I am going to have my first child on June 24th....?

Question

I have two dogs..
An american bulldog and a mastiff.
My boyfriend thinks that we need to give them both away so we can start preparing for the baby. Do you think that is necessary?
I have an attachment to the animals and am having a hard time with it. The dogs do eat a lot since they are big breeds. Around 100 dollars a month. But still they are like me kids to. Its not like he cleans up after them. I do all the work. How can I convince him?

Answer 1

We have a mastiff appx 4 years old.

About a year and half ago when we found out we were expecting our first child, I endured a huge flood of opinions on what we should do with the dog.

The original concern was, injuries to my wife while pregnant. While the worries were there, nothing ever came of this. The only change is the dog wasn't allowed to sleep on the bed anymore.

Then there was concern that the dog might injure the child. Originally, we kept them as far apart as possible, but slowly she earned our trust and in retrospect, you absolutely could not ask for a better behaved dog around a child. Some of our favorite photos are of our baby asleep and the dog curled up around him. We also have a few of the baby and dog having drooling contests and games like, "identify this stain."

Despite the trust we provide the dog, we still to this day do not trust them alone together. Although, I believe the concern has shifted from what the dog might do to the child to what the child might do to the dog.

People are still shocked to see a dog that size and our child playing together and we are still are told on a daily basis what to do with her. Family and friends are one thing and we have the luxury of gaining selective hearing when around them. Someone such as a boy/girlfriend or spouse is another matter entirely, as both my wife and I were committed to keeping the dog. I wish you good luck and congratulations on your addition.

Answer 2

That depends why he wants to get rid of them. If it's just because of financial reasons I would sit down and write out what you currently pay for all expenses including the dogs and compare it with what income is coming in now. Now factor in diapers, clothing, formula (if applicable) and everything else you will need for the baby. Now compare it again to the income you have coming in. If you find that expenses are way more than income, see where you can make some adjustments. Go back to him with this information to show him you took time and thought to budget in the expenses of the dogs. As I'm sure you know food isn't the only expense for a dog - there are vet bills too so remember that. If he wants to get rid of them because he's afraid of them being around the baby then tell him you'll do a trial period after the baby is born to see how they react and if they are good with the baby. I know you love your dogs, I have a dog too and I love her like my child, but your baby is top priority now. Since you aren't even due for quite awhile I don't see why you need to get rid of them immediately. But if you find that it's not going to work keeping the dogs then look around to see if you can find a friend or family member adopt them so you could see them whenever you want. Also, if you have to adopt them out to someone you don't know there is a possibilty that you could work something out to continue to see and spend time with them. Let your boyfriend know how much the dogs mean to you and how it would make you feel if they weren't in your life. Hopefully he will compromise!

Answer 3

Ofcourse you shouldnt give up your dogs.. The only reason I would is if they are not good with children. If that is the case you need to keep them! When you take in a pet that is just as big as kids! Pets are just as much family as a child is (well, you know what I mean) Just tell him that those dogs are a part of your family and you dont just get rid of family members! Good luck and congrats on the baby!

Answer 4

"Its not like he cleans up after them. I do all the work. How can I convince him?"

maybe that's why he wants to get rid of them. best intentions aside, you probably aren't going to be able to care for them properly for a few weeks or even months, and he may not want the responsibility. have you asked him why he wants to get rid of him, what he expects to happen if they stay? some people are uncomfortable with having large breed dogs around newborns, but from what i have read about the american bulldog, it seems to be okay. as far as the mastiff, what kind of mastiff? that matters, as i have found a lot of info on a lot of different types of mastiff. you should really have him sit down and explain exactly why he thinks you should get rid of them.

Answer 5

Maybe it has nothing to do with the monetary reasons as much as it has to do with the breed history of both your dogs (both known to be violent breeds). If you are adamant about keeping the dogs, speak with your vet and ask to be recommended to a good trainer who will help the dogs transition to a baby. If the dogs are reacting negatively to the training get rid of them. Do you want a safe baby or your dogs more?

Answer 6

No need to give the dogs away there will be an adjustment period for the dogs but you all should be fine all bull breeds are wonderful family pets and will consider your baby part of the pack so to speak.

Answer 7

You should not have to give up your dogs unless they prove to be a problem around the baby. Tell him this. If you two can't come to an agreement, try to get friends or family members to take them, even if just for a little while.

Answer 8

It all depends how the dogs deal with not having the same amount of attention from you and how they deal with the jealousy they'll have towards baby. I mean, what's more important here - your child or your dogs? You may not plan to give them less attention, but trust me you won't physically be able to give the same time to them once baby arrives. And with such large dogs, you'd have to be really careful not to leave them in the same room as baby unattended. I'm not suggesting you can't have both, but your child comes first and you need to act accordingly - it may just be more fair to your dogs to give them to someone who can give them the attention they're used to.

Answer 9

Maybe it would be good to have friends or family take care of them for the first couple of months away from your house and gradually introduce the baby to them. They be jealous of the new arrival, I know they are animals but if the new baby is getting all the attention they may not understand. I wouldn't completely give them away but rather gradually introduce them when the new baby arrives.

Answer 10

Have you had the dogs along time? Are they attached to you? I personally would not give away the dogs if they are no harm to the baby. You can call your local humane society and see if they will help donate dog food to you, my local shelter does this, so check on yours.