Dog & New Baby HELP!

[mollydog]

I have a yorkshire terrier, she is 4, her name is Molly. She is very spoiled and dominating. We also just had a baby, he is 2.5 months old. At the beginning there seemed to be no problems...Molly was just very curious about the new baby, and acted more like a protector for him. But...we recently went on a trip to see family for a few days and left her with a friend of ours (she always stays there when we go away). When we came back she seemed very upset. My husband was holding our son and allowing molly to sniff him, then all of a sudden she snapped...she started to growl and bark and tried to bite our son! First time that ever happened....has anyone dealt with this? What should we do? we are thinking we might have to get rid of her if she does not behave. we love her, but our son comes first. It was a very close call that day. Are there any tips on how to remedy this? thank you!

[t.pettet]

Before doing anything drastic like 'getting rid of your dog' schedule an appointment with a professional behaviorist. Molly was the spoiled baby for 4 years and now she's probably feeling left out and jealous as she feels she's being replaced. There are training methods that will ensure a happy, safe environment for baby and Molly.

[mummummum]

How nervous is your husband about the baby? And, as importantly how nervous is your husband about Molly and the baby? If Molly senses fear in your husband, she will associate that fear with the only thing she knows to be different in her home ~ the baby.

There are TONS of resources out there to help you introduce your dog to your baby and a behaviourist who can work with you personally, is as T.pettet suggest a good option. Here is one resource to get you started : http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/in..._new_baby.html

[mollydog]

thank you I will look into that and consult my vet for help.