New baby

Question
I have a 10 month old lab, i am also 7 months pregnant. We already have one child who is almost 4. My sister has a new baby and recently brought him over, ourlab kept jumping on my sister trying to see the baby and was being very forceful trying to get to the baby. I had to lock him in another room. I am now very worried about when we bring home our baby, I don't think i be able to turn my back on him. He is great with my 4 year old, never snapped or acted agresssive but always very hyper with her. Being hyper is fine with he 4 year old but it won't be will a newborn. Any suggestions?

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/


I am not concerned with the dog's interest in the baby.  You need to let him check out your new baby when it comes home.  I am concerned with him not complying with your efforts.  That is why I started with obedience.  A new baby should go well if you and your husband are the top dogs.  Otherwise, nothing else you do will have much effect.  It takes a long time if ever, before you can trust little kids and dogs together unsupervised.  That is partly to protect the dog.