Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Doggie Dilemma

Anyone who has had a dog before they had their baby, I need major advice.

So we have a 4 year old, 5.5 lb. yorkshire terrier, Misha.  Before Julia came around, Misha was the center of our world.  She WAS our baby.  She is very attached to me specifically and is more demanding of my attention than even the baby.  And I will be the first to admit, that was a mistake.  I should have listened to Cesar Millan.  Animal.  Dog.  Breed.  Name.  He says it a million times. And now I realize why.

Granted, she is less than 6 lbs.  She's a tiny fragile little dog.  But she has been spoiled rotten and now she is the most jealous dog alive.  I always thought since she was little that she would be easy to handle once we had the baby.  And for a while, she was.  And then Julia started grabbing at her, and crawling toward her, and her toys, and her food bowl.  And hell broke loose.  She doesn't bite her and I don't think she ever will.  She's never bitten anyone before.  BUT she does get somewhat aggressive and "in your face" with Julia.  Makes the "Back off kid" growling noise right in her face.  And sometimes knocks her down and goes after her for no reason at all.  Like I said, I don't THINK she'll bite. 

We have an in-home dog trainer coming this Saturday to see what can be done with some of her bad behaviors.  And there is a list...not just the Julia thing.  But what if this doesn't help her and us?  What if she doesn't take to the training?  What if it's way too time consuming for Tim and I and we're not consistent enough?  Will I have no other option but to find her another home?  :(  I hate it when people give up their dogs because it's inconvenient.  Will I become one of those people I hate?  She is a huge part of our family.  You wouldn't just give up a member of your family, would you?  




Cross your fingers the training sessions go well.  It kills me to think what we'll have to do if it doesn't.  

Advice please?  And yes I know, Julia comes first.  I agree.  But Misha isn't far behind and she's very important to us.  HELP!


4 comments:

  1. To make you feel like you're not alone...we gave up our dog (we had only had him for 5 months) after we had our first child. It was just too much. We found a great home for him and I think in the long run he was happier and we were too. I'll be praying for the best outcome for your family and your dog!

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  2. I hope it works out with the trainer Kristen! We had two dogs for over ten years before my daughter came into the picture. They were little and very jelous. It was really hard. But eventually they adjusted. I hope that things work out for you. My oldest dog just passed away and now we have just the one. He has become very good around my daughter, but it wasn't always that way when she was little, so I had to really monitor their time together. Now she is almost four and she and her little doggie are best friends. Hang in there! Come visit me at Mama's Little Chick.

    Mama Hen
    www.mamaslittlechick.com

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  3. I can't stand typos! Ugh! Pretend there is an "a" in jealous! I am following you now!

    Mama Hen

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  4. wow! i love ur blog. Ur daughter is adorable. Do visit me if u get a chance. I a sure following u & hope u do too as its nice to ake new mommy blogger friends!

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