Question for those with dogs...

drewbon13 · November 2011

I am just curious how you're dogs are doing! I have a three year old heeler and a one year old mutt. The older one does just fine, he actually loved being around my nephew when he was a baby! I am just kind of worried because the younger one we have (We think he is part aussie, maybe part basset hound and something else) if very active and doesn't like to behave. He is very skittish around people, and I'm hoping he is going to do ok with the baby. We got him neutered not that long ago so I'm hoping that maybe it just hasn't really kicked in yet, that and he is still kind of puppy. Hopefully he will calm down by March! Anyone had any kind of experience with a dog like this and having a baby?

drewbon13 · November 2011

^ Forgot to add that the younger dog is the BIGGEST baby in the world. Every thump or noise outside sets him off barking and growling. And if someone knocks on the door, holy crap he won't shut up! He hasn't been mean to anyone yet, we don't worry about him biting but it does take time for him to warm up to anyone.

MomOfTwo2012 · November 2011

When my son was born we had a 10 year old lab who was still really hyper. We got her used to being tugged on throughout the pregnancy so when the baby got older it wouldnt catch her off guard to have a little one tugging on her tail. Also setting limits now as to where your dog can go can really help. For instance, no more jumping on the bed, couch..things like that. The more children your dog is around the easier the transition will be. Good luck!

Middlesnpoddles · November 2011

My dog is half lab and half shepherd.. She is really hyper and playful but very protective like a guard dog. The vet thinks she will protect the baby like her own. He said he has seen a lot of dogs do that.. I'm nervous too and hoping its a smooth transition with LO..

HBaylies · November 2011

We have a very spoiled 5 year old chi and a 4 year old mutt. The chi runs the house, but is very friendly. The mutt is kind of a scardey cat, but loves people once he settles down after meeting them. We have a baby gate to DS's room and that is off limits to them. Much to my surprise our chi didn't care when we brought DS home and our mutt loves him to pieces and kisses him every chance he gets. Mason the mutt and DS Dexter are literally like best buddies now. They didn't care when he started crawling or walking and they don't seem to care about crying. Occasionally they all steal each others' toys right from their hands/paws or mouths and no one gets mad at anyone else. I tried to tell people before he was born that the dogs would be fine and that we have had them since puppies and have great temperments, but there's always those that say watch out, the dogs will be jealous, they'll bite the baby, blah, blah. To them I say shove it. I know my own pets better than you and knew it would all be fine.

ateal2490 · November 2011

I'm thinking of re-naming my dog Belly Bodyguard.

He follows me EVERYWHERE and gets really p.o'd if DH and I play fight.

cassiehansen · November 2011

We have two dogs as well. Our large dog will be fine as he's the most laid back dog in the world. Our little dog is not fond of kids and scares easily. I'm fairly certain that once the baby is in the house for a bit the dog will take her in as our family (we lived with my dad for a short amount of time a few years back thats what happened with him). We'll just be setting boundries and making sure that our little dog is as comfortable and still feeling as loved as possible.

AshGH88 · November 2011

We have an almost 2 year old Australian Shepherd that is outside only. He is pretty active/hyper. We have our niece over and he does good with her. Usually after he gets used to her, he settles down and loves running around with her. DH also plays rough with him to get him used to pulling on his hair, tugging on the ears, etc. We also have a shock collar on him, but he responds to just the beep tone.

PetNurse10 · November 2011

This is a great article to read with some pointers on things to do with your dog before you bring the baby home.

https://dogs.about.com/cs/generalcare/a/new_baby_two.htm

I'm a veterinary technician and I have heard amazing things about the Preparing Fido cd's from clients and co workers. Its a downloadable cd that you play while you're with your dog to get him used to the different sounds that babies make. I would start a least a couple months before you're due. Start with the volume low and increase it over weeks. Also play it in different areas of the house so he knows it will be all over the house. One thing that is key is to make the dog understand that YOU are in control of making the noise stop, not him. Get a baby doll and while you're playing the crying make sure your dog is watching you and go over to the doll and pick it up and "soothe" it just like you will the real baby. Then with a remote or another person's help turn the crying off w/o your dog seeing you do it. This way the dog will associate with YOU making the crying stop...not them!! Some of the biggest problems with dogs and babies can come from the dogs not understanding that the human is in charge of the baby. Do that in all areas of your house, and have your DH, friends, family do it as well. It sounds silly, but it works!!!

https://www.preparingfido.com/

Torani · November 2011

We have a beagle that we got when DS was almost a year old. He is very protective of DS and only growls at DS when he is cornered. They do have quite a bit of fun together though. All dogs are different, so you will just have to see what happens and if it will work to keep him.

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