DEAR TABBY | Pregnancy Prompts Couch Potato Pooch to Morph into Canine Commando
Dear Tabby,
I am writing because of the troubling transition of our dog, Milo. My wife and I are expecting our first child in a few months. Of course, we are very excited. Our usually laid back Milo seems excited too, but perhaps a bit too much. Milo is suddenly a growling guardian of the baby bump.
Milo has always been pretty much useless as a guard dog. We joke that if a burglar showed up at the front door, Milo would likely invite him in and show him where the heirloom sterling silver is hidden. But now Milo is suddenly an overprotective four-legged security sentry snarling at anyone who comes near my wife, including me!
It started subtly – a low growl here, a suspicious glance there. But it’s escalated to the point where Milo now follows my wife everywhere, pressing his body against her legs like he’s velcroed to her. He even tries to squeeze into the bathroom with her, which, given her frequent trips these days, is becoming quite the ordeal.
The real kicker came last week when my mother-in-law visited. She went to hug my wife, and Milo nearly knocked her over in his rush to duty on pregnancy protection patrol. He barks at the mailman, the neighbors and their dog that he used to play with, anyone that dares to approach the maternity zone he marks as off-limits. It’s like he’s decided the whole world is a threat to my wife.
We’re at our wits’ end, Tabby. Do dogs know when someone is pregnant or is something else going on here? Is this just a phase? Will it get worse when the baby arrives? How do we convince Milo that my wife isn’t in constant danger, and that not everyone is out to get her or the baby? We love our furry goofball, but we need our old Milo back before a new tiny human arrives with quirks to care for too.
Perplexed Pop-to-Be in Portland
Dear Perplexed Pop-to-Be,
Congratulations to the soon-to-be Mom and Dad! I wish you health and happiness as you begin this new adventure.
Well, well, well! It seems your once-laid-back Milo has transformed from a couch potato into a full-fledged Prenatal Protector! When you found out you were expecting, you probably were not expecting Milo had it in him to become Guardian of the Maternity Galaxy. Who knew your coming bundle of joy would come with baffling behavior from your best bud?
First things first, let’s address your question: Do dogs know when someone is pregnant? While dogs aren’t exactly scrolling through ultrasound pictures on Instagram, they are incredibly perceptive creatures. They can detect subtle changes in human behavior, body language, and even scent. Not to mention that their keen eyes can detect a growing baby bump. So while Milo may not understand the concept of pregnancy, he’s definitely noticed that something’s different with his human.
Now, let’s break down what’s really going on in that furry head of his:
Scent Sensation: Your wife’s body is going through more changes than a chameleon in a crayon factory. Milo’s nose is picking up on Mom’s new neonatal scents. In Milo’s canine mind, it’s like, “Red alert! Mom’s hormones have been hacked! Initiating full-spectrum defense mode – must protect her from everything, including Dad… he may have had something to do with this.
Routine Rupture: Your lives are changing – doctor’s appointments, nursery preparations, midnight pickle runs. To Milo, it probably feels like his world has been turned upside down and shaken like a snow globe. No wonder he’s on high alert!
Emotional Rollercoaster: Pregnancy can be an emotional journey, and dogs are experts at picking up on their humans’ feelings. If there’s more stress or anxiety in the house, Milo might feel the need to step up as the family’s emotional support animal.
Attention Shift: Milo might be sensing that your focus is shifting towards the upcoming arrival. In his mind, he could be thinking, “If I act like a guard dog, maybe they’ll pay more attention to me!”
Now, onto your other questions:
Is this just a phase? Will it get worse when the baby arrives? Like most things in life (except a cat’s judgmental stare), this is likely a phase. However, without proper guidance, it could potentially continue or even escalate when the baby arrives.
How can we convince Milo that my wife isn’t in constant danger? Here are some ideas for leading your pack during the preggers period:
- Maintain routines: Keep Milo’s walking and feeding schedules as normal as possible. This helps him feel secure amidst the changes.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward Milo when he’s calm around your wife and visitors. Treats, praise, and belly rubs work wonders!
- Obedience refresh: Brush up on basic commands, especially “stay” and “leave it.” These will be crucial when the baby arrives.
- Gradual desensitization: Slowly expose Milo to baby-related items (stroller, crib, toys) before the little one arrives. Make these interactions positive experiences.
- Safe space: Create a cozy area just for Milo where he can retreat when things get overwhelming. Think of it as his “off-duty” lounge.
- Professional help: Consider working with a dog behaviorist who specializes in preparing pets for new babies. They can provide tailored advice for Milo’s specific needs.
- Practice makes perfect: When friends and family visit, Have them ignore Milo at first if he is acting out and only interact when he’s calm. This helps him learn that visitors aren’t threats.
Remember, Milo’s heart is in the right place, even if his paws are a bit misguided. With patience and training, he’ll soon realize that your growing family means more love to go around.
And who knows? By the time your little one arrives, Milo might be so well-adjusted that he’ll be back to his old laid-back self – just with a new tiny human to shower with affection (and possibly clean up after during diaper changes… though I wouldn’t count on that last part).
Here’s to a smooth transition from trio to quartet as baby joins your pack!
Purrs and protective paw pats,
Tabby
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