One can only assume he's becoming more protective of me and our home because he's sensing the change in the household. However, he's getting annoying and I'm concerned that it won't go away after the baby's born. We have people over all the time and even people he's seen many times before he's barking and growling and snarling, and attacking their legs, even grabbing their pants legs and pulling.
Anyone got any advice to get him to calm down again? Do we need to take him out socializing more?
We haven't been to the car shows this year like we usually do, since DH's corvette has spent most of the season in Europe. It's back now, so I reckon we'll be going more. We used to take them with us to the shows, but that usually means I'm carrying them, cause I'm afraid of a car passing by and Chewy stresses out too much being on the ground. But I don't feel like carrying a baby and almost 20lbs of dogs.
Dogs can sence hormonal changes in you also, it may be confusing him, as he has learned how to read you pre-pregnancy, but now it's harder for him. The last few weeks of pregnancy can be someone stressful on you, and dogs read into that and will stress with you. Don't know if any of this is what's causing it, but possible. my guys get stressed about a month before I deliver. some stay on my constantly, some are protective of me, and some seem to distance themselves. it can be confusing for them. be patient with him, but never allow agression, if he gets away with it, he will continue. He needs to remember no matter the surcumstances, YOU are the alpha, not him. hope maybe some of this will help? : )
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You think dogs will not be in heaven~ I think they will be there long before any of us... stevenson
I really dont know what to suggest actually, sorry! I could definitely believe that Chewy's getting stressed along with you like Beth suggested, that sounds plausible to me!
The only thing I can suggest is to talk to a dog behviourist/psychologist/trainer. Sorry I cant be of more help!
I have to agree with Beth also. I didn't have any chis when I was pregnant, but I had a cat, and he changed so much! He was suddenly my best buddy, when he couldn't care less about me before. He wanted to be on my lap all the time and he was soooooo lovey! I know animals can sense the little things about us, and if you are going through some major hormonal changes, he is probably sensing that. Have you been making any household changes getting ready for the baby yet? If so, that might set him off too, I have seen a few animals get antsy with new furniture, or even furniture getting moved around. They seem to like consistancy, and if things start to change, they get nervous, and don't know how to cope well :) Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
