and his age.
Boy did he surprise us... He was overly protective of my daughter - would put himself between the baby and anyone at all that came in the house. He slept in front of the nursery door - cross wises so anyone going into her room either tripped over, stepped on, or had to remember he would be there and step over him... He was fine with the emidiate family but no one else was allowed in the nursery.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
7 May 07
I enjoyed reading about your Sheep dog. That is so sweet that he was protective of the new baby. Thanks for sharing with me.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
5 May 07
This is a tough one. Maybe take Chloe out for walks and ice cream without the baby so she can get undivided attention.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
7 May 07
That is a great idea. They do try to spend Chloe time with her like before the baby was born, she is used to being "it" around the house. I took her to her favorite store Pet Smart, she loved it. She even picked out a chew bone, thanks for sharing with me.
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
5 May 07
The dog has should be used to the bub by now,she has to be reranked now and put into her place. Her nose will be out of joint but she'll get over it. They are doing the right thing by leaving her there. She just has to accept that this is how its going to be. Just her her a little bit more time, she'll be great.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
6 May 07
You missed the best opportunity...when they met. I had a 2 year old doberman when my son was born, EVERYONE predicted problems..including my vet. We came home from the hospital...and I put a giant treat on my son for my dog.
Everyday, he 'gave' her a treat. They became the best of friends. He chewed on her ears until they bled, she never ran away from him. She slept by him, she watched him in the yard, she became a surrogate mother to him.
Start by having the baby pay attention to the dog.
1 person likes this
@fuzzEbluebathrobe (378)
• United States
6 May 07
First of all chloe is not human, she does not have a little sister and your daughter is not her mother.
While I love some animals more than some humans treating the baby and the dog as siblings is weird. Stop it!!!
The dog will adjust in time if everyone around her keep their heads. For now the dog should not be close enough and unsupervised so that any contact can be made with a helpless newborn. Instead of trying to extort money from you for offering to help by taking the dog, your daughter should have thanked you for your concern and reassurred you that they could work it out.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
6 May 07
What kind of jerk are you anyway, I never said the infant was unsupervised, and if YOU read MY entry to begin with, you will see that the million dollars is said in a joking manner, anyone with any common sense knows that. You are the ONLY one who saw it that way. Like I said, if you don't have anything substantial to contribute and nothing nice to say, stay out of it. Read Mylots rules of abuse.
@fuzzEbluebathrobe (378)
• United States
6 May 07
I have read mylot rules; calling someone a jerk clearly over the top. Please remember I never and would never call you a name like Jerk. You owe me an apology which I doubt I will ever get. So people watched the dog scratch the child? For the child's sake please express your thoughts about dog care to your vet. I am sure they will be less than amused and have some advice for you. By the way just so you know I will not report this offense . I believe in giving people a chance to redeem themselves.
@fuzzEbluebathrobe (378)
• United States
6 May 07
I am basing my answer on the information you provided yourself and made no judgement about your family.
Also if you had bothered to read my answer you would have read the part about my loving animals.
You said you consider children equally to pet and an infant was left unsupervised near a poor animal not yet adjusted to a newborn. You set an animal, you supposedly care for, up for failure in a situation it was unfair to place it in. You also said your daughter would be willing to give you the dog for money instead of just appreciating your offer to help. Readjusting your notion of the role the dog should play in your life is not only the right thing to do it is the most humane for the dog's sake.
