pregnancy

Question
my daughter-in-law is 3months pregnant & now her 6yr old springer wont go anywhere near her she wont eat and would rather stay here with me than go home any ideas?

Answer
My guess is that your Daughter in law's body chemistry is different, and that the dog smells the difference. The dog is probably confused, and I wouldn't force her, let her be. Try to remain pleasant but neutral towards the dog, and don't give the behavior a lot of "power" by dwelling on it. Has  your daughter in law been checked for gestational diabetes? Sometimes dogs pick up on these things faster than doctors do (Have you seen the stories about dogs who scent out cancers? Many are spaniels. They are experts at smelling something "different." Is this the first child? DIL may also want to get a baby doll so the dog gets used to seeing her carry a "baby" and push the baby in a stroller, and have some of the baby's bedding or clothes brought home from the hospital so the dog can get used to that scent. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com