Helping my dog cope with pregnancy and baby?

lgraham88 · February 2015

I am 17 weeks, expecting my first in August. I have an 11 year old dog I've had since she was 8 weeks. She has some mild jealousy issues and has been aggressive towards me holding other small animals. (puppies and kittens) I show her as much love and affection as possible right now but when baby comes, I know it will all change. She loves other people's children, but I am mommy to her. Any ideas from other mommies of fur babies and non? Any input is greatly appreciated, Rehoming is out of the question.

amylee429 · February 2015

I have 2 dogs who are pretty young and they adjusted easily to my baby, who was born in December. My situation may not be the same as yours, but I can tell you some of the things we did to prepare our dogs.

When we got some of the bigger things that would be around (bouncer, baby gym, crib, etc.), we set them up so that the dogs had plenty of time to get used to them. We made sure they were always calm whenever we let them in what would be the baby's room. It can help to make them feel "included" if you put a dog bed (if you have a glider where you'll be feeding baby, next to that would be good!) for them in the nursery and whenever they are on it give them little treats. We played Youtube videos of babies crying and gave them treats when they didn't react. We didn't end up doing this, but we considered getting a lifesize babydoll and practicing with it; you could give the dog treats when you're holding it and putting it in the bouncer, etc. to give the dog an idea of what's going to happen. When the baby was born, I sent my husband home to check on the dogs with one of the swaddling blankets the baby was wrapped in. The dogs were able to get used to his smell before he got home. They even slept with the blanket that night. Whenever both my husband and I are home, we try to have one of us giving a lot of attention to the dogs. They get lots of treats when they are nice and calm around the baby.

Since your dog has shown some jealous tendencies, I'd consider when first introducing her, keeping the baby in the car seat and let her smell it and stuff before taking him/her out. Give your dog lots of hugs and kisses and treats when she's just sniffing the baby, and again being calm. Basically any time your dog is behaving in a way you like with the baby around, make sure she gets rewarded! Good luck! I think raising babies and dogs together is a wonderful thing!

willy_gert · February 2015

When I had my DD when did a lot of what PP did as well. We sent home the swaddle blankets for her to smell and get used to DD's scent. We also made a point to love on her as much as possible.

We just made it a point to show our dog that baby was important and to be loved too. We try to discipline them equally about being rough with each other. Our dog mostly stayed away from DD for the last two years, but now they have started playing more together.

We have had our dog since she was 8 weeks and she is 5 years old now.

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Helping my dog cope with pregnancy and baby?

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