March 2011 Moms

Any tips on how to get dog ready for baby's arrival?

We have a 15-month old Goldendoodle who is about 60 pounds and very high energy.  She has been our "baby" since we got her last year and is used to a lot of attention.  I'm curious if anyone has any good training tips on how to gradually get her ready for the baby.  We want to be sure she is obedient and respectful around the little one.
Daisypath Anniversary tickers Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: Any tips on how to get dog ready for baby's arrival?

  • O was a toddler when we got the dog, so things were different.  One thing that has turned out to be GREAT, though, is making the dog sit and stay on the other side of the room when we eat.  He puts himself there now.  O doesn't throw him food (mostly), and the dog knows to wait to get the food until we're done.  I figure it's a good Alpha move to make him wait.

    I know people who don't let the dog in the baby's room.  If I didn't have such a submissive dog, I would have done that.

    I always make the dog heel to the stroller (like behind it by where I'm walking.)  It's supposed to make the dog assume the baby is alpha to him/her.  

    Other than that, I just wouldn't let the dog near the baby if she's not being calm and quiet.

  • Bring home something of the baby's from the hospital (blanket, clothing, etc) before you bring the baby home. Or get someone to take an item home while you're still at the hospital. That way the dog can get used to the baby's scent.

    Once you get the baby home, it's just like introducing a new baby to a little kid... pay extra attention to the dog so she doesn't feel left out.

  • Loading the player...
  • I don't know any "textbook" ways, but my plans are this (and they're gathered from the pets board, and what I feel is good for my dog): Playing baby noises more often as the date gets closer. Setting up the baby's things early, so it becomes a regular part of her environment. Gradually giving her less attention as she demands is, really enforcing the training of "sit still, and I will give you attention when I am ready".

    That's all I can think of for now. She is a really laid back dog though, and listens well. The only thing I see as a problem with her for now is that she jumps to see what I'm carrying (one of the cats, groceries, or just anything in my hands), so we are also definitely working with training on that. It's not that she stands up on me to sniff, she really doesn't touch me doing that, but she does get in the way, and has caused me to stumble at times.

    I'm sure others can help give you more tips!

  • The only thing we did for our high-energy dog was bring home blankets with DS' scent on them (DS was in the NICU for a month).  I don't think it helped that much though.  The first night home, the dog paced around our room all night wondering what the heck this thing was that we had in the co-sleeper. 

    I've heard of getting a doll, swaddle it, and carry it around the house so the dog is used to you carrying a bundle around.  Also taking the dog for a walk with an empty stroller so it learns how to walk next to it and not pull.

  • The Pets board on the nest I believe has a link on tips for this. If not listed just ask them :)
    image
  • I am definitely going to be doing more research on this too.  I'm going to try the scent thing (baby's blanket from the hospital) and getting them used to all the baby gear being in the house beforehand.  I've heard the doll thing can help too.
    image
      Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I've heard tips like let dog smell freshly laundered baby items before baby is born, sprinkle baby powder on your and let dog get used to the smell, same with lotions you plan to use.  Hold a baby doll in your arms and start teaching the dog not to jump on you or get near babydoll's "face", play baby noises softly and loudly and make sure dog is calm when he hears the noises.  If dog is particularly attached to you, start having DH or SO spend more time with the dog and start distancing yourself from the dog.  When you come home from the hospital, have your DH or SO take the baby and have you go in by yourself so you can give your dog the attention it needs and settle it before introducing it to baby, since it will be happy to see you after being in the hospital.

    My dogs are extremely attached to me and have a tendency to jump on me so we have a lot to work on!

  • Thanks ladies!  Those are some great suggestions!  I appreciate it!
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • It might sound terrible, but leading up to the babies birth it may help to pay less attention to her. Only because once the baby arrives you will undoubtedly not be able to give the dog the same amount of attention and you definitely don't want her acting out.

    Photobucket Lilypie First Birthday tickers
  • The Humane Society has a class you bring your dog to to teach it how to deal with a new baby.  Talk to your local Humane Society!  We are doing this with our crazy Border Collie!
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"