"Attitude" problems are usually a problem with them not respecting you as alpha. The dog has learned to be dominant, and that is a tricky habit to break.  Huskies are especially hard to train, and have an abundance of energy.  It takes alot of work and patience, and I'm sad that you are looking at having to re-home him.  Was this pregnancy unexpected, or did you TTC knowing this was going to be a problem?

You said you tried behavior modification, but have you tried taking him on a morning and an evening walk to tire him out?  Some dogs are much more obedient when they have been mentally stimulated.  

Also, the snuggles and playtime could be contributing to the problem.  Some experts believe that letting the dog on the furniture is recognizing them as your equal.  I tried it with my dog, and it's true for him, the more he's allowed on the furniture the worse he behaves.  It seems cruel, but it's better than sending him away if it works!

Playtime should be an outdoor activity only, so he learns to be calm inside.  If he barks, acts aggressive, or extremely hyper, do you have a yard that you can put him outside in?  Don't ever communicate with your dog when they are acting out. Remain calm or it will only escalate them.  Ignoring them goes a long way to establishing dominance. 

Have you tried the tethering training to establish dominance?  It can be inconvenient but it works.  You tie a short leash to yourself and the dog, and they have to go where you go all day.  They learn to watch your body language and to follow behind you.  Body language is everything to a dog, and even the act of letting them barge through a door in front of you means something!

If you really have no choice but to re-home him... 

I hope you will release him to a German Shepherd or Husky rescue (there are a few on the East Coast) that can find him a suitable home.  With a strong will like that, I am assuming that someone with knowledge of Huskies would be able to do some training and possibly rehabilitate him.  At the very least, they may be able to find him the perfect home and he won't be at risk of euthanasia in the meantime.  

If your dog has the potential to bite it is very scary, especially with children. You are only nine weeks so you have a little time to work with. Maybe you could buy a baby doll and carry it around, let him sniff it, and see how he reacts. Maybe try to get one that cries or makes noise. I'm not saying this is the perfect way to handle the situation and by no means am I a behavior specialist. Just a suggestion to try. I know how attached we all become to our pets and they are like our children. I could not imagine having to give up my dog but if its for the safety of your child, of course, its the right thing to do. I am not always a fan of no kill shelters but for your situation it may be a good place for him to go. That way he will get placed in a suitable home. I hope I don't sound to harsh. I feel so bad for you :(

Thanks for the advise, all these tips mentioned are nothing we haven't heard/tried before. We have been continually using the training methods of the professional we hired to access our situation, but maybe need to get more aggressive with him and dominate more. He's just so good with us it's like night and day.

Well, here's hoping that the future is positive, the best thing for our family is that the dog does a 180 in 7 months or we can find anyone to take him so he can at least live out his life .... :(

 

thanks ladies for your comments 

I have no advice, but I feel for you and your DH.  My DH and I also have a Husky/Shepherd mix, and he is the love of our lives and our current only baby.  That status will change in August, but until then- he reigns supreme.  Unfortunately he is a real scoundrel.  Not mean at all, but very naughty.  He will be 2 in April, and is still very much a puppy.  He pulls at the leash, jumps on people at the door, and has "wyatt riots" (his name is Wyatt) occasionally, in which he runs laps around the house at full speed.  This is all after 1 hour walk/jog every single day of his life.  I hope we get this crazyness in check by August. 

I don't know where you live, but there are Husky rescues around the country, possibly call one of them and explain the situation.  Sadly, Huskies are often given to rescues as their behavior can be so difficult to train, and people get them simply because they are so beautiful and then don't want to keep up with the exercise and training commitments.  I know your situation is very different, but you can at least rest assured that he will be given to people who are used to taking in this breed and know how to work with these awesome dogs, and will try to find him a good and loving home.  Good luck, what a heartbreaking decision to have to make!

I know your fear of his reaction could be a factor but I suggest weekly walks through Petsmart. Your dog will get used to seeing many other people and dogs. Consider getting a gentle leader that will keep him a bit more restrained when you walk. Petsmart offers additional levels of training and even private sessions for specific issues. Also, practice with him keeping calm by inviting friends over. When they enter your home, keep your dog on the leash. Let him get used to a new persons presence. I would ask several friends come in over and over. I’ve also heard that it is helpful to get the dog used to a baby by bringing in baby items slowly. Introduce him to a stroller and even walk him with the stroller. A baby doll can help as well.

nyahsbabyblues:

"Attitude" problems are usually a problem with them not respecting you as alpha. The dog has learned to be dominant, and that is a tricky habit to break. 

I didn't read all the responses, but I wanted to note that this is not true. Please do not try to do any 'alpha' training with your dog. It's dangerous, has been shown to make dogs more aggressive, and just plain doesn't work. The science of linking domesticated dogs to wolves is sketchy at best.

