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Rover Is Being Replaced
Okay, fess up, your dog has been your baby and now you are expecting your first human baby. How is Rover going to behave when baby arrives and Rover gets pushed to the back seat? This happens more often than not. Its almost like we practice playing mommy with our puppies to satisfy our maternal needs until the real thing comes along. So now what?What you want to do is replace the maternal attention you are giving Rover with constructive direction. This means you’ll need to invest a little time in training Rover how to do some basic obedience. By teaching Rover how to do something that pleases you, Rover gets positive attention. For example, teach Rover to go to his “place” and “lay down.” (You may need to use a tie down at first to get success in the beginning.) Once Rover is in his “place, ” praise and give him a bone to chew on to keep him occupied. This will certainly come in handy when you need to get Rover out from under your feet because you are busy with the newborn. When Rover reaches for one of the baby’s toys, a simple “off” cue would be used and redirect Rover to go get one of his toys for acknowledgement and praise.
Finally, all dogs have energy and most bored dogs get into trouble. So take the time every morning to take Rover for a walk. Even if it is a little walk. Even if its to the same corner and back. Dogs get enormous satisfaction from sniffing the outdoors. While the walk might seem unimportant to you, Rover is collecting a mountain of information – what are the neighbors cooking for breakfast today? What other dog has walked this way in the past 24 hours? What does the wind bring in today? Rover will benefit from using his mind and feeling that he has been out and about instead of “cabin fevered.”
Dogs do really want to please us. So you just need to set aside a little time to teach Rover what you want him to do to get attention. Many families have integrated the new family member into the pack with pleasure and success. If, however, your dog shows aggression – please contact a professional in your area. Most good dog trainers pride themselves on staying educated and join associations to help them stay current. Association for Pet Dog Trainers is such an organization. To find a trainer in your area go to their website at: www.apdt.com
Dog trainer and behaviorist, Lynne Sorrentino is the President of Cool Dog Training, Inc. located in Temecula, California. Cool Dog Training was founded in 2001 and focuses on working with families and their dogs bringing them together for better lives.
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