Im stunned and feel that this is something that she should have discussed with you before you even tried for a baby.
Im sorry but you do not just shove an animal out of the home. Its part of the family and this is not acceptable. Perhaps she needs to see a mental health practitioner

Wow that is a big decision. I can understand her worries but to get rid of a dog that is part of the family is hard.

I think a calm, rational conversation needs to be had but that can be difficult with pregnancy hormones.

Aww, I can see this will be trouble ahead. They need to sit down calmly and rationally. I don’t think rehoming the dog is the answer. It requires communication and perhaps a compromise or some professional intervention.

I feel like it might be worth a sit down with a pet mediator (if there is such a thing), because you wouldnt ask to rehome another child, which basically sounds like this dog is very much a part of the family. I totally understand concerns from the mum to be and her anxiety wouldnt be helping her general health. A big open discussion is required including all parties.

I can see the concerns on both sides, you need to sit down and talk it out what’s best for the family

Even though we trust our dog, remember to NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY AND DOG TOGETHER UNSUPERVISED, even if you trust your dog and it has been living in your family for a long time. As your child grows up you will have to continue to supervise interactions with your dog since many attacks occur against children that do not realise that they are irritating or threatening animals.

I can understand both sides

Seems like counselling would be best because it involves your son and his connection to the dog

I can see both sides and would struggle to know what to do.

Could the dog live outside, eg in the backyard or a shed, at least for the duration of her pregnancy? I agree she’s being a bit unreasonable, but at the same time I understand her protective impulse.

It’s a tricky situation but the dog sounds like his well trained and very well behaved. So no I wouldn’t take the dog away his been there for too long. Also the wife knew the dog was coming when they got married.

No way would I rehome my dog

You are doing the right thing by refusing to re-home your son’s dog. If your new wife has been in the house the whole time with the dog, why now all of a sudden is she having panic attacks.

Don’t get rid of the dog. It’s not the dog’s fault that the wife has anxiety. She obviously didn’t have anxiety when she was not pregnant. If you give in to your wife’s request on this matter what else will she want you to get rid of? When you go to the doctors, mention her anxiety and see if she can get some help. It’s better to address the issue now and not wait until it gets out of hand. Good luck

Poor Mum, over my long life I have seen this problem so many times, dogs become the centre of attention, their needs ALWAYS come first, they’re all over the beds and furniture and they become territorial and possibly dangerous. The dog MUST be rehoused and quickly because the mother’s anxiety will affect her baby. A new baby in the home should and will give the family a new focus.
Sorry dad but I’m on mum’s side. I have witnessed territorial dogs with babies and it’s scary.

I don’t think getting rid of the dog is an option. Its part of the family and the son is obviously very attached to it. Having a new baby may already be difficult for him and if he lost his best friend because of it he may become understandably resentful. Maybe they could just try and keep the dog away from the mother as much as possible… until she can find a healthy way to deal with her anxiety.

Poor dog! The mum’s anxiety is ill-founded and should be discussed so she can be supported and hopefully enjoy her pregnancy rather than be so anxious and paranoid. So much damage will be done if you re-home the dog, who has done nothing wrong. It would be hard not to feel resentment at her if the dog was given away…. honestly.

I think he should go with her to talk to someone about this. I understand the anxiety but perhaps she has anxiety issues that needs to be addressed due to the extra hormones from the pregnancy

He has to keep the dog and she needs to learn to relax around him. Great Danes are beautiful friendly dogs and will protect the family.