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April 26, 2011

My friend has a new baby and a 9 month old dog. The dog is getting nippy, what should she do?

Full Question:

I'm writing on behalf of my friend Candace. She has a nine-month-old neutered male GSD named Canaan. Canaan comes from a line of even-tempered shepherds and was raised with children. Candace did some obedience work with him, though he tends to not always listen to her as well as others. Candace had a baby five weeks ago. Although she did all the appropriate things to prepare Canaan for the baby, he has not adjust well. he is fine with the baby, but takes it out on Candace. He has grabbed at her hands and nipped (not breaking skin) and when she is nursing the baby he gets into things and is destructive. He is clearly getting her negative attention, and she has been spending lots of time with him. The situation is fairly stressful and she is concerned that the adjustment might never work. Any tips?

Ed's Answer:

Here are the options:

Buy a dog crate and crate train this dog.

Read my articles on my web site on Dealing with the Dominant Dog, while this dog may not be dominant at this time he is beginning to mature and these issues need to be addressed.

Obedience train this dog - DVD 302 - Basic Dog Obedience.

The dog should not be allowed near the baby. It must never be allowed in the baby's bedroom. It must never be allowed in their bedroom - not for any reason. It eats after they eat, etc.