My dog think he's the boss now that I'm pregnant!

[Porter's Mom]

I am about 4 months pregnant and my dog, who is 3 years old definitely knows something is up. I have noticed two things have happened since I became pregnant:

1. Porter has become very protective of our home; every little noise has him running to the window barking like crazy and it takes forever for the poor guy to settle back down and relax. He hasn't shown any aggression to anyone who has been by. He just seems like he is super worried about keeping the house safe. This is all okay with me, just an observation I have noticed. Now the real problem...

2. I'm getting the impression that he now thinks he is above me in the chain of command. He is still listening to my husband but with me he is testing his limits and ignoring my commmands at times. I really think this has something to do with him "protecting" me and the baby and therefore he thinks he is dominant, because this has only been happening for about a month now. I want to make sure I re-establish my place in the hierachy ASAP and nip his behavior in the butt. Any suggestions??? I have begun the "nothing in life is free" style of feeding. Anything else that may work?

Thanks for any advice

[Bob Pr.]

Fascinating observation; thanks for sharing it. I doubt that reaction is a universal in most (male?) Labs but it'll be interesting to hear if there are any other similar/dissimilar reactions.

I think the NiLiF protocol (command, obey the command, get another bite of food) at meals is the way to go.

Certainly some of Porter's reaction seems quite beneficial and reassuring -- the part that isn't is the not obeying you.

So my preference would be for you to use just enough of the NiLiF procedure to get your status back without taking away (too much of) the "I'm here to protect you, Mom"

[imported_bacatherine]

I'm also pregnant but can't say either of my labs has really changed like that. Mocha my female is a little more clingy but she's always been like that just not quiet to this degree.
Has anything in his routine changed since you noticed these changes starting such as who feeds him, who walks him, the amount of exercise he gets, etc. Maybe it could be something to do with that. I think NILF is a great idea also maybe try to take some time out each day to work with him on some general obedience try to be the one to feed him and take him out if you are not the one doing it now.

Good luck.

[Porter's Mom]

Thanks for the responses. I would have to say that nothing in his routine has changed. I have always been the one to feed him and exercise him for the most part since I am home more. If anything he has been getting more exercise in the past few months since the weather has gotten nicer. Really the only variable is my pregnancy. Adding in some obediance each day is a great idea too. I will definitely add that to the list!

[meandclint]

Fascinating observation; thanks for sharing it. I doubt that reaction is a universal in most (male?) Labs but it'll be interesting to hear if there are any other similar/dissimilar reactions.

When I was pregnant my boy definitely noticed. He would lay at my feet and instead of simply putting his head down and sleeping as usual he would stare at me for long periods of time - not for attention - it was when I wasn't paying any attention ie typing on the puter or watching T.V. I didn't notice at first - my SU pointed it out and then I would notice. He also would do this in the yard and on walks - he would "check on me" by coming over and giving me a sniff or simply looking back at me ten times more than usual - he never did this prior to me being pregnant both times or after. He never barks at anyone so that didn't change and he's very affectionate and submissive and that didn't change either. He was also the only one of my dogs that acted any different. One of my cats would sleep on my stomach constantly as well.

[4Hunters]

I don't have any advise, I am a newbie here, but I think it's just precious that he knows something is different and wants to protect you!! Such a sweetie!!!

[Porter's Mom]

Yeah the protective part is pretty cute. He started sniffing my belly a couple weeks ago and now he will give the baby (my belly ) kisses!

[imported_bacatherine]

When I was pregnant my boy definitely noticed. He would lay at my feet and instead of simply putting his head down and sleeping as usual he would stare at me for long periods of time - not for attention - it was when I wasn't paying any attention ie typing on the puter or watching T.V. I didn't notice at first - my SU pointed it out and then I would notice. He also would do this in the yard and on walks - he would "check on me" by coming over and giving me a sniff or simply looking back at me ten times more than usual - he never did this prior to me being pregnant both times or after. He never barks at anyone so that didn't change and he's very affectionate and submissive and that didn't change either. He was also the only one of my dogs that acted any different. One of my cats would sleep on my stomach constantly as well.

Mocha does the stare thing. She will sit and stare at me for a half hour or more at a time. Especially if I'm sitting watching TV or on the computer. If I sit on the ground she will sniff my belly too. Zeus doesn't act any differently but we only had him maybe 6 months before I got pregnant so we were not bonded as much as I am with Mocha.

[PottersPeeps]

No personal experience myself. But a friend of mine who just had a baby has two basset hounds. Starting about her second trimester, the female basset (the younger of the two) became very protective of her. While she was always a little snippy at the dog park, she became almost like our friend's guardian, standing in between she and unfamiliar dogs. So I think you're right that Porter has stepped up his protectiveness.

As for advice, everything that has been said her sounds great; NILIF and obedience. And think of it this way, this probably means he'll be a very good big brother!