Dog People - HELP??

[padams]

I KNOW exactly where you are coming from. I can't remember how old your baby is but my LO is 10 months old. We have an 8.5 month old Newfoundland Puppy. In the beginning it was VERY challenging because she was so mouthy and just being a puppy, only she is a VERY large puppy.

My solutions so far:

1. I enrolled her in obiedence classes right from the start. Not so much to get the help in training her but to get her and I out of the house. It gave me something to do without the kids and some time with her.

2. When the baby goes down for a nap, she and I go for a walk around the neighborhood. DH works out of the house so someone is always in the house. If he is traveling I take the monitor with me. We live on a cul-de-sac and our property lines the whole road so I can be within 30 seconds of the house at all times. Sometimes we just play catch outside for a while ... even in the cold.

3. At night when the kids go to bed, it's her time. We train, we groom, we sit on the floor while DH and I watch tv and then before it's crate time we go for another walk. A good jacket, gloves and scarf and I enjoy the time.

4. My newest solution ... we found a kennel just down the road that does daycare 1/2 days for only $10. She hasn't gone yet but she was boarded there last week for 3 days and did the daycare twice. She was wiped out for 2.5 days after she came home. I am going to bring her at least twice a week to get her out and socalized. I can find $20/ week to do it.

5. I dedicate time for her to be out with the kids. I stay in the room (obviously) and we all play together. I keep her distracted with bones and toys. As she is getting older it's working better and better. I also have started getting her "mind" toys. I have a Kong toy that has a little holes in it and she has to work to get the treats out of it. The mental energy tires her out as well.

6. We also have a run for her outside and even though we have 24 inches of snow at least on the ground she loves to be out there. She is a cold breed dog though and I have to pull her in sometimes.

7. I have the room that her crate is in baby gated off so that even if she needs to be put away, she doesn't always have to be in the crate.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

Do you have a room where the dog can have the run of the room by using a baby gate? A room would be such an improvement over the crate. I remember a "It"s Me or the Dog" episode where Victoria made the owner get in the dog crate to understand what it's like. FWIW, I use a crate, but in limited amounts of time.

If the temperature is 31, bundle up that baby in the stroller with blankets and get outside with your dog.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Just some clarification.....it's not too cold outside for the dog, but it is too cold for the baby per her pediatrician (yes, I asked). As far as why would I get a puppy when I was pregnant - well let's see - we had already committed to the puppy when we found out we were pregnant and since we had been trying for 2 years that included one miscarriage I wasn't going to put my life on hold for when I had a baby. And the puppy is my 7 year old's dog, but she is just 7 and can only do so much. As for daycare, when I was working she actually went to Nanny and Poppy's every day. As much as I love her and she is a family member the baby (who is just 12 weeks) definitely takes priority. If I didn't care about the dog I wouldn't have asked for suggestions. And if it's wet or snowy she HATES to be outside. We call her our "fair weather pooper" because that was our biggest challenge potty training. Today is cold but sunny and her and DD have been in the backyard playing which I hope wears her out. Unfortunately to complicate things this week my DH is out of town on business so it's just me and the kiddos. I did order some walk-thru baby gates (we had doggie gates, but I can't risk stepping over them holding the baby) to try and make it where she can be out more. our house is teeny tiny so there isn't a room she can be in. As far as leaving the baby and dog alone - Heck no I would never dream of doing that. But our house is so tiny that we are using a travel swing that's low to the floor and the dog is so bouncy that she can't be in it and the dog out. I really do appreciate the suggestions

 

