My son is nearly 16 months old. My oldest dog (Elvis) is 5 years old. Elvis and I have been very close since the day I brought him home. However, ever since we brought the baby home he has been distant, and is always nervous aroung my son. Now that my baby is walking, throwing things, grabbing, etc. Elvis is even more nervous. He flees when the baby gets near him, and is outwardly anxious. My concerns were more than confirmed tonight. My baby likes to hug Elvis while he is sitting or laying on the ground. Elvis immediately tries to run, however I constantly reassure him that he is ok, and I pet and praise him to ease his mind. Tonight my son laid on Elvis, and Elvis barked and "nipped" at him slightly. This gives me great concern that Elvis will become increasingly anxious and escalate due to his fear. I need advice on how to ease Elvis' mind around the baby, and allow them to be friends. Elvis has never seemed to have any anxiety around other babies or young children.
I certainly don't ever want to see my son hurt, and I don't want my best friend Elvis to have to go away either.
Ginger (our other, female dog) show some signs of nervousness around the baby, however she has never been very outward about it. One important piece of information that may assist is that Ginger has been aggressive in her play with Elvis in the last year or 2 (Ginger is about 3.5 years old). She taunts Elvis until they begin to play fight aggressively. Both have gotten minor injuries due to this play (when it goes on when we are unable to stop it immediately). Prior to this, Elvis was very docile and gentle. He has never shown any form of aggression towards anyone else.
PLEASE HELP ME FIX MY DOG'S WORRIES!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HIM TOO MUCH TO HAVE TO LOSE HIM!!!!!!!
Deeb