Yes I am pregnant and yes I own 2 large dogs, so what?

Jenniferk08 · July 2010

Now that i am announcing that I'm pregnant people are so concerned because of apache and freya. apache is my 9yr old 92 lb alaskan malamute and freya is my almost 10 month old German Shepherd Mix. Some how they think that my dogs will hurt the baby either intentionally or just in the course of being dogs since large breed dogs can't possibly be calm.

I took the time to explain that we have already started working with our dogs to get them ready for kids, long before TTC. Most just do not seem to get it. You can own a dog, or dogs, even large breed dogs and have a baby as long as you are willing to work at it.

if anyone here has dogs, now is a great time to start working with them so they are prepared for the baby especially if they have never been around kids before, and even if they have.

liladelphia215 · July 2010

May I ask what you have been doing?

I have a 50 lb mutt - 7 years old. Has some experience with kids, but she mostly has no idea what to do with them and just hides in her bed. She is the most gentle creature, but just doesn't understand babies.

I also have a 15 lb mutt. She is only 6 months old and has endless energy. She worries me more. I don't think she would ever harm a child. I have only heard her growl once (she got spayed last week and growled at the older dog for getting too close to her stitches), but I think her crazy energy would scare a kid.

Not that you would know what do to with my dogs lol, but just wondering what you are doing with yours.

Symharmony · July 2010

My experience with dogs is the smaller ones tend to be more nippy than the large dogs. You are doing everything right by working with your dogs, so they will be comfortable with a baby in the house. I know my brother brought home a baby blanket before they came home with my nephew, so the dogs were familiar with his scent. Some people need to keep their opinions to themselves and trust that you and your DH are taking the necessary precautions to prepare your animals for the new person that will soon be living in your house.

Lilystar82 · July 2010

For some reason: pregnant = please tell me all of your completely insane unsolicited advice about everything I do or don't do in my life. It drives me crazy

I'm sure with all of your hard work, your dogs will handle the baby beautifully.

Jenniferk08 · July 2010

The first most important thing is to make sure they have been cleared by a vet. At times behavior issues can be a result of a medical problems. A dog who constantly pees could have a UTI.

To start I have been using baby products so that they are use to the scent. baby shampoo, powder, lotion etc. I play with their paws, ears, tails etc, which includes light tugging but ALWAYS in a playful way, lots of praise. Recently a child in a stroller snatched freya when freya got too close. Instead of freaking out she started to lick the hand because we're taught her that the child's behavior means good things.

The ladies on the nest pet board have been a wealth of information and help. I read "childproofing your dog" and it has some great ideas. Definately worth the read and it's not a big book. I read it in 3 days and it was pretty simple and straight forward.

just a few suggestions.

MiniMadness · July 2010

SO annoyed at people for this too!

We have 4 rescue animals, 2 dogs and 2 cats. 1 dog was saved at a puppy mill raid and he had been in a cage for 5 years. He didn't even know how to walk when we got him, still doesn't know how to use the steps and probably never will. He's not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed and doesn't understand a lot of things, gets frightened easily and definitely do not touch him if he is sleeping. We are getting a lot of comments from people about him and the baby, but I'm not dumb! He will be in a secluded area or not even on the same floor of the house as the baby, simple as that.

The other dog is a sweetheart and I can see her loving the baby as much as the rest of us! And one of the cats is in question, but he just yells so you know he's there, then runs away!

People just need to understand that animals are animals and they can be unpredictable at times, but we as moms are not going to throw the baby in with the dogs and say 'have fun, kiddo!'. haha

Sorry for the long repsonse. I just knew where you were coming from with this.

liladelphia215 · July 2010

Thanks so much! That was very helpful and I am definitely going to pick up the book.

pkate98 · July 2010

when I had DS, I hadn't done much to prepare our dog, but he's a pretty gentle dog, so I wasn't concerned. He's never done anything to hurt DS. He did mope a lot the first month b/c he didn't get as much attention, but he got used to our new life...

njmoh · July 2010

My Abbey rarely makes a sound and no matter what you do to her she lays and licks you, now I know she may react to a baby. But DH is bringing a baby blanket home before baby comes home. Using baby products is a great idea thanks! I live upstairs from my mom and i'm more concerned about her dog, she's a diva I Hope as long as we remember to give her her attention while she's around the baby I think it'll be ok in time

TiffanyTheMom · July 2010

I have a mini-dachshund who just turned a year old, and my 2yr old is quite rough with her. She's never bitten, and I know she'll be fine with my baby. That said, I won't take my eyes off her if she's inside and the baby's on the floor. You also have to set dominance for the baby- make sure the dog knows this is your offspring (though they'll know that anyway) and that baby takes priority.

