Dogs and babies

I'm not due till this summer, but I have two big dogs and am wondering what's the best way to introduce them to our newborn

They're pretty laid back, but get excited when anyone new comes over of course

Re: Dogs and babies

I was really concerned about this too... I am no expert, but I did a couple of things to try and prepare my pooch -

I found sounds of a crying baby (on itunes, can you belive it?!) and played that.... I thought the sound might really bother him and wanted to introduce him to it.

My husband brought home one of the babies blanket from the hospital, and let him sniff it and sleep with it before we got home.

When we finally did make it home, we entered the house, and paid a ton of inital attention to the dog, which was standard for us. Then, when things calmed down again we let him sniff the baby while he was in his carseat. After that, we just tried really hard to give the dog lots of attention, and gave him a treat when he would come and investigate while I was holding the baby -so it would associate the baby with good things.

I don't know if this had anything to do with it, but 9 months later -the two have a great relationship!

Hope that will help.

Also found this on the humane society page: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/introducing_your_pet_and_new_baby.html

Re: Dogs and babies

thank you!

Re: Dogs and babies

Re: Dogs and babies

What she said -- and I got a CD, Preparing Fido -- it got Scout used to baby sounds before the baby got here.

Re: Dogs and babies

We got him used to baby stuff before she was here. I know this sounds silly but I walked around the house with the stroller, hung out in her room. Showed him her toys. He was allowed to sniff them but if he licked them I said no and took them away. Came in and out of the house with the baby seat and taught him the boundaries. He was not allowed to jump up at the seat.

Thats all we really did to prepare. Then we just walked in with her , let him sniff , but no jumping or licking

Re: Dogs and babies

Re: Dogs and babies

I have two crazy dogs and I was worried b/c they get rough when excited.

All we really did was put out all the baby stuff gradually, beforehand so they could get used to the objects, noises, music, etc. That helped greatly to gradually transition them.

Then we brought home a blanket from the hospital. Other than that, we just brought baby home and just allowed them to sniff the car seat, but not go too close to baby. At first my male dog would go nuts when baby would cry, wiggle, make any noise, etc. Now he doesn't even notice her. I still don't trust them, for ex, I won't leave baby on the floor with them or have them too close if baby is on the floor (3mths old now she is). But I imagine in time, when they are even more used to her, and she is larger, I won't have to worry about them being in the room with her on the floor (with my supervision of course). I would never trust them fully though till baby is way larger than them and could clearly defend herself should they get too rough. I am talking years from now.

But I have to say, I was VERY worried but it has worked out great. Only sad thing is my poor boy dog wants to play with all her toys and I don't let him of course. And then he runs to me with his own toys.

Re: Dogs and babies

My dog is about 100 lbs and gets super excited and jumps on everyone when they come over so I was really nervous with the baby. Well, I just put the carrier down on the floor when I brought DD home so the dog can see her and sniff her right away and the dog just instantly knew to be calm around her. She's never jumped while I'm holding DD and is very sweet around her. I think dogs just realize that it's a baby and need to relax around them.

Re: Dogs and babies

Re: Dogs and babies

We did nothing and they're best friends.

ETA: we did bring home a blanket from the hospital for our dog to sleep with and my husband forgot to give it to him.

When we brought Jacen home, we made sure to pay just as much attention to Jedi as we normally did. My aunt came to stay with us for a month a half, so that helped too since we had an extra hand.

Message edited 2/20/2009 9:10:53 AM.

Re: Dogs and babies

If I told you that this is all I think about I dont think anyone would believe me.. I have a very calm mellow dog.. She rarely barks, gets excited for 2 seconds when someone comes over then gives them there space.. Loves kids, babies, more than adults.. I am more worried that she is going to be sad and depressed that I cant hold her 24/7 play with her every second.. If I goi in a room she iss right there.. If I sit on the couch she is right there in my arms.. My life revolves around her like she is my child.. She is just sweet calm respectful but has to be with me on top of me all the time.. This is my delema.. I was told to start carrying a doll around and not her as much.. I think I have to try this.. Good luck to you.. Also I/ was told to bring the dog out to the baby when you first bring the baby home and then all go in the house together..

Re: Dogs and babies

I was SUPER concerned as my big dog has bitten a child in the past. Please no flames. I was not around. He's my DHs dog bla bla bla. We hired a trainer to get him to understand we are above him and then we kept him ona leash around her for the first 3-4 weeks. We never let him even sniff her at first so he KNEW she was ABOVE him and the princess. he was fine after that.

ETA: I wanted to do this but we didn't end up doing it.

Have the dog out for a walk with DH or someone else and have him come into the house with the baby there.
#1- He'll have less energy as he was just on a walk and #2- He'll be entering the "baby's" house.

Message edited 2/20/2009 9:07:43 AM.

Re: Dogs and babies

Another VERY important thing is to include your dog in family time. Many times people with new babies won't pay attention to the dog while they're taking care of the baby/while the baby is awake (which is natural because the new baby needs all the atention). This teaches the dog that the baby means no fun and they look forward to the baby being away.

We make sure that every night after dinner we ALL hang out together in the living room and play with the dog. This way Luna learns that the babies =fun. When the babies are around, she's going to get lots of attention and praise.