Advice for FTM w Dog

MamaPiers · March 2014

Anyone in here with advice for FTM with a dog who is used to being the "baby" at home. My dog is 2.5 yrs and relatively lazy. DH plans to bring the baby's hat or blanket home to let the dog smell baby before their first meeting. I'm wondering if any moms with experience have any other helpful hints or suggestions on other things we should do.
Thanks in advance :-)

Mittens14 · March 2014

That's basically what we did. My dog was was 6 years old when we had DS, DH brought blankets from the hospital home for her to sniff and sleep with until we brought him home. We didn't really worry about it because she's a teacup yorkie lol. DS is 3.5 and we've never had any issues, they don't really bother with one another, but recently DS has become more "attached" to her and I'll find him petting her and he always wants to feed her and give her treats and stuff, but up until about 6 months ago it was like they didn't exist to one another lol

That+One+Girl · March 2014

If there will be any rule changes for your furbaby make sure you start them now. It will make it easier for a many changes to happen before baby if you can. Also let your pup smell a many of the baby products you have, with their super sentaive nose it can be a big shock to have lots of new smells.
Some trainers also offer a 'new baby' class so check it out.
If your pup is used to lots of play make sure you get into a routine you can keep up with baby. A bored pup can get into lots of trouble. My dogs love brain toys, you can buy them at many pet stores or check out google/Pinterest for some DIY.

motoLyn · March 2014

I have two LARGE dogs and we had been introducing the dogs to babies and toddlers since they were puppies. I'm quite proud that I have had kids, tug on them, stick their fingers in their noses and the two never moved an inch or did anything but look at us and wonder what's going on. Since I'm giving birth at a birth center with a midwife they will be releasing me pretty quickly if all goes well. In that case we won't have time to have my DH go home before the baby and I to let the dogs sniff a baby blanket or hat. I think we'll have to bring baby home and slowly introduce him to the dogs and praise the dogs for their positive reactions. Definitely try to keep some semblance of a normal routine with the dogs and also give them as much attention as they had been receiving before the baby came along.

I do agree that if there will be rule changes or routine changes they should be done before the LO arrives. In my case my Weim no longer gets to sleep on the bed with us, cause I was worried once the LO arrives that the Weim may jump up and hurt the baby if he is laying in bed with us or in his co-sleeper next to the bed. Also we keep re-enforcing that there is a dog part of the couch and a human part. The dogs aren't allowed to be on the human side nor jump up on us.

yvanehtnioj · March 2014

My dog gets so much attention. I have teared up a couple of times at the thought of her feeling left out. I have heard the advice about bringing the blanket home from so many different people that it must be good, so we'll do that. I think having a lazy dog is a huge bonus in this situation.

bossyferg · March 2014

I had a c section and was at the hospital for almost 4 days. My DH brought home the baby hats and blankets but when i came home, i went in first without the baby and sat on the floor with my pup and pet him and fave him some treats and let him sniff my clothes. Then we brought the baby in ten minutes later and left her in the bucket seat and let the pup sniff her. He lost interest pretty quick and was just more happy to see me. But i made sure to give him that little bit of special attention and he was fine!

FunSizeGrl · March 2014

I agree about setting rules now if you don't already have them in place. Our dog isn't allowed on the bed, couch, or jump on people. Jumping is something I think is really important so he won't jump up to see the baby in your arms. Like a PP said, unless something goes wrong, we won't be gone long enough for DH to bring home anything to sniff so there will just be a meeting first. We do have family coming in to see the baby that first week. They're going to be tasked with walking our dog lol A tired dog is a good dog. Keeping your dog exercised and busy throughout the transition will make it a little easier.

Bootsie327 · March 2014

I have also heard that when you come home with the baby, you should go in the house first since the dog hasn't seen you in a few days. Play for a few minutes like you would normally when you come home, then let DH come in with the baby. This is our plan (in addition to the blanket thing mentioned by PPs). We are experiencing some territorial issues from her with me of late, which I posted in another thread, but that's its own story that we're dealing with.

RachelCA29 · March 2014

We are planning to do the hat/blanket thing and try to make things like normal when we get home. We've been letting Dexter in the nursery and whenever I'm in there doing something (putting away clothes, etc.) I've been letting him smell everything, and explore while supervised.

We're also getting him used to the stroller and we'll be putting the car seat base in the car in mid-April and he goes in car a lot, so we might put the whole car seat in the car for a few rides when we take the dog places, just to get him used to that too.

A large part of our "getting him used to it" plan is to get a pack of Adaptil collars to put on him when we bring the baby home. A friends at work used them for his puppy to help her get over thunderstorm fears and he said they work really well at just calming dogs out and making them chill. I think it will help for the first month or so, to have the dog feel calmer as the new baby arrives.

danabsd · March 2014

We took a dogs and babies class. It was very helpful and warned against most of the traditional advice given out. Like bringing home a blanket, forcing an introduction, etc. I suggest looking to seeing a class is available in your area, or doing one online.

