Our dog is too protective!?

I would call in a professional dog trainer to come in and evaluate her.

I would also let the dog get used to 'baby' smells. Diapers, baby powder (sprinkle some around the house), baby wash (use it when taking a shower), let her sniff the car seat, crib etc

Good Luck

I would not trust having the dog around a baby since the dog obviously is not socialized and could inflict serious harm on the baby. There have been too many incidents of dogs attacking and killing babies. What they're doing is trying to get rid of their competition and the situation may never improve. My parents had a dachshund when I was born. The dog hated me from the start. I could not walk into a room without having that animal growl at me and I knew better than to get too close because if I did, that dog would try to bite me. Some dogs just don't get along with small children. It would be better to find a home with only older children and adults and maybe start again with a puppy.

Basset nut is right. She is scared silly of everything. This can be overcome, but you will need the help of an experienced behaviorist/trainer. And they need to see your dog in person, so they can really see what is going on.

As it stands now, I doubt you need to worry about the baby being in danger until it is old enough to move around(and corner the dog). Fearful dogs avoid "scary" things if they can. But I have not seen the dog, so I can't say for sure. Also, although I do think the baby would be safe, the dogs lack of faith in you may make her 'over-protective' of the baby. Not a good thing, as there will be MANY times you will be holding a wailing baby, with a dog thinking that YOU are the cause. Definitely get some help with this girl!

It sounds like a dominance issue and she needs to be taught her place. I agree with the first answerer who suggested Cesar Milan. I don't know how easy he is to call but I would suggest you watch the Dog Whisperer. You won't have to watch too many episodes before you see one about a similar situation to yours, as it is common. He can give tips on how to teach your dog her place in the pack. It sounds like she does understand that you and your husband "out rank" her but thinks anyone else is below her in the pack. She needs to be taught that your parents and friends and other visitors, are all above her in the pack and she needs to respect them instead of dominating them. She CAN be rehabilitated. Good luck.

ok, first off...your dog went from being a female (found her) to being a male (he will bark). So it would be nice to know what sex the dog actually is. And he / she needs to go to a trainer.

He / she needs to be worked with in order to realize that he / she doesn't need to protect you from EVERY single thing. We did this with one of my dogs many years back because she had the same problem. And the training really worked for her. Good luck with you dog.

YOU have to be the "ALPHA"!!! Don't let this dog take control of ANY situation. Dogs need a leader, If you're not willing to assume that role, they will be happy to. You must consistently be in charge of everything that goes on in the dogs world. She will most likely submit to you willingly, and accept her role in the family as "NUMBER THREE", or FOUR after the baby arrives. Again, she WILL be NUMBER ONE if you allow it. Usually a short startling noise to get her attention on you and away from what ever she is trying to be in charge of will work, but you must be consistent, and instantaneous.

Seek out an obedience trainer who has experience dealing with fearful dogs. Stay away from Petsmart and Petco training classes. One on one with a behaviourist would be best for this situation.

honestly, i would rehome the dog if i were you. or you could call cesar milan, lol. honestly it is a tough call. the dog is obviously not stable and will not accept the baby if she is already protective of you two. and even if she ends up taking to the baby, having her be this protective over the baby is not a great thing either. what happens if you try and pick her and the dog lounges at you? either call an expert and have them evaluate or find a good home.

That's not "protective", that's fear and lack of socialization, plus insecurity in the ability of her pack-leaders (you).

You really need to consult, in person, with a good trainer. Right away.

If i was you, I would put him in the kennel i have two pit bulls and when they act like that to my friends and family put them in their portable kennels and leave your dog in there for longer each time they mess up and trust me you should see results and let your family let them out and that might help the dog recognize that they care about your dog too. hopefully i've helped you and good luck!