(edit title) Looking for a new home for our dog Great dog! Options

[*Trowbridge H. Ford*]

I think that the dog must not be convinced that it is in a zero-sum game when the kids come along.

If you treat the dog as special, especially in new ways, and be firm that the new arrival is not to be touched, I think that the dog can adjust. Too often, it is just assumed that it will have to get along and go along.

I have an acquaintance who has married about three women, and has about a half dozen kids, while having a sheep dog the whole time who gets along well with them all.

He goes for walks alone with her every day, and does things with the dog only being present.

The dog still considers herself special, and behaves accordingly.

[Hamsterdam]

Blimey! How old is the sheepdog?

Maybe her quiet behaviour is down to it being dead for the past 18 years?

[Svensksmith]

What is he, a polygamist?

[John.Smith]

Maybe he should have gone to specsavers

 

 

[Ambre]

I guess we have to agree to disagree, cause I would never get rid of a dog that I've had longer than my kid - they're equal to me. My dogs are as much family members a ... (show full quote)

I guess we have to agree to disagree, cause I would never get rid of a dog that I've had longer than my kid - they're equal to me. My dogs are as much family members as humans are, and as much as anyone wouldn't get rid of their human kids, same applies to dogs for me. ... (hide full quote)

Im with you on this one!

To the OP, you say you have given her many chances, with proper solutions????? like an animal psychologist????( yes, it does exist) and/or some training by professionals??? she deserves that much no?? before to get rid of the poor animal!

I am always outraged too when humans get rid of an animal because they suddenly have a child! Do you imagine how the animal will feel when he doesnt see you anymore??? put yourself in the dogs "shoes"??? they also have feelings and she will hurt so bad when she is taken away from her family! Some dogs do let themselves die in such circumstances! Hope this doesnt happen! She will not understand what she did to deserve this?! How would you feel if you were her?! Freaking humans! Worse race on this planet!

[John.Smith]

Wow... some amazing anthropomorphism there. Dogs are not humans and as such do not at all react in the same way as we do in terms of what we regard as 'feelings'.

I imagine the dog will feel exactly the same she did when she was taken from her mother at 8 weeks old or when she was rescued from the animal shelter by the OP.. Dogs adapt amazingly fast to new circumstances and environments.

I am guessing that the dog is question is quite dominant by nature and thus the resulting issues the OP has with her and the baby. I have more respect for dog owners who admit that they do not have the skills to deal with a difficult dog (or dog situation such as the OP) and seek a sustainable and permanent solution that is in the dog's best interest.

Claiming that the OP is giving up on the dog is only a partial truth, the OP is seeking a new home for the dog in which it will be happier and have less stress. This is a mature decision and one that the OP has said is not an easy one to make.

Dogs are animals and the happiest and well mannered dogs I have come across are those that know they are a 'dog' and that the family comes first. They are not stressed, rarely scolded and mentally healthier (no OCD tendencies such as chewing shoes, peeing inside or repetitive mannerisms).

I do however agree that perhaps some professional help may be a good solution also and should not be ignored as an option. Most of the training of a dog is in fact training of the owner's behavior rather than the dog.

P.S.
Humans are a 'species' not a 'race'. Races only exist within the human species.

[Svensksmith]

I entered a human race once. Came in second.

[entry]

I was disqualified but they say I can try again in three years.