My wife is 14 weeks pregnant. We have a dog who is very smart but up to this point we don't think that she realizes that my wife is pregnant. We are guessing that at some point, perhaps when the child begins moving in the womb, that she will see that my wife is pregnant, but we're curious if other dogs notice when their human pets, *ahem*, their human is pregnant.
2007-03-15 03:22:54 · 6 answers · asked by rick_tacular 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your dog can smell the hormonal change in your wife, but probably wont make the connection unless she has been in contact with another pregnant mammal through pregnancy and giving birth.
When you have your second child, your dog will definitly know from the moment her hormones start changing, long before you do!
Dogs communicate with eacthother through body language, they will notice that the pregnant woman is being treated carefullly, her posture has changed and she is spending more time on the couch. For these reasons your dog may see her as fragile and become protective of her but probably doesnt know a baby is coming yet.
Most people say that you have to make an extra effort to give your dog more attention after the baby comes, it is well meaning but incorrect.That sets yourself up for failure and your dog makes an association of losing the attention with the baby. (dog learn by association)
It is very common for dogs to become jealous and sometimes negative attention is still attention.
My dog urinated in my nursery, yet only once and she eventually got used to having the baby in the house.
What the most important thing to do is, although the hardest is
SLowly pay LESS attention to your dog so that it is not a shock when you come home and he associates that feeling with the baby. unfotunately his feelings are going to be hurt, he WILL get less attention.
You should be preparing your dog for the new baby NOW at only 14 weeks of age!
Keep your dog out of the nursery room starting now.
if the dog will not be allowed in the nursery, when the baby arrives, he should not be allowed in there now.
or any other related rules (off the couch/bed)
Start his training now, make sure they at least know these commands:
-No Jumping up, sit/stay, walking nicely on a leash or with a stroller.
-One of the things to think about is your dogs reaction to crying, How do your dogs react to loud noises?
if you can get a tape of a baby crying or get your dogs around a baby this would be ideal. however without previous exposure to these noises your dogs will still adjust fine.
Dont "comfort" (pet them and tell them it is ok) the dogs if they seem stressed about the noise, you will be sending a message that there is something to be afriad of, simply tell them to lay down, as the leader let them know there is nothing to be concerned about.
-daddy should bring home a blanket with the babys scent on it
-when you come home let daddy carry the baby in so mommy can have a chance to say hello to your dog
-make positive associations with the baby by bringing dog toys home with you.
congratulations on your new baby!
2007-03-15 04:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by Pro_Dog_Trainer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful when you first bring home the baby. Some dogs are used to getting a lot of attention that is lost when the baby comes home. This can cause stress in the dog. I highly recommend bringing things that smell like the baby (a blanket, a sock, etc) home several times to let the dog sniff to help the dog adjust.
Remeber, the baby comming home needs to be put ahead of the dog in the pack. Once the order is established, the dog will be happier.
2007-03-15 03:33:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't gotten pregnant yet...And I am not planning on it till I am around my mid 20s...But, after your wife has the baby, make sure you still love and cuddle the dog...Otherwise the dog will produce some jealousy issues. And that is def. not a good thing. I see questions on here all the time about women who had a baby and their dog started causing major trouble after the baby was born...Well, it's because the dog is jealous and wants attention...Having a new baby around can be stressful for the first couple of months...Especially since it's a big change and adjustments need to be made...And since the baby needs alot of attention the dog gets left behind...and that's where they will do anything they can to misbehave just for attention...So, please, love your pooch even after the baby arrives...
Oops! How rude of me...I forgot to congradulate you...CONGRATULATIONS!!! Lol. And good luck with the baby...I hope your wifey has a good pregnancy and that the baby is as healthy as possible!
2007-03-15 03:34:47 · answer #3 · answered by Xo_Danielle_xO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dogs knew before i did. I have a female doberman who kept laying her head in my lap when i sat which was unusual for her coz she usually climbs into my lap, and she refused to play rough with me which is also unusual coz she likes to pin me down and nibble on the back of my knees and elbows. I was pregnant when i got her as a puppy. I have since had another child, 2 in total, and i am currently 8 weeks pregnant with my third and she is sitting beside me on the lounge with her head in my lap, yet only 2 weeks ago she would be sprawled across me giving me a little nudge and whine if i stopped patting her. Now she is asleep with her head pressed against my abdomen. I love my dog, sorry, emotional mini epiphany.
2007-03-15 03:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is going to take some time until now she realizes it. The domestic canines could be sufficiently massive for her to experience. yet a pregnant woman canines would not think of roughly being pregnant. She is conscious it and accepts it. purely like all of us understand that this earth is around, and we settle for it. Now, of direction, i won't be in a position to declare all that's for beneficial. i'm no longer in the concepts of a canines, and there is not any way of examining a canines concepts (no longer that i understand of.) Anywho, congrats on the doggies! This became a thrilling question. famous man or woman for you.
2016-12-14 19:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think they dont really notice until it is born. when it is born your dog will most likely enjoy having a baby around.
2007-03-15 03:26:50 · answer #6 · answered by Michelle C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