People with pets come in!!

jmc1017 · October 2011

H and I have two dogs and two cats. My dog (he's a mama's boy) is super jealous of anyone who gets to close to me. He will climb between our other dog and I just to be closer. He's not necessarily aggressive, but does have some tendencies. If the other dog is playing with a toy that he wants, he's kind of like a spoiled child who is used to getting what he wants. My concern is how they are going to react to the baby.

Anyone have experience with this? Advice or words of wisdom would be appreciated. As my first "baby", I don't want him to feel left out or jealous. I also want to be sure the baby will be safe. (If we've discussed this already, I'm sorry!!)

kellbelle618 · October 2011

I don't have any advice, but I am curious about the responses. I'm afraid my babies are going to be jealous too.

ckk8584 · October 2011

I'm planning on setting up bassinet soon & using a cabbage patch doll as practice for dealing with a baby. I know it's not even close but we can at least practice some basics.

ImThisBabysMom · October 2011

From what I've been told, my dad had a female lap dog who loved him and no one else. When he and my mom got serious, the dog hated her and would nip at her. Then when my brother and I came along, she hated us even more but never nipped at us. She just wanted nothing to do with us.

I think animals can have a difficulty adjusting sometimes, but others won't. It depends on their personality. If they are loving and gentle, I don't think it'd be a problem. My one cat is jealous of the others and even hated my DH for a long time. She likes him now but still hates my other female cat. So I'm not sure how she will react to baby either.

CPhillz · October 2011

I too don't have any advice, but I am worried about my dog reacting this way too. He's super protective of DH and I. However, he is very close to DH's family too and is WONDERFUL with kids. He is just huge, so I worry about him and the baby.

Monkeybabe · October 2011

My two dogs are both very jealous of attention, they'll press themselves between one of us and the other dog, trying to get all the attention. It's very common of their breed and so we plan to set up boundaries before the baby is born.

maphelps22 · October 2011

When my sister had her baby girl and brought her over, my dog reacted wonderfully. He was super protective, wouldn't leave her side, whether she was in her carseat or crib or whatever. Once she got in the grabbing stage, he learned really quick to stay within a foot distance, but was still very protective.

krystalxyz · October 2011

So I don't know how useful my advice will really be, but I watch A LOT of Animal Planet. I know on one of the dog training shows they would have to owner ignore the dog when they would do something they're not supposed to. So say you're sitting on the couch and the jealous one jumps up and tries to butt in, you're supposed to turn your back on that one and not give it any attention until it gets the hint and it fine with not being the center of attention. That's when you turn to that one and praise him. Hope that's some help!

I worried about one of my cats swatting the baby once it's mobile and is following the cat.

jmc1017 · October 2011

The one that I'm worried about is a Husky/Lab mix and about 45 pounds. He's really very sweet and gentle. He's been around my baby cousin, but I wasn't holding the baby. A friend of mind brought her one month old over back in June and when I was holding the baby Orion came over and tried to stick his face between me and the baby. He wasn't rough or anything, but he was very... jealous. I'm afraid that when it's OUR baby, he's going to be even more jealous since baby won't be going anywhere.

KDeola · October 2011

I have two cats, and wonder how they will accept baby as well. The only thing I can say is that I don't think it is ever safe to leave a baby/toddler alone with any animal. As much as our pets are our "children" they are animals and we do not know how they will react in situations. When animals feel threatened or jealous, they react in surprising ways. Even when they are playing it can do harm. That being said, I'm sure the majority of new parents have animals, and they do adjust, we just have to be careful!

jmc1017 · October 2011

krystalxyz:
So I don't know how useful my advice will really be, but I watch A LOT of Animal Planet. I know on one of the dog training shows they would have to owner ignore the dog when they would do something they're not supposed to. So say you're sitting on the couch and the jealous one jumps up and tries to butt in, you're supposed to turn your back on that one and not give it any attention until it gets the hint and it fine with not being the center of attention. That's when you turn to that one and praise him. Hope that's some help!
I worried about one of my cats swatting the baby once it's mobile and is following the cat.

We've tried that and it doesn't work, I swear he would give Caesar Milan a run for his money!! Again, very sweet just very, very jealous and in need of constant attention.

Our cats on the other hand, will have no interest at all. I am not concerned about them in the least.

Monkeybabe · October 2011

Oh yeah, my MIL, who runs a rescue sent me this link:

https://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/programs/humane-education/pet-meets-baby.html

There's a link on that page to download a free PDF.

mumegs · October 2011

We have three dogs and one of them is the same way, he is very protective of me and always wants to be sitting on my lap (they are mini schnauzers so only about 15-20 lbs). He is the one I'm worried about, he's not aggressive but if I am giving attention to the other dogs he'll definitely try to butt in. I'm not sure what we're going to do but he'll have to learn somehow.

Also one of our dogs barks a LOT, at anyone who walks by the window, and if someone actually comes in he barks like crazy at them. I'm praying the baby will be able to get used to the sound, although we're trying to stop it as much as we can.

