Sheltie and new baby in house

K

kirsten

Forums Novice
I gave birth to my son in December. My sweet sheltie, Emmy, who I had gotten 10 months prior to giving birth is usually GREAT around the new baby. However, she has recently started some new strange habits. Whenever I play with my son (bounce him on my knee, swing him in the air, etc...) Emmy will dig at the floor (or bed- depending where we are) and whine like she is nervous. This digging is VERY intense. She gets especially nervous when I take out books to read to my son. She whines, digs, and bites at the books to the point where I can't read to him if she is in the room. Does anyone know what this could mean? This is my first sheltie and I don't know a whole lot about the breed. Is she simply jealous of the attention my son is getting or could it be something else? Or is this normal behavior? I want to help her so she doesn't feel anxious like this anymore!

Thanks!
 
Hmmmm ... Sounds to me like Emmy may be craving attention. As a person who is also owned by a young Sheltie, the most effective attention you can give is exercise in the form of walking, running, training and playing. I would expect that since the baby came, you have less time for these things and it's showing in Emmy's behavior. Can you put the baby in a stroller, leash Emmy and go for a brisk 30-45 minute walk/run at least once a day?
 
It does sound like a 'Come play with me, Mommy!' signal. Maybe a little bit of jealousy creeping in.. Margaret's idea of excerise is a great idea. If she continues her antics afterwards, might try to let her know what she's doing is wrong.

You can put a leash on her, grab a bag of treats and get someone to help..

Get baby out and start playing. The moment she starts scratching have her removed from the room for 30 sec. If she is good for 30 sec., no digging or acting out while you are paying attention to baby, reward her with a treat, tell her she is a good girl. Don't forget to make sure Emmy has gotten a good work out before doing this :)
 
I agree it sounds like a bit of attention seeking - she probably isnt so much jealous of the baby but wants to be part of the fun with the baby, shelties hate missing out on family fun. Although I know my dogs tend to dig at the floor when they are in pain.

Don't have a baby myself so I can't give you my experience. But I several of the members of my flyball team have crazy BC and Cattle Dogs with babies, they give the dog 'a job' helping with the baby and it seems to keep them happy.

Another thing you can try is everytime you do something like play or read a book you could give Emmy a kong for her to focus on.
 
Thanks everyone! After reading your posts, I really think she simply does just want to join in the fun but doesn't know how. I will try some of your advice!
 
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