Can anyone shed any light on this for me? I get the feeling tilly is feeling a little left out now the kitten is here, but as she has to be hand fed etc. she does demand some attention.
But i don't want tilly to feel too pushed out or jealous, i want her to know shes still the 'top dog' and that we love her. This may sound silly but does anyone know what signs of affection a dog recognises as such? I always stroke her head and back and belly when she rolls over, and speak softly to her saying soppy things (which i know she cant understand but hoping the tone of voice will come across to her) telling her shes still mummy's first baby etc etc (lol) but will she see these things as being affectionate? how do dogs show affection to their pups, for example? or is it an entirely human concept
Lynz x

Hi Lynz,
I'm sure that Tilly understands most of what you say to her, if she's anything like Baillie, I'd swear that he understands EVERYTHING I say to him. As for the kitten, I haven't had any experience of cats, but as we're hoping to get a Dane puppy soon, I have been told to try to divide the food up so that the two are eating separately but at the same time, maybe that's not going to be very convenient, if you're having to hand feed. Also always make sure that you talk, praise and cuddle them first before the new arrival.
I expect she'll probably feel a little put out anyway, immaterial of what you say or do to her, but I'm sure what you're doing, encouraging and spoiling her, will pay off. I know where you're coming from though, I haven't even got my puppy yet, but already I'm worrying about how to make him feel that I haven't cast him aside. Anyway, hope that's of some help and let us know how you get on,
Sharon

thanks for that bailliesmum,
as i type tilly is curled up next to me on the couch.... on top of a little pile of clean washing i've just been folding!!
I think shes getting more used to Whisper being around. If anything she likes her too much, whenever W is fast asleep in her box, Tilly is straight over nosing her and licking her to wake her up again!
Lynz x

when we brought our pup home zak sulked for days,we always greet zak first and then make a fuss of pup,now when i go in to them they both jump up to say hello together. zak isnt sulking so much now he realises he has someone to play with.
mel :)