2nd Trimester
DesiSue527
member
Options
Getting ready and introducing dogs to baby
DesiSue527
member
I have two small indoor dogs that I consider my babies. My husband and I are nervous about introducing them to baby once it comes. Any advice on ways to start getting them ready or books to read on the subject?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Getting ready and introducing dogs to baby
One thing I read while pregnant with DD was you can send someone home from the hospital with a blanket that the baby slept in so the dogs can get used to the scent before you actually bring the baby home. If you are worried about a behavioral issue I would start bringing them to a trainer now so you can get some help and advice.
Babies are noisy roomies and can easily startle or frighten cats/dogs.
There are trainers that can go to your house and see them in their own environment. They'll begin working on them as soon as they ring the bell and see what your dogs do from the moment they're present. They check for and work on specific concerns for bringing a baby home.
I'd sit down with your husband and list every concern you each have.
Nothing in life is free is a great thing. Brush up on basic obedience. Come, sit, down, stay, go to your place... Those are all useful things.
This is a great blog. Check out some links on the right hand side about preparing your pets.
https://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/?m=0
Another point you should know... The dogs may be stressed and may struggle at first. Increasing training and exercise and tools like the DAP collar and simple time will help. Don't dump them because they struggle with stress or training at first.
My final message... The most likely time for issues is after baby is mobile. Kids move quickly and strangely and are loud and scary. Kids are rough on pets and corner them and scare and hurt them. You wouldn't let an adult abuse or scare your dog. Don't let your child. Tight hugs or swats or photos of your cornered dog and kid ARE NOT cute. They're a bite waiting to happen. Good dogs bite. They do. Keep your kid and dog safe by supervising, training, and learning to read your pet's body language so you know when they are stressed and can intervene.
And I definitely agree with the above comments about NOT reading or watching anything from Cesar Milan.
We have 3 dogs over 45# & 2 cats and this will be our first child. We are definitely working on fine tuning behaviors now.
I was also told that when you come home from the hospital for you to walk in first and greet the dog and then have husband come in next with the baby.
Looking up all the suggested (non cease Milan) websites now!
Since he is older and having a hard time getting around my plan is to simply keep the baby away from him since I do not trust him. His little pug nubs that we call teeth don't leave a mark when he bites but I'm still not giving him to chance to bite my baby. DH would never forgive me if he heard me say this but I hope he won't be around for many years longer. My baby comes first
We're dealing with a stressed, elderly small dog now. We've managed his behavior for the last 16 months by keeping him mostly separated from DS, but with another baby on the way, we're not going to be able to manage it much longer. We called a trainer, who helped to a degree, but we're contending with many years as an "only child." Unfortunately, we are now trying to re-home our dog, which isn't easy at his age. We're also very attached to him. I say this not to discourage you but to tell you that you aren't alone if it happens. We did not come to this decision lightly.
When little one arrives get a blanket with baby's scent it. Send someone the pups are used to with it home and let them sniff and get used to the smell.
Once it's time for LO to come home, depending on who the dogs are more attached too go in without baby and love on the dogs. Get them calm and have the other person bring in baby introduce them.
I have a better reply to this but I am on mobile so I can't go back and find it.
We're dealing with a stressed, elderly small dog now. We've managed his behavior for the last 16 months by keeping him mostly separated from DS, but with another baby on the way, we're not going to be able to manage it much longer. We called a trainer, who helped to a degree, but we're contending with many years as an "only child." Unfortunately, we are now trying to re-home our dog, which isn't easy at his age. We're also very attached to him. I say this not to discourage you but to tell you that you aren't alone if it happens. We did not come to this decision lightly.
You have an old, stressed, unhappy dog. Why won't you consider euthanizing the poor dog rather than rehoming? Rehoming is incredibly stressful and scary.
Your dog growls and attacks when your husband pays attention to someone else... And you reassure the dog?
No.
Google nothing in life is free training. Implement it.
Read the book on resource guarding in dogs called "Mine". Your dog thinks he owns your husband.
It's not cute or funny or sweet. It shows the poor dog was raised and trained by people who failed him and spoiled him. Tell your dh the best way to love his dog is to actually train him.
I'm afraid anything I try with the pug will be undermined by DH but I hope the arrival of the baby forces his hand.
DH refuses to consider it, and the dog probably has another four or five years left. He's in fantastic shape for his age. He's also small and expected to live longer than a larger dog.
Also, start poking and pulling the dog's tail (gently) to get them used to surprise touches, always do this with a reward in hand, so that they connect being poked and all those rude things kids do by accident to hmmm yummy reward on the way will save issues in the future.
Some friends on mine have an EXTREMELY territorial Miniature Schnauzer. Honestly, he's a little jerk. He bites, he barks - he's a mess. So when they had their LO they were worried they might have to get rid of their dog because they were afraid he would be as aggressive around the baby, as he has been with house guests and family members in the past.
On the day they brought their LO home, they met my friend's Dad with their dog at a nearby park. The dog met the baby that way. After hanging out for 10 minutes or so, our friends took baby and dog home together. Once their dog met the baby on neutral ground AND saw the baby into the home, they haven't had a single problem since. That dog loves that baby. He's still a jerk to everyone else though.
We have a Beagle and a Basset and we plan on doing this. Our dogs love kids and people in general, but we figure it might make them feel a little more at ease than just barging through the house with a new baby.