Why do my dogs act differently when my stepkids are here?

Question

I have two dogs that are 1 and 2 years old. They are with me in the house most of time. I work at home so they are used to my routine. Every other week, my stepkids are here. The dogs enjoy them, but they do things they NEVER do when the kids are not here. They chew up things, pee on the rugs even after being outside or going for walks, and try to get out of the yard. They only do these things when the kids are here. The kids play with them and treat them well, so I don't understand this behavior. Help!

Answer 1

It's not about the kids or the kids not being great, it's about disrupting their routine. Dogs are creatures of habit and anything that changes the normal routine of events can cause the dogs stress. If the kids were there all the time, the dogs would adjust and do just fine, but the kids only coming every other week doesn't allow the dogs to totally become comfortable with them and they see it as someone "intruding" in their pack. It's normal and not something to be too upset about but one thing you can do to help them is keep everything as normal as possible. Feed them at the same times, put them to bed at the same times, have them sleep in the same spots, do everything you would normally do like grooming or affection at the same times and ways you normally would to keep the dogs from feeling like everything is turning upside down!!
Added: This is NOT about jealousy or anything like that like some people have mentioned. Dogs do not get jealous, they get stressed and someone new in the home is a stress for dogs. Having the kids only once in awhile does not allow them to become accustomed and it is stressful. Like I said, just keep everything else as normal as possible.

Answer 2

The biggest reason for this is like a spoiled child, you show the dogs love and attention and play with them while the children are not there, then when your step children come over the dogs are no longer the center of attention. This is the dogs way of getting attention. They don't know right from wrong, so you will have to include them in the activities with the children until it becomes a natural routine.
You should also watch that the kids are not mistreating the dogs while you are not looking, some kids will be mean to the animals, not for spite but perhaps because they don't have any of their own or are not aware of the proper treatment.
Get the kids together with the dogs, and make sure that they play together well, if not find the porblem and fix it, or you will have to put the dogs outside while the kids are there.
You have to remember to a dog there must always be a dominant animal, and if the kids are filling this spot that one of the dogs normally has, then this is a disruption in thier own home.
Try to work closely with both the dogs and the kids, and if all else fails, the dogs go outside or off in a room that they can't tear up or hurt anything.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Sounds to me like stress for them. Even though they are treated okay, a change in routine and activities causes stress for a dog. My dog does the same thing when my step grand children are around. My home is normally quiet and easy going, but when the children are around, she does not like the noise that they make in playing, etc. I also read something similar to this in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram "Dear Dr. Fox" a vet column in the life section. My cat acts the same way,

Answer 4

You answered your own question.

"they are used to my routine"

when the routine changes their habits change.

unfortunately the remedy doesn't come as easily as the diagnosis. They either have to be retrained or the children need to adhere more to your routine.

Oh about the peeing on the rug.. are you sure its not just that they do it when the children first arrive? Dogs very often get over excited when they see guests that are not around all the time. Very common for them to pee on the floor when this happens, in fact it seems like most dogs do this.

Answer 5

They feel like they are being replaced and getting less of your attention!!!!!! When your stepkids are over why don't you take some time outside alone with your doggies - just you and your doggies no kids. They will look forward to this alone time with just you.

Answer 6

they are feeling jealous or threatened. I have trained many dogs and would suggest that you make sure they get adequate attention while the kids are there. It will be necessary to punish them if they do wrong. Do not try to bargain with them. They are young and are probably working a power play or are overeager. It may also be that the extra attention keys them up.

Never beat the dog but some time alone after a good firm NO can work wonders. Try a good loud firm OUT brought from your gut. Something in that word from the gut sounds like their mom scolding them.

Answer 7

I like Shanna's answer the best; their daily routine is being upset.

My dogs all go crazy when we stay at "grandma and grandpa's house" sometimes on the weekends. They're normally pretty calm, but when we're not at our house even letting them out to go to the bathroom is chaotic! I'm always telling my mom "I swear they're not like this at home!"

Answer 8

It sounds as if the dogs are jealous - very normal. My daughter had to get of her cat when the new baby arrived as he was peeing all over her clothes and diapers. The dogs will probably get used to the step children sooner or later. Are you sure the kids aren't doing something to the dogs when you aren't looking??

Answer 9

They are reacting to the change in you when your stepkids are over. You probably hold some sort of resentment towards them because of your spouse's ex. Dogs are very in tune to their owners feelings and emotions.

Answer 10

It's all about attention. Dogs are like kids in that way - they like routine and attention - lots of it. They get jealous and act out when they see your attention going somewhere else. That is why they do bad things. Negative attention is STILL attention.