BetterTogether1023 · October 2011

No advice here... But the hospital I will be delivering at host a 'stork and dog' class for this reason. Maybe check out your area to see if they have anything like that to help prepare your pet babies.

Mommy Tracie · October 2011

kellbelle618:
I don't have any advice, but I am curious about the responses. I'm afraid my babies are going to be jealous too.

This. I am in this boat too.

Julier1103 · October 2011

After you have the baby & before you come home from the hospital, gave DH or another family member bring home blankets for the animals to smell before you get home. This way they will already have LO's scent. Hopefully this will help.

ADub09 · October 2011

I am wondering the same thing, we have a 90 lbs dog who thinks he is a lap dog, and a cat who is a little on the strange side these days. We are planning on going to a one night session at our local humane society about new babies and old pets. Maybe check if there is something like that in your town.

kris2410 · October 2011

I am in the same boat as you. I have two dogs and two cats.....the one dog is connected at my hip. Once it gets closer to april I think I am going to get a doll so that he is used to seeing me or my husband with something in our hands. Hopefully we can train him to be gentle, he isn't the brightest bulb in the box! haha Good luck with your dog, if you find anything that helpful please share

wolfden8384 · October 2011

I would speak with your vet, or even an animal trainer to see if they have any advice about what you should do.

At work a few months ago they had a speaker come in and talk about this, and unfortunately I didn't pay attention to this particular question because it didn't apply to me at the time. Looking back, I wish I would have.

daniek2407 · October 2011

Our Boxer acts the SAME way. We have 5 dogs, but he's only around our other large dogs (2 of them) and he absolutely cannot stand for anyone else to have any attention. Even though he's outside, this has to change for when baby can walk and play outside. I'd like to know if you find any thing that works, because so far, we haven't had any luck.

MotherMonster · October 2011

I would take your dogs to training. Basically what they're doing is being rude and they need to know better. Maybe obedience training or if you can afford it, having someone come out to your home to privately help.

Our dogs know what a baby is and what is okay and not okay. Our dogs let the child come up to them unless they're an infant and then they won't even approach the child or the person holding them. We trained them to be this way. I don't do well with jealous animals and I won't put up with it. My chihuahua tried to pull that and I put him in another room (he was growling and showing his teeth) and later trained him to be okay with children by giving him treats if he let the child pet him and I redirected him too. But we also have a lab (he's a fatty so he's almost 100lbs) and he just gets little ones...he doesn't bother them at all. If they come up and give him a treat he ever so carefully takes it from them and he lets them climb all over him.

It's a matter of training I say.

jcbb12 · October 2011

Monkeybabe:
Oh yeah, my MIL, who runs a rescue sent me this link:
https://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/programs/humane-education/pet-meets-baby.html
There's a link on that page to download a free PDF.

Thank you so much for this!

NayNaysPlayPen · October 2011

My dog LOVES people but hates other dogs. She is nervous around small children until she realizes how yummy their hands usually taste, and she opened up to them. I have never had her around a tiny baby and I am nervous! I think she'll be curious and fine for the most part. But I also can see the baby eventually grabbing an ear and getting snapped at. It Might just be a learning experience for both.

Baby: Grab an ear, you'll get snapped at.

Dog: Snap at baby, you get your nose swatted and your put in the garage the rest of the night with no blankie.

mrs_j_may_08 · October 2011

Kudos to you, OP, for thinking about this now, instead of later. There is a poster on the Pets board on TN that is very knowledgeable about transitioning your baby into your home with pets. Here's a link to her blog:

https://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20MOST%20IMPORTANT%20post%20in%20here

If you don't already, I would google NILIF and start using those techniques immediately. We use this with our dog and have seen great improvements in her anxiety and her overall confidence. Looking into a behaviorist or trainer that works with positive reinforcement (not Cesar Milan style) is never a bad idea, either. Good luck!

sheaster · October 2011

I'm worried about one of my 2 pups. He's not the greatest with young kids. But, it is because he doesn't like for them to get in his face. I hope it will be different with our own child because it will be "his. You know what I mean?

Love the Cabbage Patch idea and the baby blanket idea.

Those of yall worried about big dogs. My grandmother had a lab when I was a baby. The dog had never been around children before me. Of course, they all worried about it. But, that dog would let me do just about anything to her -- grab her tail, pull ears, lay on her. Either she would lay there and take it or get up and go somewhere I couldn't. haha

jmc1017 · October 2011

mrs_j_may_08:
Kudos to you, OP, for thinking about this now, instead of later. There is a poster on the Pets board on TN that is very knowledgeable about transitioning your baby into your home with pets. Here's a link to her blog:
https://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20MOST%20IMPORTANT%20post%20in%20here
If you don't already, I would google NILIF and start using those techniques immediately. We use this with our dog and have seen great improvements in her anxiety and her overall confidence. Looking into a behaviorist or trainer that works with positive reinforcement (not Cesar Milan style) is never a bad idea, either. Good luck!

