My Yorkie Does Not Like My Newborn - YorkieTalk.com Forums

toasty · 02-01-2009, 06:47 PM

Just had our first child a couple of days ago!

Just brought her home from the hospital today to meet our two dogs, Max (Yorkie) and Truman (Boston Terrier). Truman has been getting along with her just fine, but Max is having none of it. He barks at her LOUDLY and he gets really wound up when we're holding her -- if I didn't hold him back, he would go at her, no doubt about it. He will not leave her alone, whether she's in her crib, or we're holding her. I'm afraid of what is going to happen when he realizes that he can jump high enough to get in to her crib.

HELP!!!

carsou · 02-01-2009, 06:55 PM

Aw, I'm so sorry I dont have any advice to give since I havent been in that situation but I hope someone can help you. I would def keep him away for now so he doesnt jump in.

yorkiesmiles · 02-01-2009, 07:40 PM

Congratulations on your new baby.

I would keep Max away from your little girl if you are not with her. You need to spend sometime holding him and letting him smell you - you probably smell different, and he is not use to the new baby smell. If you have had your daughter wrapped in a blanket - after you unwrap it, let Max have a good scent of it - perhaps put it on the floor & let him get used to the smell.

If you're holding the baby can your husband hold Max & vice versa?

I think he is jealous, and I will pray for you that he eases up quickly. But be very careful for sometime to come -

chandracz · 02-01-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

Congratulations on your new baby.

I would keep Max away from your little girl if you are not with her. You need to spend sometime holding him and letting him smell you - you probably smell different, and he is not use to the new baby smell. If you have had your daughter wrapped in a blanket - after you unwrap it, let Max have a good scent of it - perhaps put it on the floor & let him get used to the smell.

If you're holding the baby can your husband hold Max & vice versa?

I think he is jealous, and I will pray for you that he eases up quickly. But be very careful for sometime to come -

I agree that he's jealous and also good advice about the scent. Max needs to get used to the new emotions that you and your husband are feelings (that max is picking up on) the baby's options and then also his own jealous emotions. I think he's just needs to be kept away from your new little one and esed into "bonding" process. It'll happen, but it will take some time and effort.

katelin · 02-01-2009, 08:20 PM

I agree, and urge you to please be so careful that he cannot hurt your baby. Best wishes.

Yorkiekids · 02-01-2009, 08:23 PM

You need to keep a can with change in it near you, and when he displays this behavior shake it really hard. The noise really bothers them, and after a few times he will figure out that what he's doing brings on consequences that he doesn't like.

JoeyP · 02-02-2009, 07:50 AM

I think there's a couple of things going on
There is probably definite jealousy issues going on
This new bundle is taking away Mom's attention
and I'm mad

This is esp true if your Yorkie was your lap dog
The other thing that might be going on is that your pup might be curious as hell as to what this new thing is that has Mom's and Dad's attention so much
The good thing is that you have lots of time before the baby will be in close proximity to your Yorkie
Of course .... if you think the dog can jump into the baby's crib or playpen you need to separate your dog so that cannot happen
But while you're holding your new born
have your husband show the dog attention and give him treats
try to make the pup know that whenever the baby is around that good things are going to happen
also give the dog the baby's blanket to smell
so he gets used to the new addition to the family

I know it seems scary that the dog might hurt the little one but if you introduce the baby in the right way I think you'll be fine

toasty · 02-02-2009, 09:23 AM

First of all, thanks to everyone for the input.

Second, I'm the husband.

We've addressed the problem in the short term by taking Max (and Truman) to puppy camp for a couple of days so we can get settled with the baby without the added pressure of trying to fend off an upset Yorkie. They'll be back in a couple of days, though, and I'll be sure to incorporate these suggestions when they return.

I do feel like it's more intense curiosity rather than actual aggression, but Max likes to use his paws, and I'm afraid he could hurt her without even meaning to.

Thanks!

svlcheergirl · 02-02-2009, 09:26 AM

Congrats on your new baby! I agree with everyone else that he is jealous. I am a big fan of Ceasar Milan and he just had a show on this exact issue. I think that if you go to his website that you will be able to watch the episode.

Just a quick over view, he had the parents put the baby in a car seat up on the couch. Then when the dog got near and started having his fit, he would touch the neck (like a bite). This went on for about 5 minutes before the dog got the idea that he was not able to act in this manner

Good Luck

mkawczak · 02-02-2009, 09:30 AM

Congrats on you new baby..skin baby that is...I remember the nurse asking us when I had Sean ,that if we had animals to take the receiving blankets home (the ones he would be wrapped in)and let them sleep with it or get adjusted to the new smell. It's all new for all of you. Give yourself time. It's an adjustment in many ways. Eventually when they figure out that she is not going anywhere they will except her. I'm sending you all hugs and well wishes on the joys ahead of you all as a family.

yorkiesmiles · 02-02-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toasty

First of all, thanks to everyone for the input.

Second, I'm the husband.