Mimaloo · March 2014

Our pediatrician said that the dog knew I was pregnant before I did. She said bringing home a blanket to introduce him to the smell is good and try not to change his routine TOO too much.

For example, the dog sleeps in our bed. Do not kick him out once baby comes. Continue taking him for walks (we have already put the stroller together and I push it through the house every now and again while holding him on the leash. I've also picked him up and showed him the crib, stroller, etc. and I actually talk to him about the baby (I can't help it - I treat him like a child).

If nothing else, he perks up when I say "baby" to him

QOTR · March 2014

We took a baby prep class with our dog and I think most everything covered has been mentioned here. You can buy "Baby Sounds for Pets" from Amazon that you can use to get them used to the new noises they'll be hearing.

kat8805 · March 2014

Stop treating your animals like children :-/

FunSizeGrl · March 2014

kat8805 said:
Stop treating your animals like children :-/

You're totally right. I'll just bring home a fragile newborn baby, plop her on the floor and assume my dog will treat her exactly how I want him to. They'll be bffs.. Dogs require no training or forethought from owners...

kat8805 · March 2014

FunSizeGrl said:

Stop treating your animals like children :-/

You're totally right. I'll just bring home a fragile newborn baby, plop her on the floor and assume my dog will treat her exactly how I want him to. They'll be bffs.. Dogs require no training or forethought from owners...

No sweetie, I meant stop treating them like humans. They are animals. They need boundries and respect more than a child does. They are not your "babies" and they are not better for it if you treat them as such.

babyaotw · March 2014

I've been harassing my dogs. I pull on their ears and tails. I poke at them and take food out of their dish while eating. I put my face right in their face. I steal their toys and treats. Basically, I've been doing what a baby might do. I did this initially when I got them, but have ramped it up with baby otw. We've been practicing their "leave it" a lot too, cause babies drop stuff. They get lots of praise for good behavior to keep their manners reinforced.

My dogs rock, and I hope they transition well to baby because they are older and little. Either way, we will supervise and make it work.

RachelCA29 · March 2014

babyaotw said:

I've been harassing my dogs. I pull on their ears and tails. I poke at them and take food out of their dish while eating. I put my face right in their face. I steal their toys and treats. Basically, I've been doing what a baby might do. I did this initially when I got them, but have ramped it up with baby otw. We've been practicing their "leave it" a lot too, cause babies drop stuff. They get lots of praise for good behavior to keep their manners reinforced. My dogs rock, and I hope they transition well to baby because they are older and little. Either way, we will supervise and make it work.

We've really been practicing the "leave it" and "drop it" lately too. Luckily we have some experience with baby toys when we bring my dog with us to my parents - they have huge bins of toys for my nephews. Dexter doesn't seem to interested in the toys this far, so I'm hoping that continues.

Hallil · March 2014

I'd suggest looking into Family Paws Programs for your family and your dog. There have been some good suggestions here such as changing routines now.

Treating your dog "like a dog" has so little to do with this conversation. My dogs, all five of them, were treated "like dogs" prior to my daughters birth but there were still huge changes that had to happen once there was a newborn in the house. Silly me to do things to make that transition go easier /:)

tbiscuit18 · March 2014

Thanks for posting this question!

DH and I just started talking about this last week. We're trying to keep her routine as normal as possible when baby comes. Our major concern has been making sure someone she is used to stays overnight so she can sleep in her usual spot, be fed on time, etc. Either my parents or my sister will stay at our house and likely bring a blanket or hat back with them. In our case, the hospital is further away so DH won't be able to run back and forth, as he'll likely stay with me the majority of time.

And while treating your pets like babies is not the issue, pet therapy is very real, whether your dog /cat is certified. In our case, having our "baby" through our losses helped us heal. Their ability to read/sense emotions and their nurturing nature is unexplainable. So I have no issue going out of my way to make the transition easier for my "furbaby".

Mimaloo · March 2014

kat8805 said:

Stop treating your animals like children :-/

I can't I've tried

Cynthia6206 · March 2014

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll
As keeping dogs in similar routing

christieep · March 2014

I really don't know if we did anything. There weren't going to be any major changes to the dogs' lifestyles (we weren't closing off rooms, not letting them on the bed, etc). Things have changed as we moved from newborn to baby to toddler, but those have been gradual enough. I think the most important thing is vigilance when the dogs are around the baby, at all times. I never assume because the dogs have always been fine with DS that its okay to leave him alone with them. We really thought our big dog would end up being DS's protector and the little one would be scared of him and have nothing to do with him. Turns out the little one is his buddy and the big dog acts as if he isn't there (literally-she has run into him and knocked him down completely oblivious to the fact there was an obstacle).

bumpuser9353653 · March 2014

That+One+Girl said:
If there will be any rule changes for your furbaby make sure you start them now. It will make it easier for a many changes to happen before baby if you can. Also let your pup smell a many of the baby products you have, with their super sentaive nose it can be a big shock to have lots of new smells.
Some trainers also offer a 'new baby' class so check it out.
If your pup is used to lots of play make sure you get into a routine you can keep up with baby. A bored pup can get into lots of trouble. My dogs love brain toys, you can buy them at many pet stores or check out google/Pinterest for some DIY.