I honestly don't know if Lady will stay with us til the new baby's born, though. I loved her before, but recently (probably hormones) she ticks me off constantly, and I have not a bone of love for her in my body! She no longer even looks like a dog to me, she looks like a rat. A rat that eats my kid's toys, has pissed all over my house, steals food, and I just hate her all over!!

jessw22 · July 2010

Ugh! I have family members that constantly ask me if I am going to get rid of both of my boxers or just one of them. They are always telling me "you know when you have the baby this is going to be way too much for you to handle....you have no idea how hard and stressful it will be to have two big dogs and a baby." Everyone wants to put their 2 cents in....Thanks so much for the tips! I will be looking into getting that book!

chouli77 · July 2010

People keep asking if we're going to get rid of our 4 cats. Even my DH who is super protective has said "absolutely not, they're family."

Can you believe people still think cats will "steal the breath" of infants? Of course we'll be careful and we're always clean (you have to be w/ 4 of any pet).

Oh, another crazy advice I was given - "OMG get rid of your microwave. It is radioactive and will hurt the baby."

Firedancer1013 · July 2010

We have two eight year old chihuahuas (who were from the pound and previously abused) who tend to be very protective of me, they've barked at DH before for play fighting with me. So I am concerned about that, however, we've had our niece over and they are mainly afraid and run away from her. I think, so long as LO isn't pulling on them or antagonizing them at first (which obviously as a baby s/he won't be) they will be able to get used to baby. I don't understand how people think that babies come out of the womb swinging at dogs, there is going to be a period of time where LO is not very interactive yet and they will get used to the smells, sounds, etc. I'm also lucky to have really supportive parents who have already volunteered to take our pups for a 'vacation' at their house if they get overwhelmed.

Jenniferk08 · July 2010

TiffanyTheMom:

I have a mini-dachshund who just turned a year old, and my 2yr old is quite rough with her. She's never bitten, and I know she'll be fine with my baby. That said, I won't take my eyes off her if she's inside and the baby's on the floor. You also have to set dominance for the baby- make sure the dog knows this is your offspring (though they'll know that anyway) and that baby takes priority.

I honestly don't know if Lady will stay with us til the new baby's born, though. I loved her before, but recently (probably hormones) she ticks me off constantly, and I have not a bone of love for her in my body! She no longer even looks like a dog to me, she looks like a rat. A rat that eats my kid's toys, has pissed all over my house, steals food, and I just hate her all over!!

1- do NOT allow your child to play rough with the dog. you need to teach him how to treat animals. Children mimic what they see so i would start to play gentle with her or one day she may bite because she has no other way to speak up for herself.

2- dominance theory (aka cesar milan) is out dated. my dogs have been taught NILIF (nothing in life is free). If they want anything from a petting to food they have to earn it. for meals they must sit and stay until I give the ok to eat. If they want to take a walk they must sit and wait until I go through first. Treats I put my puppy in a down stay and place a treat on her paw, she stays like that unti I say ok. And both my dogs are very happy dogs who go places like the dog park, trips to the store, classes etc.We do not hit our dogs but a stern voice and sometimes a one finger TAP on the nose gets the point across if they misbehave.

3- For the peeing all over the house, have you taken her to the vet to rule out any medical conditions? UTI's, Kidney stones, bladder infections etc? How about bell training her to let her know when she needs to go out? my puppy is bell trained and it saved us from a few accidents a number of times when since she does not bark or whine to go out.

4- chewing on toys, stealing food is NOT your dogs fault it is your failure as a parent to teach her what is and is not allowed. If freya has something in her mouth that is not her she is told DROP IT. she is then given praise and is rewarding with pointing out one of her own toys. i have things all over my house due to work being done and she has never destroyed a shoe, book, camera etc. I may have lost a papertowel or two but nothing worth throwing her out for. Try taking her to obedience class, she could be bored, or in need of some training. Start teaching her games she can play while you are doing things. she is a small dog so playing fetch in the house is not that difficult to do while sitting on the house.. I did it while on bedrest and my dog loved it.