Our dogs have leash aggression and some other aggressive behaviors and we recently met with a veterinary behaviorist to discuss them. She was able to walk through by physical causes as well as behavior problems and some training techniques. One of our dogs who has more serious behavior concerns, actually has a lot of signs of a liver problem, so she was able to recommend a supplement to support her liver. She said it's likely that she was feeling sick, and then behaved in an aggressive manner, to which her previous owners reacted to in a certain way (alpha training, actually), reinforcing the need for her to protect herself. 

Meeting with her wasn't cheap (I think it was around $75/hour), but it was definitely worth it. I think if you're committed to the animal you should work with a specialist to find if there's a way for you to keep it. If not, seek out a rescue that is willing to work with the animal. Unfortunately, most aggressive dogs are put down because they're not adoptable. Trust me, I know how hard this is. I have 2 shepherds with aggression issues and it's not easy. Let me know if you have any questions I can answer!

I don't really have a whole lot of advice because I can't relate at all, but I will say that a lot of this talk of "dominance" and "alphas" have been shown to be outdated and ineffective ways of communicating with your dog. So, if your trainer also uses these concepts, you might want to look for a different trainer who is more up-to-date with the current research in the field.

 

Best of luck.

 

ETA: someone beat me to it :)

I adopted an adult dog with behavior issues like yours a few years ago.... It was a private adoption.... Since then I have trained him out of most of his issues. Once he warmed up to me as his owner I started showly introducing him to brave and willing friends.... Encouraging them to give him treats on arrival... While visiting and when leaving... Also for them to play games with him. Over a few months he became very open to visitors and now even cries when the doorbell rings to see who is visiting. He has bonded with many frequent visitors and is open to new people as long as the don't bend over him, get into a staring comtest or try to hug him..... Those result in a bark or growl now... No longer a snap. Never discourage your dog from barking or growling... Otherwise they will not bother to give this warning anymore.... Move the person away from the dog. 

For the babies and kids...I looped a recording of crying, children playing etc.. And just played it until he was no longer bothered... After that... I didn't play it for a while and whenever I did and he wasn't  bothered he got treats.  

After that I borrowed dirty clothes from friends with kids and dressed up teddy bears and dolls like a baby, child.... Letting him get accustomed to the smells and learning the boundries. Giving him treats for good/ wanted behavior...I even let teddies ride him and pull his ears, take his toys, food etc. Now he isn't phased by babies or small kids and we've have a few visit....one even slapped him in the face ... Thankfully he did nothing and just avoided the child after.

That being said I still supervise all visitors in my home..especially when they move around on their own..bathroom etc. I warn all of the 'dog rules' when they visit. He is never unsupervised near unfamiliar children....after all he is 140 lbs and a small mistake can be a big disaster. 

Dont give up on your doggie just yet... cuz mine is now great with familiar adults, kids and all babies..... Anyone who he knows well can do anything..even hug him. Try with him for a few months and see what happens.... Pay attention to his body language and facial expressions..and when treating just remember to adjust his regular meal accordingly.

Good luck... And if all else fails... Hopefully he will still find a loving new home. 

Luthy:

I don't really have a whole lot of advice because I can't relate at all, but I will say that a lot of this talk of "dominance" and "alphas" have been shown to be outdated and ineffective ways of communicating with your dog. So, if your trainer also uses these concepts, you might want to look for a different trainer who is more up-to-date with the current research in the field.

 

Best of luck.

 

ETA: someone beat me to it :)

 All I know is how things are with my dog... maybe the theories behind these techniques is outdated, but applying some of the things myself and PPs have mentioned have worked on my strong-willed, separation anxiety ridden dog.  

I'm not sure how making sure to not let my dog walk through a doorway in front of me or sit on my couch is dangerous?  I said don't reward the dog by giving him attention and playing with him when he's acting out.  Would you reward a child for having a temper tantrum?  I suggested some things to try, that is all.

I also said don't let the dog behave like this around the baby and/or company...again, remove the dog from the situation.  How is that dangerous?  

I don't think you read my post past the first sentence, and OP I hope you can find something that will work to help your dog.  

I think the objection is to the word alpha... I will change that word to what we call it in our house the dog being a "jerk" :P   

Bonjuju:

I adopted an adult dog with behavior issues like yours a few years ago.... It was a private adoption.... Since then I have trained him out of most of his issues. Once he warmed up to me as his owner I started showly introducing him to brave and willing friends.... Encouraging them to give him treats on arrival... While visiting and when leaving... Also for them to play games with him. Over a few months he became very open to visitors and now even cries when the doorbell rings to see who is visiting. He has bonded with many frequent visitors and is open to new people as long as the don't bend over him, get into a staring comtest or try to hug him..... Those result in a bark or growl now... No longer a snap. Never discourage your dog from barking or growling... Otherwise they will not bother to give this warning anymore.... Move the person away from the dog. 

