Need advice...Triss bit the baby

[Ringo1]

My maltese was a little jealous with my son came home. A baby naturally takes a LOT of your time and attention. But I would put Matt in the stroller and Casper on his leash and off we would go.

When I was rocking Matt - I might be throwing a toy down the hall for Casper at the same time.

Casper was a very laid back maltese and even he got jealous of the baby. I tried to make sure he was included as much as possible; hence all the stroller walks. But I didn't leave the two of them alone together either once Matt started crawling and walking - because babies love to pull fur and tails .. . and they don't know what they are doing! Casper gave him a very wide berth when he was a baby.

Hang in there - things will get better.

[hviola]

Thank you all for the great advice. I should mention that the pen has been set up for the past two years. (For potty training Triss) Our wiener dog fell in love with the pen and has slept in there for the past 2 years on his cushy bed with his fleece blanket, lol. (With the door off after potty training) So I never put it away.

I had to start locking it when the baby came. I do feel bad and wish I could have spent more time with the dogs. Triss used to sleep in my bed. I breastfed the baby and co-slept with him most of the time. (He hardly slept, had reflux and colic. I had supply issues.) So most of my energy and time went for the baby. And any free time I had, I slept. She never seemed sad. I walked her once a day and one of us in the house played with her at least once. She always ignored the baby. But now he is mobile and interested in her. This was a total surprise today. I will definitely work on it. In fact, this evening, I set the baby in my lap and had him feed her treats. I think they both enjoyed it.

(Our wiener dog loves the baby. Seth gives him 'hugs'. Its so cute.)

[MyBabyFynnlie]

Originally Posted by hviola

Thank you all for the great advice. I should mention that the pen has been set up for the past two years. (For potty training Triss) Our wiener dog fell in love with the pen and has slept in there for the past 2 years on his cushy bed with his fleece blanket, lol. (With the door off after potty training) So I never put it away.

I had to start locking it when the baby came. I do feel bad and wish I could have spent more time with the dogs. Triss used to sleep in my bed. I breastfed the baby and co-slept with him most of the time. (He hardly slept, had reflux and colic. I had supply issues.) So most of my energy and time went for the baby. And any free time I had, I slept. She never seemed sad. I walked her once a day and one of us in the house played with her at least once. She always ignored the baby. But now he is mobile and interested in her. This was a total surprise today. I will definitely work on it. In fact, this evening, I set the baby in my lap and had him feed her treats. I think they both enjoyed it.

(Our wiener dog loves the baby. Seth gives him 'hugs'. Its so cute.)

I think this is great. It'll show Triss that the baby is part of the family and when she starts associating him with treats, she'll be a happier girl. It's going to take some time, but you'll get it!

I was thinking, is it possible for you to let Triss out of her pen and hold her, or keep her in the room with you when the baby is on the floor playing or in his room? Or when you're holding the baby, put Triss on the floor, let her play, toss a toy or give her treats? Anything she does good to the baby, give her a treat. Even if it's just her laying calmly while he's playing. Just show her that her 'good behavior' gets her out of the pen and into your 'good graces.'

Good luck!!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by hviola

Thank you all for the great advice. I should mention that the pen has been set up for the past two years. (For potty training Triss) Our wiener dog fell in love with the pen and has slept in there for the past 2 years on his cushy bed with his fleece blanket, lol. (With the door off after potty training) So I never put it away.

I had to start locking it when the baby came. I do feel bad and wish I could have spent more time with the dogs. Triss used to sleep in my bed. I breastfed the baby and co-slept with him most of the time. (He hardly slept, had reflux and colic. I had supply issues.) So most of my energy and time went for the baby. And any free time I had, I slept. She never seemed sad. I walked her once a day and one of us in the house played with her at least once. She always ignored the baby. But now he is mobile and interested in her. This was a total surprise today. I will definitely work on it. In fact, this evening, I set the baby in my lap and had him feed her treats. I think they both enjoyed it.

(Our wiener dog loves the baby. Seth gives him 'hugs'. Its so cute.)

Aw, I know it's tough when a new baby comes along, period. Even tougher when you have 'baby dogs' to take care of, too. And that your baby had colic! I feel for you.

My mom felt terrible after she had my baby sister because her dog, Carmen, had become really close to her during the pregnancy since she was home all the day. She would sleep with her every night, follow her everywhere... and then when the baby came, it almost was like my mom was totally ignoring the dog without really meaning to. She always tried her hardest, but Carmen ended up becoming 'my' dog (I lived there) and being with me every night, etc. lol.

How long are her walks? I know for Jackson, getting just one little walk and being played with once per day wouldn't cut it. Yorkies can be high maintenance dogs and thrive on human companionship! If it's possible, I would try to split up the walks. Get her out maybe for 3 little walks per day. Give the dog a routine, just as you do the baby. Maybe a certain time in the morning, set aside a little 15 minute play-time for the dog, and again in the afternoon, and night. I think you just need to drain her energy a bit more. A tired dog is a happy dog, meaning more exercise! I also think it will get better with time as the baby gets older

Originally Posted by MyBabyFynnlie

I think this is great. It'll show Triss that the baby is part of the family and when she starts associating him with treats, she'll be a happier girl. It's going to take some time, but you'll get it!

I was thinking, is it possible for you to let Triss out of her pen and hold her, or keep her in the room with you when the baby is on the floor playing or in his room? Or when you're holding the baby, put Triss on the floor, let her play, toss a toy or give her treats? Anything she does good to the baby, give her a treat. Even if it's just her laying calmly while he's playing. Just show her that her 'good behavior' gets her out of the pen and into your 'good graces.'

Good luck!!

I agree