5- When you bought your dog you signed on for a life long commitment not an "I'll only keep you until I grow bored or uninterested". Will you rehome your kids when they wet the bed? How about when they break something of yours or write on it?

I am a firm believer in the way a person treats in their animals shows the type of person they are. A supervisor at my office got rid of his dog because his son played too rough. I told people that is the sign of someone who is afraid of hard work. Sure enough 2 weeks later he quit because things were too much for him.

MiniMadness · July 2010

Jenniferk08:
TiffanyTheMom:

I have a mini-dachshund who just turned a year old, and my 2yr old is quite rough with her. She's never bitten, and I know she'll be fine with my baby. That said, I won't take my eyes off her if she's inside and the baby's on the floor. You also have to set dominance for the baby- make sure the dog knows this is your offspring (though they'll know that anyway) and that baby takes priority.

I honestly don't know if Lady will stay with us til the new baby's born, though. I loved her before, but recently (probably hormones) she ticks me off constantly, and I have not a bone of love for her in my body! She no longer even looks like a dog to me, she looks like a rat. A rat that eats my kid's toys, has pissed all over my house, steals food, and I just hate her all over!!

1- do NOT allow your child to play rough with the dog. you need to teach him how to treat animals. Children mimic what they see so i would start to play gentle with her or one day she may bite because she has no other way to speak up for herself.

2- dominance theory (aka cesar milan) is out dated. my dogs have been taught NILIF (nothing in life is free). If they want anything from a petting to food they have to earn it. for meals they must sit and stay until I give the ok to eat. If they want to take a walk they must sit and wait until I go through first. Treats I put my puppy in a down stay and place a treat on her paw, she stays like that unti I say ok. And both my dogs are very happy dogs who go places like the dog park, trips to the store, classes etc.We do not hit our dogs but a stern voice and sometimes a one finger TAP on the nose gets the point across if they misbehave.

3- For the peeing all over the house, have you taken her to the vet to rule out any medical conditions? UTI's, Kidney stones, bladder infections etc? How about bell training her to let her know when she needs to go out? my puppy is bell trained and it saved us from a few accidents a number of times when since she does not bark or whine to go out.

4- chewing on toys, stealing food is NOT your dogs fault it is your failure as a parent to teach her what is and is not allowed. If freya has something in her mouth that is not her she is told DROP IT. she is then given praise and is rewarding with pointing out one of her own toys. i have things all over my house due to work being done and she has never destroyed a shoe, book, camera etc. I may have lost a papertowel or two but nothing worth throwing her out for. Try taking her to obedience class, she could be bored, or in need of some training. Start teaching her games she can play while you are doing things. she is a small dog so playing fetch in the house is not that difficult to do while sitting on the house.. I did it while on bedrest and my dog loved it.

5- When you bought your dog you signed on for a life long commitment not an "I'll only keep you until I grow bored or uninterested". Will you rehome your kids when they wet the bed? How about when they break something of yours or write on it?

I am a firm believer in the way a person treats in their animals shows the type of person they are. A supervisor at my office got rid of his dog because his son played too rough. I told people that is the sign of someone who is afraid of hard work. Sure enough 2 weeks later he quit because things were too much for him.

Agreed. Our one rescue dog is HARD work because he doesn't understand anything (possible inbreeding issue or just the cage with no floor for 5 years??), but we continue to try...as hopeless as it seems sometimes.haha.

erbear · July 2010

I have 2 large dogs (greyhounds, 85 pounds each), a 17 month old and a baby on the way. My guys LOVE Kate and I've taught her to be gentle with them. I get a lot of comments when I walk them all though

You'll be fine.

lc113 · July 2010

Hi All,

I don't have any dogs myself, but this is foundation is a great resource for information on training both dogs and children to co-exist safely, and also as an education tool for owners to spot warning signs in animal behavior.

Hope it's helpful!

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Yes I am pregnant and yes I own 2 large dogs, so what?

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