Thank you so much for that link, I may have to check out the pets board!! I just want to make sure I do what's right for both the dogs and the baby. I know a lot of people who forget about their animals once babies come, but I can't do that. Thanks again!!

jmc1017 · October 2011

Monkeybabe:
Oh yeah, my MIL, who runs a rescue sent me this link:
https://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/programs/humane-education/pet-meets-baby.html
There's a link on that page to download a free PDF.

With all the links being shared today, I have my reading cut out for me! Thank you so much!

mrs_j_may_08 · October 2011

jmc1017:
mrs_j_may_08:
Kudos to you, OP, for thinking about this now, instead of later. There is a poster on the Pets board on TN that is very knowledgeable about transitioning your baby into your home with pets. Here's a link to her blog:
https://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20MOST%20IMPORTANT%20post%20in%20here
If you don't already, I would google NILIF and start using those techniques immediately. We use this with our dog and have seen great improvements in her anxiety and her overall confidence. Looking into a behaviorist or trainer that works with positive reinforcement (not Cesar Milan style) is never a bad idea, either. Good luck!

Thank you so much for that link, I may have to check out the pets board!! I just want to make sure I do what's right for both the dogs and the baby. I know a lot of people who forget about their animals once babies come, but I can't do that. Thanks again!!

Yes You have an excellent attitude and the ladies on Pets should be able to help with any questions you may have!

klh5779 · October 2011

We have a very spoiled border collie who thinks he runs the show... so I have been worried about the same thing. I've read various articles, and in addition to bringing home blankets from the hospital with the baby's scent on them and using a baby doll as a prop so that the dog gets used to you carrying something around, another good idea that I heard was to play some recorded sounds of a baby crying before you bring the LO home. That way the dog will get used to that sound and it will not cause additional stress or make him anxious. The article also talked about the importance of setting aside some one on one play time with the dog every day, even if it's just a few minutes to help curb the jealousy. Good luck!

laf10 · October 2011

I have 2 dogs and a cat. One of my dogs is borderline aggressive with strangers because he's scared of them, but I'm really not worried at all about him with the baby because he will be used to him/her and he has NEVER been even a little aggressive with family. My little dog is definitely the one I'm worried about. He's super protective of me and is not even a big fan of DH (I had him BEFORE I met DH, so he thinks I'm his property lol). He will definitely spend a lot more time in the backyard or separate rooms until I know I can trust him and even then I will be very cautious. I think we are going to set stuff up early to get them used to it, and also to bring home a receiving blanket the baby has been wrapped in before we bring baby home to introduce them to the scent. Not much will change for the cat. He is super gentle and I'm not worried except that he might lay in baby's furniture, so I will probably put him in a separate room at night and when I'm not there next to baby just to be cautious.

CM1206 · October 2011

I have an 130lb rottie who thinks he's a lap dog. He's not aggressive at all, but he's extremely protective of our house. We plan on doing some exercises with him and while I'm in the hospital DH is going to bring some baby items home so the dog can get used to the baby's scent.

frwndoh · October 2011

I had some concerns before DD arrived but did nothing. I had a dog trainer come to my home for a few sessions when DD was a few months old after I was playing with her one day and lifted her up in front of where he was sitting on the couch and he growled. I've never had anything worse than a growl with him but it was nice for someone to come in that could look at the issue in a non-emotional, unbiased way. She gave me some great tools for working with him and now that she's a little over 2, I've had start doing some of the training with him so he sees her as the boss. I know this particular trainer actually had a "before baby is born" training package. I always thought it was something I could deal with myself (I train horses for a living) but it helped to have a fresh perspective on the situation as, of course, my dogs were my first babies!

frwndoh · October 2011

fwiw, my dog sounds just like yours - somewhat aggressive with strangers because of fear issues but otherwise a lover.

Kaiene · October 2011

mrs_j_may_08:
Kudos to you, OP, for thinking about this now, instead of later. There is a poster on the Pets board on TN that is very knowledgeable about transitioning your baby into your home with pets. Here's a link to her blog:
https://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20MOST%20IMPORTANT%20post%20in%20here
If you don't already, I would google NILIF and start using those techniques immediately. We use this with our dog and have seen great improvements in her anxiety and her overall confidence. Looking into a behaviorist or trainer that works with positive reinforcement (not Cesar Milan style) is never a bad idea, either. Good luck!

Thanks for linking this! I was going to if no one else did.

I know we will manage just fine with our 5 cats. I think the key is to prepare them and get them used to the changes in advance so they aren't being bombarded with a bunch of them all at once. They'll also have a baby free area where they can go to get away if they want. A couple of them like to hide.

For other cat owners, there is a product called Feliway which can help calm your cat during stressful times. There is a spray and a diffuser. We are using both right now because one of the males is peeing on our bedding. So we have been spraying our bed with the spray and it is really helping.

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