My French Bulldog has just had pups. She was absolutely fine, but has become aggressive to one of my children. I'm keeping all the children away from her now as I know this is common with new mums. However, my concern is will she stop this aggressive behaviour and go back to 'normal'? She has never been aggressive before and is the friendliest dog I've ever had, will she go back to this?
Thanks in advance.
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This is normal after a dog has given birth to puppies. They are afraid that your children will hurt the dogs when they are so young. She is only trying to protect them. I would suggest for the time being until the puppies get a bit older than you try and keep the children away from the puppies.
Normally after 3 to 4 weeks the mother should feel more confident with the puppies and should allow the kids to be around them. I would take a lot of caution right now because you don't want her to attack the kids. This can be very dangerous.
There are some dogs that will continue to be aggressive and attack the children no matter how old the puppies are. In cases like this, it is best to allow the mother to take care of the puppies, try to give them away or sell them and then get her fixed. I would not allow her to have a second litter of puppies if this is the case. it is very dangerous for you and your children if the dog happens to bite one of them while she is with her puppies. You may need to get a special cage for the puppies that she can go in and the children will stay away from for right now.
This is very common behavior, unfortunately. It is best to keep everyone away from the mom and pups except for one person (you) who will become the trusted figure. She is acting on her natural protective instincts.
Watch her carefully as the pups age and she should return to her usual personality. If not, talk to your vet and they can look into giving her something (either medical or natural) to help.
I know my mom's dog had to be on a med for about 6 months after she had pups and then she was fine--that was over 10 years ago!
This behavior is normal for some dogs but not all dogs and it could be dangerous as this mother is over protective of her babies and you cannot really change that. This problem does usually resolve itself after the puppies grow and start roaming where the mom cannot control them but how long will it take? No way to know for sure..
I would say to isolate this mother and her pups so no children can be around her at all. You should continue to be her best buddy and continue to pick up the pups as this is very important to the future personality of the puppies.
You should let the mother see you holding and loving the pups and when possible slip away with a pup and take it to the children to pet. Be sure they know how precious these little ones are and do everything slowly and gently. If the puppy starts to cry return it to the mother immediately and pet and talk to the mother when you return her pup.
This will cause the children's 'smell' to be on the pups and will help the mother when it's time for her to let the puppies go their way.
If there appears to be one child that your dog favors you may be able to let that child sit in the room with the mother and pups but not touch for a while. Even 5-10 minutes will help.
Hi,
I have had that happen with cats and dogs both. After the puppies are gone, or grown up, she will probably go back to being non-aggressive.
Harmones and instinct are at play during nursing with this mommy dog.
Have a blessed day!
Robyn
She is a new Mom and it is pretty common, Respect her space during this special time. She will let you know when it's ok. Also check with your Vet on this breed, to see if there is any additional things you should be doing.
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