dogs and pregnancy

Question
hi, I'm 4 months pregnant and my dog is rex. He is a german shepherd and we rescued him 4 years ago. He is usually the most loyal dog and most caring to both me and my husband. Recently he has become very possessive of me and won't let me out of his sight. He is always smelling me and laying by my side. Every where I go he follows or he watches me. Recently he has been showing aggression towards my husband. As I'm off work at the moment I have been doing most things for him such as feeding, walking and I'm always with him. This scares both me and my husband for both him and the baby's sake. We have started making him sleep downstairs as he used to sleep in our bedroom. my husband gives him all the treats to help their relationship, I tell him to go away when he follows me and used to carry a comfort blanket around with him that he sucks on like a teat but we only give him it at night now. Is there anything else we can do or change to help sort this out. My husband doesn't trust him anymore. Xx

Answer
Hi Rebecca

This is so interesting.  It actually needs delving into a lot further, especially with a baby on the way you need to make sure you gets things sorted for then (or in fact well before).

GSDs are so sensitive that he could be picking up on a number of cues.   Firstly he is clearly picking up on the fact that you are 'different' (they are exceptionally good at smelling changes in urine), we will never know how much he understands though.  He may feel threatened or simply belive that you are vulnerable.  I presume your routine has changed as you say you are off work at the moment - perhaps you have been behaving 'ill' too.  The dynamics in the house are certainly changing and a GSD will often find this very difficult to cope with without support. They are not always very adaptable, especially rescued ones.  

I am not going to advise in this format as it is neccessary for someone to to come and see you ASAP to assess this and give you a programme to work on.  Please go to your vet and ask for Rex to have a full health check.  If this is clear ask to be referred to a member of the APBC (www.apbc.co.uk).  Any up-to-date veterinary surgeries will be aware of someone good they can put you in touch with.

Good luck and sorry i am unable to help further in this format.

Lucy