DDog and newborn - advice needed

[Dogsville]

We've had DDog for over 4 years, she was a rescue found as a stray and was 1-2 years old. She has been the best dog we could have asked for - honestly that dog is my best friend and even non dog lovers have time for her gentle and affectionate nature.

DD1 is 2.5 and DDog adapted well. She generally keeps put of her way but is patient with her. We've taught DD1 to respect her space etc and there have been no issues, DD1 adores her.

DD2 was born less than a week ago, and I've noticed some worrying behaviour which is making me seriously doubt my trust for DDog. She seems to be really really protective DD2 and doesn't like it when DD1 gets too close (specifically when I'm changing DD2 and DD1 lies beside her to cuddle her). DDog will jump off the couch towards DD1 and although there's no growling/hackles/teeth bearing it's really out of character for her and he made me so uneasy. Obviously we are making sure they are never alone together, can anyone give me some advice on how to tackle this?

I've been in tears so much about it (hormones!!). I love DDog SO much but obviously the girls come first

Baby gates and a good dog behaviourist or trainer. There will be someone locally and they're usually not extortionate, you need someone who can come into the house and watch exactly what's happening to know how to tell you to sort it.

I live in a very isolated, remote area - no such things as behaviourists or trainers here

Dog training Advice and support will offer advice on FB. Ask to join the group. You could even share a short video to show what you're worried about. All free and totally positive methods used.

Good ones will travel & won't rip you off. They should also be able to offer phone conversations if they really can't get to you. Ask your vet if they have any recommendations. The rescue centre you got her from may be able to help too.

Could it just be the change? My dog went a bit odd acting when both dc were born but it all settled down once she got used to it. It's only been a week. :)

I'm sure you can sort this out as your dog is so good natured in general.

Are you certain there's an actual problem? I'm just wondering if the dog is just interested as he's not showing any sort of aggressive behaviour.

You say she doesn't like it. How do you know? If all the family are engaged in an activity maybe she wants to be close and see what's going on?
Doggy stair gates are great. She needs her own bed space away from both kids!

I did wonder whether I had exaggerated it due to the hormones but there is a definite 'lunge' when DD1 gets too close to DD2 in a way which I suppose she would interpret as being threatening. I genuinely think she's trying to protect the baby.

She doesn't seem bothered in other situations, or with DD1 separately. Eg I'm currently feeding DD2 on the couch and DDog is lying fast asleep beside us.

Funnily enough she went a bit funny with other dogs several months ago, similar actions if quickly lunging and it was usually around food even though she has never been particularly food orientated. It started when I fell pregnant and has only happened a couple of times but with dogs she is really familiar with (family dogs that we spend a lot of time with).

It's really got me down, didn't think I'd be having these thoughts about DDog

Hard to say without seeing. Definitely get stair gates in place.

If you are somewhere a behaviourist wouldn't travel to then can you make a video by setting up camera to video what's happening. Then you may be able to get a good behaviourist to work with you on the phone, with the benefit of them being able to see via a pre-recorded video exactly what you're talking about.

Obviously this needs sorting but it's kind of sweet she loves the new baby so much.

Good behaviourists will definitely travel. Your local vet will very likely have one they recommend.

The dog's just experienced a huge change in dynamics, and if yours is anything like mine is probably picking up on your hormones and everyone in the house excited, coping with a lot of change, new routines. Mine goes doolally if I'm not myself, he often knows if I'm ill before I do. Obviously the first thing is to ensure safety, if changing the baby for example you know may be a trigger then the dog gets a treat in its crate or another room and the door shut before you start. But try not to panic.

Thank you for all the advice - will monitor it closely over the next few days and look into behaviourists who will travel.

We have family visiting for the weekend and they have a young dog - I'm going to ask id the can avoid bringing their DDog to ours as not sure what our DDog will be like around it and the baby

Good plan. Good luck OP.