Doggie & Baby...?

Question

We have a 2 year old Pomeranian that we've had since Valentine's Day 2 years back... He's our Practice Baby lol - We love him to death! - Needless to say we're NOT getting rid of him by any means... but whats a good way to make him involved and get ready for the baby? I had a friend who had to give up her dog that she had for 3 1/2 years! Help!

Answer 1

Mommy of 4 had excellent advice! Thanks for asking this question! My hubby and I are trying for our first child and we've been having these thoughts about our black lab as well. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Be sure to introduce him to baby things as soon as possible (crib, diapers, smells of wipes and lotions etc) If you know anyone that has a small child or baby begin to socialize him with them so he's used to the sounds and sudden movements they make.

Also begin to "ignore" him for short periods of time. Unfortunately he'll be ignored quite a bit right away when the baby comes home there's no way around it.

If at all possible send someone home from the hospital early with a blanket that the baby has been wrapped in so he can smell the baby before it gets there. Then try and include the dog in things with the baby. Allow the dog to smell and even lick the baby.

Good luck and it's good that you're thinking ahead, I've seen too many people that ended up giving up a beloved pet because they didn't plan ahead.

Answer 3

There is no need to "get rid" of your dog. I know how it feels. I had 2 dogs before I had any "children of my own." My dogs were (and still are) my babies. They are spoiled rotten and act like children as well.
Anyway, be sure to bring something home from the hospital with the baby's scent on it such as a blanket or a hat. Do this a day or two before the baby comes home from the hospital. Be sure to let the dog sniff around the baby's room and never block a dog off from being around the baby. Luckily, newborns sleep a lot so this will get your dog used to the baby before he/she starts moving around a lot.
Before the baby is born, start thinking like a baby. Start pulling the dog's tail and ears and see what reaction you get from the dog. Punish any biting or nipping. Put your hands in the food dish while the dog is eating. Take bones and toys out of the dogs mouth while he is playing.
Never leave your dog alone with the baby. Always include your dog with activities you do with your baby. Such as call the dog into the room while you are changing a diaper. Play with the dog while you are on the floor playing with your baby. Never give your dog extra attention while the baby is sleeping or the dog may want your baby gone all of the time. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby.

Answer 4

make sure the dog knows not to jump up on bub and steal food as long as these rules are already in place you should be okay practice walking your dog with a pram in the park and I know it may be stupid but use a practice doll baby and treat it like a real bub so see how your Pomeranian reacts.... I have two basset's and since my husband and I are trying to conceive we have been making sure they know not be be near anyone eating I also take them out with us when we visit other parents and babies.. they are so good with children never jumping or snatching food and being so gentle....... introduce your dog to other kids and babies... and if there is a parent with a pram and young child in the park and approach them make conversation and let the dog smell and interact with the bub ...... but what ever you do no matter how safe you think your little dog is never leave him/her alone with any kids/babies.... good luck ...... I'm sure you'll be fine... I had dogs when I was a babie and all though life, they teach children a great deal....

Answer 5

We have a weener dog and just brought home a newborn 3 wks ago. She has been ok but pretty jealous. Whoever is holding the baby will also have the dog right up next to them too! She sniffs the babys head and licks her arm or leg on occasion but we haven't had any real problems. Good luck!

Answer 6

If the dog is well balanced, he will be fine with the baby. However, when you bring the baby home, you need to establish him/her as another pack leader. Walk the baby in the stroller with the dog behind or at your side. Establish the baby's room as off limits. Leave an article of clothing from the baby on the sofa and train the dog to stay away from it. This will make the dog see the baby as off limits.

Answer 7

I too have a practise baby, Rylee a year and a half old Yorkie. I would never think about getting ride of her. I talked to my vet about this vet same issue. He said to make sure he knows he isn't the boss of the house. Introduce him to the babies things, crib, blankets, bassinet, ext. then make sure she knows these things are off limits. Make him sit by these things and not touch. try and bring him around baby's and get him used to sounds and smells of a baby. When you bring the baby home hold him and the baby, make him sit by the baby and smell it and not touch. I hope this helps in some way. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

I was told that in order for the dog to know the baby was one of his bosses you lay the dog on its back and lay the baby on it belly across the dog. It shows the dog the baby is in charge. That is how dogs show who is boss to each other. I don't know how to prepare a dog for a baby but I do know that it works once the baby is here. I have a 16 month old daughter and we did that and she can do anything (even mean things) to the dog and he just plays with her. Good luck

Answer 9

We too had a dog, but a Chow Chow for 8 years before our baby. Everyone just knew we would have to get rid of our dog since he was not friendly with others. The minute we walked in the door with our daughter, I allowed our dog to smell her (I was very careful not to allow our dog to actually touch her). He was VERY protective of her and would come to me and and whine and pull on my clothing when she would cry (if we did not hear her). As she got older, she could lay on him, sit on him, whatever--he loved her very much.

Answer 10

I had a toy poodle when my first son was born. "Baby" was her name! She loved my son just like we did. She sat with me while I rocked him, sat by the tub when I bathed him. And all the while, I talked to her & loved her just like I always did. She slept next to him while he took a nap on the floor, and I praised her for helping me take care of him. It isn't hard... Just keep doing what you've always been doing! You dog already knows he's a part of your family... It'll all be OK!