Jack russell has been our baby for 4 years, now we have a 11 month baby boy. We really do not want to rehome our dog, but nothing seems to work. We wish the dogs brain could be rewired and it is very heartbreaking to have to loose our fantastic little dog, who is so loving and loyal to us adults??
2007-03-20 04:00:56 · 24 answers · asked by uputhu 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I'm not sure if there is hope or not. My sister had her dog ("her baby") for 5 years, then finally got pregnant. The dog completely changed after the baby was born. They kept working with him, trying to get him to go back to the way he was and it didn't happen. They found another home for him when he bit a family member that stopped by. Maybe try calling your vet to see if an obedience class of some sort may help him.
2007-03-20 04:07:11 · answer #1 · answered by punkin_eater26 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that you shouldnt automatically give upo your dog as soon as you bring a baby home, or the dog shows signs of jealousy BUT in your own words the dog "hates" your son and is "dangerous" these are very strong words, if these ever come up and you have tried everything then i really think you need to re home the dog
i have a staffy and am due to give birth anyday now, we will do everything we can to ensure the dog gets on with the baby but any signs of danger or hatred and my mum will take the dog so we can still see him an he knows we still love him but he is no longer a threat to the rest of the family, do you have a close friend/family member that will be willing to take on the dog?? then you can still take him out at weekends etc
2007-03-20 13:26:54 · answer #2 · answered by irish_jipper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sorry to hear that you are in this situation. We recently had to rehome our puppy Toby because he tried to bite our baby girl. He was the same way, very loyal and affectionate to us, particularly myself. But baby comes first.
There are some things that you can try to do. First, make sure he is getting enough exercise before you try to train your dog, getting him to accept the baby. Cesar Milan suggests a lot of good things, I would check out his website for more tips. Always have them interact when the dog is calm. I think it would be best if he was actually laying on his back in a submissive state. Seriously, I suggest checking out the website. If you REALLY want to keep the dog, call Cesar Milan for a consult if you can. I'm not sure how much that costs.
Bottom line, your baby must come first. If you can't rehabilitate your dog, you have to get rid of him.
2007-03-20 14:30:40 · answer #3 · answered by jo_bekka_yolandra 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder why Jack Russells are like this. My sister had one for a few years, brought my nephew home and the dog was very jealous and snapped at him a few times. She eventually had to start keeping him in the yard. We have a Sheltie and a Goldendoodle that I hope are going to be OK when we bring our baby home in a few months.
Good luck I hope everything works out, I know I would die if I had to give my Sheltie away, like you she has been my baby for the last 4 years too
2007-03-20 11:31:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately this is very common with terriers, they are the most territorial of all dogs and will not tolerate any changes in the family. The best thing you can do is to give the dog to a new home and get another one when the baby is a little older. It's always best to introduce dogs into famillies rather than famillies into dogs, if that makes sense. Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, having been through this myself, I know how difficult it is.
2007-03-20 11:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who comes first - your baby or your dog? Think about it! You see your dog as part of the family but at the end of the day it's still just an animal! Your baby boy is too precious to take any risks with, don't you think? You probably should have got rid of the dog before now!
2007-03-20 19:00:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry if the dog poses a risk to the child i dont see you have much choice, its not going suddenly change after all its had 11 months to get used to your baby and it hasnt.
This happens a lot, its jealousy, but you cant take the risk. Rehome it with someone you know possibly then you could still have contact.
Sorry
2007-03-20 11:51:13 · answer #7 · answered by hayles 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You gotta take control of the household again.
I've seen just about every Dog Whisperer show that's been made to date.
Jacks are so smart and so stubborn that they require a really strong pack leader to put them in their place.
The dog has to become calm, submissive. He uses a variety of tricks to acheive this, but it usually involves grabbing the dog by the scruff of the neck and pinning it to the ground. This is exactly what a canine pack leader would do in the wild.
If he tries to get up right away, you pin him again. He has to learn that he is not the ruler of the house. Every single time he shows aggression, he has to be pinned to the ground until he sits there, usually on his back, in a submissive position.
I'd suggest watching National Geographic and catch a couple of the shows. Most times they're essentially the same theme. It won't take long to see how it works.
You DO NOT have to get rid of the dog. Don't listen to them. You merely need to reassign yourselves as pack leaders. Take away his power and make him become a follower again.
That means he's not allowed up on furniture or the bed unless invited. He cannot jump on your or anyone else unless invited. No showing affection while he's in an excitied or aggressive state.
A Jack isn't going to attack a baby. Nip, possibly, but they are not killers by any stretch.
When you take on a dog, it's not a relationship of convenience (or at least that's how it should be). You have a lifelong responsibility to that dog whether you decided to have a baby or not.
Too many people get pets, then get rid of em the first time things become difficult. (not saying you are doing this, more in response to the other posters). Don't get a GD dog if you're not willing to stick it out, selfish pricks. Buy a goldfish instead if you're going to be terrible owners.
2007-03-20 11:13:06 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You've just hit the nail on the head by saying 'he had been our baby for 4 years'. No chance as you would never trust it around him and if you did you are very, very silly to endanger your child.
I had a staffie when i was pregnant which was my baby - it came everywhere with me and the day i brought my daughter home it went for her (not maliciously but thought she was a toy). I was devastated, believe me but looking back now i would have never trusted it to be left alone.
Dogs need to know there place in your family and as awful as it sounds they are at the bottom of the heirachy. It sounds like your dog has had its nose pushed out of joint and is resenting your son. Please don't be foolish enough to keep the dog - i know its hard but think how devastated you would be if your son was hurt by him?!
I have now got another dog (waited till my youngest was walking) and got him from someone who had had him as a pup around small children and he is wonderful. the best dog anyone could wish for around children. He follows them around, will never take food from them. He even growls at me if i'm playing on the floor with them!!
I hope this helps and i know its not an easy decision but it is for the best in the long run x
2007-03-20 16:33:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well yeah my jack russel was the same way when i first brought home a child, she hated it just show your dog he is still loved mand let his feelings towored the baby come on its own jr love children but dont like loosing attention so make sure he nos he is loved. take him with you on trips 2 places other than the vet and give him a little bit more attention! he will forget all about the baby!
2007-03-20 11:07:26 · answer #10 · answered by michelle h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