For the babies and kids...I looped a recording of crying, children playing etc.. And just played it until he was no longer bothered... After that... I didn't play it for a while and whenever I did and he wasn't  bothered he got treats.  

After that I borrowed dirty clothes from friends with kids and dressed up teddy bears and dolls like a baby, child.... Letting him get accustomed to the smells and learning the boundries. Giving him treats for good/ wanted behavior...I even let teddies ride him and pull his ears, take his toys, food etc. Now he isn't phased by babies or small kids and we've have a few visit....one even slapped him in the face ... Thankfully he did nothing and just avoided the child after.

That being said I still supervise all visitors in my home..especially when they move around on their own..bathroom etc. I warn all of the 'dog rules' when they visit. He is never unsupervised near unfamiliar children....after all he is 140 lbs and a small mistake can be a big disaster. 

Dont give up on your doggie just yet... cuz mine is now great with familiar adults, kids and all babies..... Anyone who he knows well can do anything..even hug him. Try with him for a few months and see what happens.... Pay attention to his body language and facial expressions..and when treating just remember to adjust his regular meal accordingly.

Good luck... And if all else fails... Hopefully he will still find a loving new home. 

OP,  I would definitely give these techniques a try.  Bonjuju glad you were persistent and have helped rehab your dog.  Sounds like you've changed his life!

I have a kind of similar problem with my dog. She has never tried to bite, but she is very jealous and very hyper when new people come around. She also "freaks" out when she is not around me. When I brought this to the attention of my vet, she suggested medication. While i know many people are against anti-anxiety medications, it has help greatly with my dog. She takes 20mg Prozac before bed and it has helped her listening, anxiety, and her "freak out" moments. Maybe ask the vet for suggestions. Good luck!

My opinion would be to start looking for a new home for your dog.  The breed is not child friendly and you are not going to be able to break these habits in time for your lo to arrive.  It sucks to say, but I would get rid of him.  My dog is my baby and I would hate to imagine being without him, but my 'real' baby comes first.  Could your parents take him, so you would still be able to see him?  Best of luck making this difficult decision.

I wish my parents would take him, but they have out right told us that they can't handle his behaviour. They have a dog, that my dog loves to play with, so it's kinda sad that they can't live together, that would solve the problem!

My sister in law just bought a house with a HUGE backyard and once we tell our family at Christmas about the baby, we're going to approach her about the possibility of adopting him .... but I doubt it :( She's said in the past "no way", but maybe she'll reconsider once she knows we are having a baby.

 I don't want to feel sad about having our baby because we have to get rid of our dog that we have loved for 3 years ... isn't that messed up!? what a horrible situation. 

Bonjuju:

I adopted an adult dog with behavior issues like yours a few years ago.... It was a private adoption.... Since then I have trained him out of most of his issues. Once he warmed up to me as his owner I started showly introducing him to brave and willing friends.... Encouraging them to give him treats on arrival... While visiting and when leaving... Also for them to play games with him. Over a few months he became very open to visitors and now even cries when the doorbell rings to see who is visiting. He has bonded with many frequent visitors and is open to new people as long as the don't bend over him, get into a staring comtest or try to hug him..... Those result in a bark or growl now... No longer a snap. Never discourage your dog from barking or growling... Otherwise they will not bother to give this warning anymore.... Move the person away from the dog. 

For the babies and kids...I looped a recording of crying, children playing etc.. And just played it until he was no longer bothered... After that... I didn't play it for a while and whenever I did and he wasn't  bothered he got treats.  

After that I borrowed dirty clothes from friends with kids and dressed up teddy bears and dolls like a baby, child.... Letting him get accustomed to the smells and learning the boundries. Giving him treats for good/ wanted behavior...I even let teddies ride him and pull his ears, take his toys, food etc. Now he isn't phased by babies or small kids and we've have a few visit....one even slapped him in the face ... Thankfully he did nothing and just avoided the child after.

That being said I still supervise all visitors in my home..especially when they move around on their own..bathroom etc. I warn all of the 'dog rules' when they visit. He is never unsupervised near unfamiliar children....after all he is 140 lbs and a small mistake can be a big disaster. 

Dont give up on your doggie just yet... cuz mine is now great with familiar adults, kids and all babies..... Anyone who he knows well can do anything..even hug him. Try with him for a few months and see what happens.... Pay attention to his body language and facial expressions..and when treating just remember to adjust his regular meal accordingly.

Good luck... And if all else fails... Hopefully he will still find a loving new home. 

 

Thank you so much for these tips, this was so helpful and encouraging.  

We have been told to do some of these exact same training methods, although he is much more difficult than your dog sounds. He isn't turning his behaviour around. We do the treat thing when guests come, and they play with him and he LOVES it, but then after a whole afternoon of being exposed to the same people he has turned at the sound of something disruptive (friend laughing etc.) and bitten my friends :(

Fingers crossed that these methods will start to make a difference before the baby comes, or else we have to get rid of him  ...