Newborn and Owning a Dog

satuttle1014

I think this would be the right board, let me know if it is not.

I'm not due until Feb 2016 and I'm a FTM. For those of you who have puppies/dogs I am asking for some guidance. So I have a puppy, she turns one in November. I live in a hybrid condo/town home as they call it which means my front door and garage is on the bottom level but because we have someone underneath us, my actual living space is on the 3rd and 4th floors. When I take my dog out I have to go down lots of stairs.

When my baby is here, my mom will be staying with me to help out since I am a FTM and help me get adjusted but I will eventually want to try to get somewhat of a schedule with my dog. I'm wondering maybe when I should do walks with the baby and dog, let my dog out on the grass right outside our garage with the baby monitor if the baby is asleep, etc things along that line. Since she will be over 1 year she won't need to go out as often but still would like to get an idea of how I should go about it. It will be easier with future children when we eventually buy a single family home but at the time of buying it was just my DH and I. 

Any advice, pointers, etc will be great. This is really the only thing that I have been thinking/worrying about. 

Bigboobsmcgee

You are totallllllllly overthinking this! After having 2 children I firmly believe you cannot plan ahead for things like this. There is NO point in trying to plan this now and why would you want to??!!!

You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that all the little details around things like this will just work themselves out once the baby is here. You'll have to find breaks here and there to do tasks like taking your dog out to go to the bathroom, chores, etc. Strap that baby in a carrier and wear him/her while you walk the dog or strap the baby into the swing and run outside with the dog really quick. It will be easy. Don't stress this now.

soccerslayer7

I was like you stressing over how I would manage the dog and baby by myself only difference my dog is 12 and very set in his ways however it isn't difficult at all I have a video monitor I use when I take the dog out I too live on a second floor. Or sometimes just put the baby in the car seat or sling and take her with. You will figure it out fast. Don't worry!

satuttle1014

Thanks ladies. I will see how it goes when it gets here.

cmandell02

Yea I take my dog out with the monitor if baby is sleeping. If she's not I carry her with me to let out the doggy. You are right it won't be as often as the dog gets older.

heatheremanderson

I have three dogs and a three month old. I have been walking all three dogs on my own, with my child in tow since a week post partum as my husband went back to work and I had zero help from family. A comfortable carrier is always a good for the walks if you choose not to use your stroller. I also let my dogs out the back yard and sit out there on nicer days if the baby is napping in her crib and just keep my monitor close. I usually go anywhere between 3-5 km (up to 3 miles for my American bumpie friends) a day providing its not a scorcher or raining profusely.

Bickey11

You'll be fine. Get a moby wrap or something to assist with taking baby with you, in the meantime get your dog trained to go out in the grassy area. My dog is 15 mos, baby is 2 weeks. Granted we have a fenced yard, but he holds it for 6 hours during normal school/work time, he'll wait until youre free to get him or her out. Sometimes he sits by the door for a half hour or more till I get to him, hes fine. He's currently barkling to come in, but will have to wait till feeding is over.