Dog barking and baby

[pinkflute]

The purpose of this post is to hopefully get some outside opinions on our situation as I fear we cannot see the wood for the trees.

We have a beautiful 9 year old lassie breed of dog. Great with people and dogs so no aggression, stays with us when off the lead despite no training so intelligent and just all round great personality apart from anxiety. We get a lot of compliments on her behaviour and gentle nature by strangers just to help you understand how lovely she is. Even some neighbourhoods cats like her and will greet / rub on her. We adore her.

So going back to her anxiety. She has always been a nervous soul but it was manageable. Lots of reassurance and hugs helped her. Then we had a baby at the end of last year. This has amplified her anxiety. She is so barky now even a pigeon in the garden can trigger her. She has also developed separation anxiety if I leave the house with the baby and will bark until I return even if my DH is home. She often paces. Her barking is soooooooo loud. It can startle the baby and has disrupted naps leading to baby getting cranky. It all feels too much. The anxiety is a breed trait it's part of who the dog is. I feel on egg shells waiting for barking. I can't comfort the dog because im holding the baby most of the time. The barking is too loud to approach with the baby. She loves the baby ie tries to lick her toes if opportunity arises (if baby's leg dangles above her) and will try desperately to reach and comfort baby by licking her legs if she can when baby is upset. Baby crying definitely makes dog stressed though causing pacing. She always wants to be with us too and is underfoot I feel that I have a dog and baby permanently stuck to me which I don't mind but just to convey how it feels. If I lock her in hallway or another room for the baby's naps she barks through annoyance. She barked this morning because she couldn't get past the laundry basket to go out and bark at a pigeon. Her barking is out of control some days she seems annoyed at any inconvenience to her. She has barked three during the baby's morning nap today waking baby each time.

I don't know why I'm posting really. I feel so down about the barking trying to manage the baby. The dog feels displaced probably.

Has anyone any advice or been through similar?

To add - before baby the dog just barked at the postman so typical dog barking.

It sounds as if she's being (over) protective. I really would advise a professional behaviourist. Congratulations on your new baby!

I did the Absolute Dogs Stop Barking Mini Course and it really helped.

I also use Nutri Paw calming treats.

I use natural chews, licky mats, puzzle feeders to reduce anxiety and lots of sniffy walks. If you have a garden then scatter feeding can help.

Plenty of downtime, though that might not work if she has separation anxiety.

Is she crate trained? Is there somewhere else in the house you can put here where she won't hear the baby crying?

As PP says a professional behaviourist would probably work wonders if you can afford it.

I would also get a behaviourist to work through it.

I will look to get her lucky mats and puzzles. We could get a behaviour ist to help but would hate to spend money and see no benefit. Is there an accreditation that good behaviourist have? How do I know who is good? I've never engaged anyone like that before.

We need to do something. Sometimes I feel suddenly so overwhelmed I could cry but then stop myself immediately so not to upset the baby or dog. We don't have a relaxed home anymore. The dog is not relaxed. I think it's me she has separation anxiety from as she follows me when I leave baby with DH. I don't let her interact with the baby perhaps that is wrong.

Teach her to stop barking when you tell her to. It’s what I’ve done with mine.

https://www.apbc.org.uk/

You can find an accredited behaviourist via the link above. Dog's Trust also offer 1 to 1 support from qualified behaviourists.

A good behaviourist can be absolutely life changing.

There is a group on facebook called 'Dog Training Advice and Support' which is run by qualified behaviourists and offers free advice. They have a lot of training guides already on their page, some of which you have to read first before you can post asking for more specific advice - often because people find solutions in there before asking. But once you have tried the methods suggested you can post and ask for tailored advice if you need it. The online guides are also available as a book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dog-Training-Behaviour-Solutions-stress-free/dp/B09ZCL5PN9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FLQY4IW1KLAS&keywords=dog+training+advice+and+support&qid=1686828490&sprefix=dog+training+advice+and+support%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1
There are sections on barking and on dogs and babies.

Thank you for the links and encouragement on behaviourists. I don't know how I can teach her myself. When I tell her to stop she won't as her anxiety is affecting her listening skills. She used to be a great listener. We've entered a strange space with her mindset. I can't approach her barking with the baby. I think we need professional help.

My baby got used to my beagle's (very loud) bark eventually, and mostly just sleeps through the racket now! Sorry, that's not advice as such, but reassurance that if you stick with it, babies are v.adaptable. Good luck!

I wouldn't try and help her yourself when there's separation anxiety and a baby involved. You need professional support.

As above, the APBC are the best organisation to help you find a behaviourist - they will require you to get a full veterinary health check before starting so it may be worth getting that sorted too. Good luck!

You can get those calming plugins or sprays. Dorwest herbs have herbal meds.

Definately get a trainer/behaviourist in. You need one that's good at dealing with collies. I had one a couple of weeks ago for my rough collie as he was barking and guarding the house a lot. It's been brilliant. If she has a tag the clangs against the food bowl when eating, change it to a one that is flat against the collar, I found that helped with mine.

Would you be happy to share your contact in case I live in an area they cover? I'll see if I can find other collie specialists too.

Thanks everyone for your comments, really helped focus me.

Likewis @hennaoj . My rough is getting rather reactive with people coming into the house.

@hennaoj If you could let me know who you used, I'd be grateful.

I'm pm'ed you