[Magic Mom]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Just some clarification.....it's not too cold outside for the dog, but it is too cold for the baby per her pediatrician (yes, I asked). As far as why would I get a puppy when I was pregnant - well let's see - we had already committed to the puppy when we found out we were pregnant and since we had been trying for 2 years that included one miscarriage I wasn't going to put my life on hold for when I had a baby. And the puppy is my 7 year old's dog, but she is just 7 and can only do so much. As for daycare, when I was working she actually went to Nanny and Poppy's every day. As much as I love her and she is a family member the baby (who is just 12 weeks) definitely takes priority. If I didn't care about the dog I wouldn't have asked for suggestions. And if it's wet or snowy she HATES to be outside. We call her our "fair weather pooper" because that was our biggest challenge potty training. Today is cold but sunny and her and DD have been in the backyard playing which I hope wears her out. Unfortunately to complicate things this week my DH is out of town on business so it's just me and the kiddos. I did order some walk-thru baby gates (we had doggie gates, but I can't risk stepping over them holding the baby) to try and make it where she can be out more. our house is teeny tiny so there isn't a room she can be in. As far as leaving the baby and dog alone - Heck no I would never dream of doing that. But our house is so tiny that we are using a travel swing that's low to the floor and the dog is so bouncy that she can't be in it and the dog out. I really do appreciate the suggestions

Considering all that, maybe the fair thing for the poor dog is to find it a new family that is in a better position to meet its needs. Then when your baby is older you can try again with another dog.

 

[disneybound2010]

Considering all that, maybe the fair thing for the poor dog is to find it a new family that is in a better position to meet its needs. Then when your baby is older you can try again with another dog.

This.

 

[HelenePA]

How about a treadmill? Its what I have to do with my dog on days like today.. -4* out I wish it was 31 here! We'd be out walking! lol

 

[Magic Mom]

How about a treadmill? Its what I have to do with my dog on days like today.. -4* out I wish it was 31 here! We'd be out walking! lol

That's a good idea!

 

[disneybound2010]

My guess is if the house is as small as she says there is no room for a treadmill.

 

[princessmom29]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Just some clarification.....it's not too cold outside for the dog, but it is too cold for the baby per her pediatrician (yes, I asked). As far as why would I get a puppy when I was pregnant - well let's see - we had already committed to the puppy when we found out we were pregnant and since we had been trying for 2 years that included one miscarriage I wasn't going to put my life on hold for when I had a baby. And the puppy is my 7 year old's dog, but she is just 7 and can only do so much. As for daycare, when I was working she actually went to Nanny and Poppy's every day. As much as I love her and she is a family member the baby (who is just 12 weeks) definitely takes priority. If I didn't care about the dog I wouldn't have asked for suggestions. And if it's wet or snowy she HATES to be outside. We call her our "fair weather pooper" because that was our biggest challenge potty training. Today is cold but sunny and her and DD have been in the backyard playing which I hope wears her out. Unfortunately to complicate things this week my DH is out of town on business so it's just me and the kiddos. I did order some walk-thru baby gates (we had doggie gates, but I can't risk stepping over them holding the baby) to try and make it where she can be out more. our house is teeny tiny so there isn't a room she can be in. As far as leaving the baby and dog alone - Heck no I would never dream of doing that. But our house is so tiny that we are using a travel swing that's low to the floor and the dog is so bouncy that she can't be in it and the dog out. I really do appreciate the suggestions

To be perfectly honest, it sounds like you need to find the dog another home. It sounds to me like you are unwilling to compromise here with regards to letting the dog out some, and crating it 24/7 is just not fair. You basically have 2 choices 1. train the dog on how to be out with the baby, or 2. rehome her. I just don't get how it is soooo dangerous for a dog that size to be out of the crate while the baby is awake. Are you just scared you will trip on her, or is she actively aggressive toward the baby? If the swing is the only issue, then I would just get a taller swing. I realize you likely cannot put the baby on the floor while the dog is out, but I think it is a little over the top to never let her out when the baby is awake becuase you might trip over her. She needs to learn how to behave around the baby, and she is never going to do that in the crate.

