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The doghouse

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Is my dog depressed?

6 replies

Samsara12 · 13/05/2021 02:19

We have a 5 week old baby, and have a miniture Yorkshire terrier who is coming up 10 years old next month.
I have been furloughed most the last year so home alot with my dog he is used to alot of attention, cuddles, playtime, company etc. He is very effectionate with me as I'm with him the most.
Since having him back in the house after my parents looking after him while we had a newborn in the house and me recovering from a c-section for the first few weeks we decided that would only be fair so he gets his walks and attention he needs and so my husband and I can sleep when we can and not have to worry about the dog and give us that extra break.
Now the dog is home obviously now I can't give him so much cuddles if I'm feeding baby or trying to get baby to sleep. Baby comes first obviously and I have been firmer with the dog only because my parents give him bad habits, spoiling him by feeding him at the table etc. He doesn't go anywhere near baby just keeps his distance really which is a good thing!
But i try to give the dog cuddles, back scratches, walk him our usall walk, talk to him and my husband gives him attention too. He's just acting really quiet now, sleeping alot more if baby isn't on us he will be really effectionate just wants to be close to us. Is there anything I can do to make him normal or is it just a jealous thing and how he is adjusting to the new routine

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ZaraCarmichaelshighheels · 13/05/2021 03:33

I think it’s insecurity and some depression, his whole life has changed, firstly living with your parents for a period of time will probably have confused him and despite knowing your parents, he will have missed you and that will have made him anxious, then upon his return there is a new baby getting all the attention he used to get and you being stricter with him as well, he’s probably in a bit of shock and just doesn’t understand what’s going on around him, I think you just need to give him time to adjust to this massive change in his life, try and include him a bit more when baby is around (safely of course) and try and get him in a new daily routine, dogs thrive on it, it makes them feel secure, you clearly love your dog and want the best for him, he just needs patience, love and time to make sense of it all and I’m sure if you continue showing him love and attention he will eventually accept the new normal.

Samsara12 · 13/05/2021 05:24

Your so right I need to give him time to adjust aswell and include him a bit more. Maybe not be so strict with him either.
Hes not slept in his bed tonight he's been in with us all night but I'm giving him lots back like cuddles ( when babys sleeping in his next to me of course)
Thank you so much

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sarahc336 · 13/05/2021 06:13

I'm speaking from experience of cats here not dogs but I've brought two babies home now (dd1 is 4 and dd2 Is 6 months) snd both times my cats tend to hide more/go a bit quite. It's a massive change in their world plus I don't think many pets enjoy the babies crying. However with time and on both occasions my cats have started to be interested in my two dd snd st sone point then actively choose to spend time with them. Your dog just needs time to re assess his family/pack, figure it all out and then he'll soon realise he's got a little play mate once your little one is abit older. Both my cats love playing with my 4 year old and I tend to get ignore in favour of her now 😂 xx

mellongoose · 13/05/2021 06:21

Took my springer about 18 months to adjust to my baby. I knew he was ok because he started to play with his toys again!

He's 9 and baby is now 6 and we have just got a new puppy. He's annoyed at me but taking it better this time!!!

DawnMumsnet · 13/05/2021 08:32

Hi @Samsara12, we're going to move your thread over to The Doghouse topic as we think that's a better place for it.

Thanks to everyone who's given advice so far.

Samsara12 · 14/05/2021 00:56

Thank you everyone for all your advice and experience it really is reasureing. My dog has been alot better yesterday just need to give him time to adjust to new routine etc

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