>>I am expecting the birth of my first child in approximately 5 weeks. My 6 year old Chocolate Lab has been displaying behaviors in the past 3-4 days that he NEVER displayed before. He has jumped up and taken food off of the counter twice within the past 2 days and he tore a stack of decorative books to shreds last night (the books have been on the coffee table forever).
>>Are these behaviors purely attention seeking or is he sensing the change (new baby)is coming soon.
>>
>>Please help, I don't want him to feel left out or loved any less or differently. What should I do?
>>Laurie, NJ
ANSWER:
Be sure to have him medically checked, including blood work and x-rays. Do not blame him for the behavior with labels such as "attention seeking," because things are shifting radically in your household and soon will also shift in your emotions. It is important to get him properly cared for before that happens. Too many parents just toss the dog out into the yard or get rid of him rather than deal with behavior problems, once the baby has arrived.
I have five articles for you to read, all at the link below my signature (free, no registration at the site, strictly educational, veterinary). The titles are Children Need to Learn about Dogs, Choosing a Dog for Children, Child Safety with Dogs, Before the New Baby Comes Home, and Pain and Its Affect on Your Dog's Behavior.
Time is very short for you to get this dog set and ready for the baby, and it's the holidays. That makes it urgent.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