 

[WDWorBUST]

why is everyone assuming she is in her crate 24/7? This is a short term problem and everyone is suggesting long term drastic measures? Should I find a new home for my 7 year old dd too since she doesn't get my undivided attention anymore? We are having some challenges due to a changing family make-up that I was wanting suggestions on overcoming. She is out with the baby when we are holding her,which is still a lot. I am hoping maybe I just didn't communicate the situation well.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Do you have a yard you can throw a ball in? That can help burn off some energy when a walk is out of the question. Also, my dogs despise pottying in bad weather, but they will still come out with us no matter how bad it is (-40 windchill even!), so you could still throw the ball for her even if it's not nice out.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Oh...and she has never acted aggressively towards the baby in any way. She actually acts like a little mother. If the baby cries she has to run over and check on her. And she's not big - just bouncy.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

why is everyone assuming she is in her crate 24/7? This is a short term problem and everyone is suggesting long term drastic measures? Should I find a new home for my 7 year old dd too since she doesn't get my undivided attention anymore? We are having some challenges due to a changing family make-up that I was wanting suggestions on overcoming. She is out with the baby when we are holding her,which is still a lot. I am hoping maybe I just didn't communicate the situation well.

I get it. We too are in a phase where we don't have enough time to tire our dogs out, but we're getting through it. We won't get rid of them for a temporary issue.

 

[HelenePA]

My dog is never crated and causes trouble when he's under exercised but at temps below 0 you can get frost bite in as little as 10 min outside so walking is a no go right now. I did walk him until there was snow on the ground even in temps below 20 with my 2 yr old. He didn't mind but the snow makes it hard with a stroller and now the temps have really prevented us on going out in the yard with a ball. The only solution to MY problem is a treadmill.. no doggy daycares, no pet walkers in my area, he has already had training.. I know he's bored but so are my kids right now.. cabin fever has set in big time. Another snow storm is on the way tues/wed but temps are going to be near freezing so I HOPE I can get out with him for awhile anyway. If you have a yard bundle up your 7 yr old and let him throw the ball for the dog in the yard.. trust me when I say 31 is NOT cold.. -4 is cold.. very cold... brrrrr

 

[WDWorBUST]

My dog is never crated and causes trouble when he's under exercised but at temps below 0 you can get frost bite in as little as 10 min outside so walking is a no go right now. I did walk him until there was snow on the ground even in temps below 20 with my 2 yr old. He didn't mind but the snow makes it hard with a stroller and now the temps have really prevented us on going out in the yard with a ball. The only solution to MY problem is a treadmill.. no doggy daycares, no pet walkers in my area, he has already had training.. I know he's bored but so are my kids right now.. cabin fever has set in big time. Another snow storm is on the way tues/wed but temps are going to be near freezing so I HOPE I can get out with him for awhile anyway. If you have a yard bundle up your 7 yr old and let him throw the ball for the dog in the yard.. trust me when I say 31 is NOT cold.. -4 is cold.. very cold... brrrrr

DD and "Abby" our outside playing right now with me and baby watching from the windows.

 

[kacaju]

As I mentioned on the first page, she is bored. If you can't or don't have time to take her to an obed class Try having your 7 year old *train* her. At 7 she can teach her sit, give me your paw, high five, stay, come, lay down.
They make toys where you can put a few pieces of food in them and the dog needs to figure out how to get the food out.

 

[WDSearcher]

why is everyone assuming she is in her crate 24/7? This is a short term problem and everyone is suggesting long term drastic measures? Should I find a new home for my 7 year old dd too since she doesn't get my undivided attention anymore? We are having some challenges due to a changing family make-up that I was wanting suggestions on overcoming. She is out with the baby when we are holding her,which is still a lot. I am hoping maybe I just didn't communicate the situation well.

Chances are that your 7 year old understands why she doesn't get your undivided attention anymore. Your dog probably doesn't.

I do think that it's hard to communicate an entire situation in a post on a message board. The way it came across really was that the dog was crated pretty much all the time, you didn't have time to walk it anymore, and that you couldn't have it out because you were tripping over it all the time. YOU know the rest of the story, but the rest of us only have what we read to go on. I think everyone was trying to help -- they're just working on limited info.

