We just moved into a new house, and are expecting a new baby in a couple months. Our mini-daschund has been acting different lately - hiding under beds, won't get in her crate when I tell her to, and I have to stand next to her so she eats. She has to be by my side at all times (more than usual). Do you think she senses this baby coming, and what do I do to get her back to acting normal?

Thanks, Mandy

I think she's more concerned about the new house. Everything is different. Nothing is where it is supposed to be. There's a total change and she doesn't know what to expect and what is expected of her.

I have cats so, if this were a cat situation, I would advise you to limit her to one room until she gets used to the smells etc. Ruby and labman will be along soon to give you some great tips on how to get her to feel more comfortable.

Well, you have a lot of stuff going on. Dogs are creatures of habit and when their surroundings change it can be very confusing for them. And, most animals are known to be highly tuned into pregnancy. You smell different and she probably knows you are expecting a baby. Put those little factoids together and you have the makings of a very needy little dog right now. All you can really do is give her attention and not make a big deal of it. Get her back into her old routine regarding feeding, play, exercise, potty schedule,. She just needs time to adjust to all the changes. Right now, she is insecure. Once the baby comes, I suspect she will be a lot calmer along with being very much interested in the baby. You just have to be patient with her. She will settle down and become her old self eventually.

Nothing to add to RubyPitbull's post. They KNOW when you are pregnant, or a least something is up. My daughter's Peco has missed her lap this summer.

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Originally Posted by mandyk1010

We just moved into a new house, and are expecting a new baby in a couple months. Our mini-daschund has been acting different lately - hiding under beds, won't get in her crate when I tell her to, and I have to stand next to her so she eats. She has to be by my side at all times (more than usual). Do you think she senses this baby coming, and what do I do to get her back to acting normal?

Thanks, Mandy

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A lot of times when the environment changes the dogs will cope differently, they may be stressed, scared, and unsure. That could be why your dog is always wanting to be by your side. About you being pregnant, dogs can sense that, and they can also sense that there is changing going on, and they usually don't like that. I would just give your dog time, and be sensitive to her needs, but don't spoil her because that could cause more problems in the end.