We've addressed the problem in the short term by taking Max (and Truman) to puppy camp for a couple of days so we can get settled with the baby without the added pressure of trying to fend off an upset Yorkie. They'll be back in a couple of days, though, and I'll be sure to incorporate these suggestions when they return.

I do feel like it's more intense curiosity rather than actual aggression, but Max likes to use his paws, and I'm afraid he could hurt her without even meaning to.

Thanks!

Sorry DAD! There are so many women on here - that we often assume the person at the other end is a woman. But we love the men of YT too! Hoepfully, both Max and Truman return home as happy pups, and you can try the ideas in a more rested and settled manner. Having a plan is important

Potter · 02-02-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toasty

First of all, thanks to everyone for the input.

Second, I'm the husband.

We've addressed the problem in the short term by taking Max (and Truman) to puppy camp for a couple of days so we can get settled with the baby without the added pressure of trying to fend off an upset Yorkie. They'll be back in a couple of days, though, and I'll be sure to incorporate these suggestions when they return.

I do feel like it's more intense curiosity rather than actual aggression, but Max likes to use his paws, and I'm afraid he could hurt her without even meaning to.

Thanks!

Lol I just want to say welcome to YT! Usually it is the woman who posts so pretty interesting to see a husband posting instead

.

toasty · 02-05-2009, 01:43 PM

Well, I have an update -- Max and Truman are back home, and I'm happy to report that things are going much better. Not perfect, but much, much better.

We've given Max the opportunity to sniff her from a safe distance, and that has helped assure him that she means no harm. I also try to give the dogs a treat when she's coming out for an extended period of time to occupy them during that critical time when our attention is turning from them to her. Max can still get awfully wound up over time, but it's much more of a slow build now (because he really, really wants to lick her face but we won't let him). When we start to see him getting agitated, we do the Dog Whisperer "hand-bite" thing followed by just blocking his access to her, and he's responding positively to that (or at least it seems to knock him down a few notches.

The really good news is that our other dog, Truman, is being an absolute rock star. One less thing to worry about.

yorkiesmiles · 02-05-2009, 01:54 PM

Thanks for updating! Glad to hear that things are going better. Since Truman is a rock star, hopefully Max will take some clues from him. Since Max wants to lick your baby's face, I would say that his curiosity is out of care for her, as he sees how much you & your wife love the new occupant in your house. Praying his excitability will ease.

toasty · 02-09-2009, 09:25 AM

further update -- I'm happy to report that things are now MUCH better. While still intrigued by our daughter, Max is not longer showing any aggression towards her at all, and seems to have learned that he has to be more careful around her.

I took him to Petsmart -- just him, didn't bring the other dog -- and got him a bunch of treats, toys, etc. and otherwise just had some time with just him, which I'm thinking might have let him know that he was still very loved and calmed him down some. His change in behavior seems to coincide with that trip.

I also suspect that Truman might have laid down the law to some extent. Truman is the alpha and has always been the sentinel of the house. When my brother's Puli visits, Truman mediates disputes between them, if you will, and typically will put Max in his place around the house if, for example, Max barks too much for his liking at the mailman or something. Truman will lay on the couch with us while we're holding our daughter in alert mode, surveying the room, protecting us all, and part of me wonders if Truman didn't take Max behind the woodshed in that way that only dogs understand and communicated to him that he needed to turn it down a notch.

What crazy, funny creatures we've invited into our home.

02-01-2009, 06:47 PM	#1
toasty Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 11	My Yorkie Does Not Like My Newborn Just had our first child a couple of days ago! Just brought her home from the hospital today to meet our two dogs, Max (Yorkie) and Truman (Boston Terrier). Truman has been getting along with her just fine, but Max is having none of it. He barks at her LOUDLY and he gets really wound up when we're holding her -- if I didn't hold him back, he would go at her, no doubt about it. He will not leave her alone, whether she's in her crib, or we're holding her. I'm afraid of what is going to happen when he realizes that he can jump high enough to get in to her crib. HELP!!!

02-01-2009, 06:55 PM	#2
carsou Owned By Juicy ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 1,843	Aw, I'm so sorry I dont have any advice to give since I havent been in that situation but I hope someone can help you. I would def keep him away for now so he doesnt jump in. __________________ Carlene; Mommy to a beautiful Little Furry Princess, Juicy.

