A Labs Instincts

Question
Can labs tell when there is something different about you? My lab is 17 months old and over the past week, he has been following me EVERYWHERE - more than normal. It's to the point that he doesn't even really hang out outside anymore, which he always used to do. I am 32 weeks pregnant and my husband is in the military and deployed oversees a few weeks ago. Do you think my dog senses my husband is gone and/or that I am pregnant and/or something is different with me? I didn't know if a dog could sense that. Also, I just picked him up from the kennel where he was for 12 days. I'm wondering if he wasn't too happy being there and now follows me everywhere b/c he wants to make sure he isn't going back? Any advice would be great. Thanks.


Answer
I am really surprised it took until your 31'th week before you saw any difference in his behavior.  I am not sure how dog know, but they do.  Perhaps as long as your husband was around, he didn't see any need to behave any differently.  And yes, the 12 days in the kennel would unsettle him too.  You being pregnant, your husband gone, the 12 days in the kennel, his whole world is upside down.  Give him plenty of love and attention.  Also give him leadership.  He could decide he is in charge now creating problems.  Apply these rules to him, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  If you are firmly in place as top dog, it will make bringing home the baby much smoother.  

I hope you have family and other military families to support you.  Count on me to give you any more help you ask for.  I am ashamed of the lack of support for our military families.