This is good advice. Definitely consider any rule changes. And work on any behavior issues like jumping, pawing, etc.

I'd also suggest when you come home from the hospital to have Dad hold baby while you go in first. That way your pup can greet you alone since he wouldn't have seen you in a few days. Then have your pup sit and wait while you bring baby in. They need to understand that baby is YOUR property, not theirs and that you make the rules on when they can interact.

julesf817 · March 2014

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing

i volunteer in rescue too, and i'm with you. breaks my heart to see dogs surrendered for reasons like "don't have time".

Mimaloo · March 2014

Jules51814 said:

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing
i volunteer in rescue too, and i'm with you. breaks my heart to see dogs surrendered for reasons like "don't have time".

This makes me sick. I worked as a vet tech for years and when I moved, the new doctor I worked for was a money grubbing douchecanoe. Some lady came in after having JUST found out she was pregnant and since the pit-bull rescue was too far she wanted to put the dog to sleep. She dropped her off and left - didn't even stay with her.

Asshole vet said no problem and that dog fought. She KNEW. It broke my heart and I quit the next day. To this day I'd still like to see his practice burn to the ground.

tjkdlhb · March 2014

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing

We said this until the dog jumped into the pack-n-play and onto my 3 week old. If we hadn't been close enough to grab him she would have lost her eye at best. We did plenty of research... and did all the 'right things' prior to bringing baby home.

The dog is now living at grandmas and is happy there.

Flame away. I have no regrets. My daughter is alive and the dog is happy.

whitneymarie003 · March 2014

I'm glad you asked this question as well OP! We have two mini doxens who have been our "babies" for almost 3 years. Our girl doxen is probably going to take it hard when baby comes home. They're both great with babies/kids but she is an attention junkie. I appreciate these tips!

Hallil · March 2014

Jules51814 said:

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing
i volunteer in rescue too, and i'm with you. breaks my heart to see dogs surrendered for reasons like "don't have time".

From past experience on DD's birth board it WILL happen here too. And it WILL be from some people who just never would have ever done it if you asked them now. And they will justify it to themselves too. Just so we're not surprised when it happens...

Mimaloo · March 2014

Hallil said:

Jules51814 said:

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing
i volunteer in rescue too, and i'm with you. breaks my heart to see dogs surrendered for reasons like "don't have time".

From past experience on DD's birth board it WILL happen here too. And it WILL be from some people who just never would have ever done it if you asked them now. And they will justify it to themselves too. Just so we're not surprised when it happens...

And I will judge them because they suck.

Dellaramsey · March 2014

We have a labradoodle and he did really well with the transition of bringing DD home but just a warning, he was OBSESSED with pacifiers and nipple shields....ate several of them. Keep an eye on things you may leave lying around.

tjkdlhb · March 2014

kelseyandrobert said:

Cynthia6206 said:

I just hope no one dumps there dog once baby arrives.... I do dog rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs I see get dumped when the baby arrives.... My dogs are my family members and I would never get rid of any of them. I'm glad op brought this up and how everyone is sharing great ideas and concern on proper introductions as we'll As keeping dogs in similar routing

We said this until the dog jumped into the pack-n-play and onto my 3 week old. If we hadn't been close enough to grab him she would have lost her eye at best. We did plenty of research... and did all the 'right things' prior to bringing baby home.

The dog is now living at grandmas and is happy there.

Flame away. I have no regrets. My daughter is alive and the dog is happy.
How scary! That is different than dumping a pet due to lack of time. It's good that you were able to find a solution...I'm worried that my mom's dog would do something like that. She's little but kind of an a-hole sometimes.

I've had her around other dogs since and felt comfortable (even though we watch carefully), but the dog that we had was a rescue dog and was extremely needy and jealous. We were worried about it before she came, I remember posting a very similar thread because of it. Luckily she was ok, but I took it as a warning that there was too much risk to have him near her. He would be a wonderful dog for 10-12 year olds, but not for a baby.

ETA: We were very lucky that MIL agreed to take him in. She ended up being off work, so it has worked out nicely that he has someone home with him all day and I think she likes having him around for company as well.

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