02-01-2009, 07:40 PM	#3
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Congratulations on your new baby. I would keep Max away from your little girl if you are not with her. You need to spend sometime holding him and letting him smell you - you probably smell different, and he is not use to the new baby smell. If you have had your daughter wrapped in a blanket - after you unwrap it, let Max have a good scent of it - perhaps put it on the floor & let him get used to the smell. If you're holding the baby can your husband hold Max & vice versa? I think he is jealous, and I will pray for you that he eases up quickly. But be very careful for sometime to come - __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

02-01-2009, 08:20 PM	#5
katelin YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,778	I agree, and urge you to please be so careful that he cannot hurt your baby. Best wishes. __________________ *LaVail Yorkshire Terriers*

02-01-2009, 08:23 PM	#6
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	You need to keep a can with change in it near you, and when he displays this behavior shake it really hard. The noise really bothers them, and after a few times he will figure out that what he's doing brings on consequences that he doesn't like. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

02-02-2009, 07:50 AM	#7
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	I think there's a couple of things going on There is probably definite jealousy issues going on This new bundle is taking away Mom's attention and I'm mad This is esp true if your Yorkie was your lap dog The other thing that might be going on is that your pup might be curious as hell as to what this new thing is that has Mom's and Dad's attention so much The good thing is that you have lots of time before the baby will be in close proximity to your Yorkie Of course .... if you think the dog can jump into the baby's crib or playpen you need to separate your dog so that cannot happen But while you're holding your new born have your husband show the dog attention and give him treats try to make the pup know that whenever the baby is around that good things are going to happen also give the dog the baby's blanket to smell so he gets used to the new addition to the family I know it seems scary that the dog might hurt the little one but if you introduce the baby in the right way I think you'll be fine __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

02-02-2009, 09:23 AM	#8
toasty Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 11	First of all, thanks to everyone for the input. Second, I'm the husband. We've addressed the problem in the short term by taking Max (and Truman) to puppy camp for a couple of days so we can get settled with the baby without the added pressure of trying to fend off an upset Yorkie. They'll be back in a couple of days, though, and I'll be sure to incorporate these suggestions when they return. I do feel like it's more intense curiosity rather than actual aggression, but Max likes to use his paws, and I'm afraid he could hurt her without even meaning to. Thanks!

02-02-2009, 09:26 AM	#9
svlcheergirl YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: High Desert, Ca Posts: 8	Congrats Congrats on your new baby! I agree with everyone else that he is jealous. I am a big fan of Ceasar Milan and he just had a show on this exact issue. I think that if you go to his website that you will be able to watch the episode. Just a quick over view, he had the parents put the baby in a car seat up on the couch. Then when the dog got near and started having his fit, he would touch the neck (like a bite). This went on for about 5 minutes before the dog got the idea that he was not able to act in this manner Good Luck

02-02-2009, 09:30 AM	#10
mkawczak Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 3	Congrats on you new baby..skin baby that is...I remember the nurse asking us when I had Sean ,that if we had animals to take the receiving blankets home (the ones he would be wrapped in)and let them sleep with it or get adjusted to the new smell. It's all new for all of you. Give yourself time. It's an adjustment in many ways. Eventually when they figure out that she is not going anywhere they will except her. I'm sending you all hugs and well wishes on the joys ahead of you all as a family. __________________ N.Y. 'S FINESTPONGO,AIDEN,HARLEY, KI-KI ,GARFIELD ,MINI-ME

02-05-2009, 01:43 PM	#13
toasty Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 11	Well, I have an update -- Max and Truman are back home, and I'm happy to report that things are going much better. Not perfect, but much, much better. We've given Max the opportunity to sniff her from a safe distance, and that has helped assure him that she means no harm. I also try to give the dogs a treat when she's coming out for an extended period of time to occupy them during that critical time when our attention is turning from them to her. Max can still get awfully wound up over time, but it's much more of a slow build now (because he really, really wants to lick her face but we won't let him). When we start to see him getting agitated, we do the Dog Whisperer "hand-bite" thing followed by just blocking his access to her, and he's responding positively to that (or at least it seems to knock him down a few notches. The really good news is that our other dog, Truman, is being an absolute rock star. One less thing to worry about.

02-05-2009, 01:54 PM	#14
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Thanks for updating! Glad to hear that things are going better. Since Truman is a rock star, hopefully Max will take some clues from him. Since Max wants to lick your baby's face, I would say that his curiosity is out of care for her, as he sees how much you & your wife love the new occupant in your house. Praying his excitability will ease. __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

02-09-2009, 09:25 AM	#15
toasty Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 11	further update -- I'm happy to report that things are now MUCH better. While still intrigued by our daughter, Max is not longer showing any aggression towards her at all, and seems to have learned that he has to be more careful around her. I took him to Petsmart -- just him, didn't bring the other dog -- and got him a bunch of treats, toys, etc. and otherwise just had some time with just him, which I'm thinking might have let him know that he was still very loved and calmed him down some. His change in behavior seems to coincide with that trip. I also suspect that Truman might have laid down the law to some extent. Truman is the alpha and has always been the sentinel of the house. When my brother's Puli visits, Truman mediates disputes between them, if you will, and typically will put Max in his place around the house if, for example, Max barks too much for his liking at the mailman or something. Truman will lay on the couch with us while we're holding our daughter in alert mode, surveying the room, protecting us all, and part of me wonders if Truman didn't take Max behind the woodshed in that way that only dogs understand and communicated to him that he needed to turn it down a notch. What crazy, funny creatures we've invited into our home.