I agree with the people pushing exercise. The dog simply needs more stimulation, whether its inside or outside or however it happens. More interactive toys, maybe (treat balls or Kongs -- something that requires some work). Or maybe this is the time to explain to your 7 year old exactly how much work she is responsible for in order to take care of HER dog. I am not an advocate of getting a dog for a child -- particularly because when you say "it's really my daughter's dog", that's not true. When you got the dog, you knew your daughter wasn't old enough to assume responsibility for the dog. So it's not really her dog. It's a dog that you got because your daughter wanted one. There's a difference.

What does your daughter do with the dog now? You said that they play outside. Does your daughter have a specific amount of time each day that she must play with / help train her dog? I know she's only 7, but there are plenty of responsibilities she can learn that will help you too. Kids can teach simple commands, do simple grooming -- even just giving the dog her undivided attention for an hour a day can help. The dog gets the attention it so craves, and your daughter gets more bonding time with her pup. I would sit down with DH and DD and work out a schedule. If this is truly to be your daughter's dog, then she needs to help keep it happy, and that includes giving it attention and exercise when you can't.

 

[HERSEY]

Aussie get bored with too much routine. Try to mix up her routine. Also Aussie need Positive training, they are sensitive to negative comands. If you need advice contact your Vet.

You and your family will find what works for you. Aussie are busy, spunky little dogs. They have a huge Napeleon complex.


Good luck

 

[surfergirl602]

Two words: she's bored.

She needs your attention. She needs play time, and walks. Heck, I have three dogs, 4 kids, and one is an infant. I still find time to walk them all. They get playtime. Toss a ball. Get a good kong toy, fill it with treats or peanu tbutter and let her have at it. Get some baby gates. She's banging the crate because she wants out. She misses her mommy.

I live in Oklahoma too, and its really not that cold out to leave the dogs out for a while.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Chances are that your 7 year old understands why she doesn't get your undivided attention anymore. Your dog probably doesn't.

I agree with the people pushing exercise. The dog simply needs more stimulation, whether its inside or outside or however it happens. More interactive toys, maybe (treat balls or Kongs -- something that requires some work). Or maybe this is the time to explain to your 7 year old exactly how much work she is responsible for in order to take care of HER dog. I am not an advocate of getting a dog for a child -- particularly because when you say "it's really my daughter's dog", that's not true. When you got the dog, you knew your daughter wasn't old enough to assume responsibility for the dog. So it's not really her dog. It's a dog that you got because your daughter wanted one. There's a difference.

What does your daughter do with the dog now? You said that they play outside. Does your daughter have a specific amount of time each day that she must play with / help train her dog? I know she's only 7, but there are plenty of responsibilities she can learn that will help you too. Kids can teach simple commands, do simple grooming -- even just giving the dog her undivided attention for an hour a day can help. The dog gets the attention it so craves, and your daughter gets more bonding time with her pup. I would sit down with DH and DD and work out a schedule. If this is truly to be your daughter's dog, then she needs to help keep it happy, and that includes giving it attention and exercise when you can't.

This is so true. She isn't able to understand the how and why of the current situation. And you're right, we got her because DD wanted her, but we knew WE were getting a dog. And we definitely do need to require DD to step up and spend more time with her and give her more attention. I will definitely work on that. And we do need to get to working with her on basic obedience. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Aussie get bored with too much routine. Try to mix up her routine. Also Aussie need Positive training, they are sensitive to negative comands. If you need advice contact your Vet.

You and your family will find what works for you. Aussie are busy, spunky little dogs. They have a huge Napeleon complex.


Good luck

They definitely are. We did so much research on different dog breeds when we first decided to get a puppy. I had never even heard of australian terriers prior to my research. I did several family compatibility questionnaires and they kept coming up. We really did our homework before we got a dog. We didn't just pick up a puppy outside of Walmart (not that there's anything wrong with that....I'm just trying to communicate the time and energy we put into finding the best fit for our family) and then wonder what we were going to do with it.

 

[WDSearcher]

And we do need to get to working with her on basic obedience.

Your DD7 or the dog? (Sorry ... couldn't resist!)