I'm 5mths pregnant and have a king charles spaniel for the last 6yrs but my partner says he thinks my dog may get jealous when the baby comes and he tries to talk me into getting rid of her but she's so important to me and i don't want to give her up! Wot do you think? Has anyone had children and kept their dog? Any problems with their dog getting jealous??
2006-12-27 21:52:55 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs are pack animals the more the merrier. Your dog will need time to adjust and learn the baby is higher on the status list then she is. But I had two dogs when my children were born. In fact one bit my ex-husband once when he tried to pick up the crying baby. I guess he thought my husband was hurting the baby. My dogs have always been protective of the kids. They were excepted almost immediately. Its all how you handle it.
2006-12-27 23:27:30 · answer #1 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO
Your dog sees the world a bit differently than you do. To him, you are the alpha male, your partner is the alpha female, and the three of you are a pack. Upon arrival of the baby, your dog may experience several weeks of post-partum depression. But if all goes smoothly, your new baby will soon be accepted as a junior alpha, eligible for all the benefits of membership-protection, loyalty, and relentless face-licking.
Before the Baby Arrives
Dogs learn by association, and you don't want your dog to associate the baby with negative things such as diminished play time, being kicked out of the bedroom, and the relocation of his food dish. If you are going to implement changes, it's important to do so at least a month before the baby arrives.
Play a recording of a crying baby to get the dog used to the loud, high-pitched screams. Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, and may panic upon first listen, but eventually they adjust. It can help to desensitize you as well. You can download a three-minute audio crying jag from www.beprepared.net.
Some dog experts suggest that several months before the due date, you "play pretend" with a doll to acclimate the dog to the new family dynamic. The dog watches you change, feed, sing to, and put the doll to sleep. This is certainly an option, but it may be easier and less humiliating to get a friend to bring their baby over to your house once in a while.
Make sure your dog understands the "Down!" "Stay!" and "Drop it!" commands, and if not, train him. Also, take him to the vet to make sure his shots are up-to-date and that he's parasite-free, and secure someone to take care of him while you're at the hospital issuing the "Breathe!" command.
Post-Partum
Soon after the birth, take a piece of clothing that the baby has worn and bring it to your dog so that he can scent-bond.
Upon arrival from the hospital, your partner should greet the dog first while you hold the baby. Your partner hasn't been home in a while, and the dog's natural excitement may give way to jumping and rough-housing. When all is calm, put a leash on the dog and let him view the baby from ten feet away. Then slowly bring the two closer to one another. If the dog remains calm, allow him to sniff the baby.
Don't let the dog lick your baby's face for the first few months. The baby's immune system is still immature, and your dog's tongue has been to places you'd rather not think about.
Even the most gentle dogs shouldn't be left alone with the baby. Always be quick to reprimand aggressive behavior and reward good behavior.
2006-12-28 05:56:31 · answer #2 · answered by TurnMeOut 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Start setting up the baby stuff now-don't wait! Let the dog get used to the room, toys, crib etc. Set ground rules now-if the dog isn't going to be allowed on the couch with the baby-then start telling him to get off the couch now. It might be worth while to take a refresher dog training class right now too. Go back to basics and get clear on those. Trust me-leave it and drop it will be a god send if you can learn them.
Next-there is a tape of baby sounds you can get (not sure the name) and play to get puppy ready for that. After the birth-send home a baby blanket that the baby was wrapped in so the dog can get to know the smell. Once you bring baby home-don't ignore your pup! Set aside a little one-on-one time. Trust me you will need this too! A special 20 min walk for the two of you while dad is with baby will help keep you sane! And supervise any interaction between dog and baby! Don't leave them alone.
After a few weeks you will find that everyone gets into a routine and your dog will likely be just fine. My cats worried my hubby too-they aren't the freindliest guys. But once we all came home, they stuck to my son like glue. They napped near him, they would sit up with me for night feedings and lay under the crib when he was sick. We got a puppy when he turned one and the puppy is my son's best bud. Kids and dogs can and usually do grow up fine together! You don't need to get rid of your dog because of the baby! Just understand that it will be a little extra work.
And remember you husband is likely thinking of the best interest of everyone too-just showing it differently. Just do a little research on the topic and talk to your husband. It can work out just fine!
2006-12-28 13:39:47 · answer #3 · answered by VAgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think your partner is being an...well nevermind, that is just opinion.
No do not give up the dog before the baby is born. Many dogs are great with kids and adjust without a hitch and that is a fact. Has the dog ever had a problem with a baby before? If so you might want to evaluate how they are after your baby comes home.
I personally would wait and see what happens. My dog is great with babies and kids, but jealous of the cats, so it might go either way but I KNOW he would never hurt a child or something he was jealous of and I could not live without him.
2006-12-28 05:56:53 · answer #4 · answered by Star 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Don't get rid of the dog. find friends with babies and start to soicalise your dog with them so he know what they are before hand. When the baby is born make sure not the leave the dog out. He will only be jealous if ignore him all the time. have special time wwith the dog an special time with the baby. never leave the too alone together. when the two are togther make it a happy time for the dog tell him he is a good boy. I haven't had a baby but this is my addvice. please don;'t get rid of your dog because you are pregnant. I wish your parnet was more supportive it would make things much easier for you. He may be able to spend special time with the dog ege take it for a walk.
2006-12-28 06:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by Tara 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My mom often tells me of a friend who gave her beloved poodle to a neighbor because she was having a baby and worried that the dog would be jealous. The family who got him went on to have babies, and that poodle was very protective of those children, the best dog Mom's ever seen as far as getting along with children. Just introduce them correctly (people are giving you great advice here, and "What to Expect When You're Expecting" does too). And be careful that your partner doesn't exhibit his dislike of your dog in other ways.
2006-12-28 06:32:36 · answer #6 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When you take on the committment of having a beloved pet, you cannot "get rid" of this creature.
Your partner is selfish to ask you to give up your dog. Let your dog share your preparations with you. Before the baby is born, but a soft dog bed for you dog. After the baby is born, remembr to love and pet your dog frequently and spend time with the dog so no jealousy ever is there.
Buy your dog extra treats to be given when the baby receives things.
Any living thing you love can't be gotten rid of. The dog loves you!
2006-12-28 06:27:29 · answer #7 · answered by a_phantoms_rose 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of all dogs spaniels are the most attention needy. make sure the dog knows you care about it and the baby. Be careful but not neglectful and it should be ok. Let the dog only go in certain parts of the house making the babies room off limits.
2006-12-28 05:55:38 · answer #8 · answered by xx_muggles_xx 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do not get rid of your dog. When the baby is born wrap him in a blanket everyday in the hospital, then have your husband bring that blanket home to the dog. Let the dog smell the blanket and your husband; your husband should give the dog lots of praise and treats during this introduction period and the dog will associate the baby with good things happening.
This really works.
2006-12-28 06:00:05 · answer #9 · answered by annie 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sure dogs get jealous sometimes, but they get over it, and can even learn to love the baby (and get protective of him/her)!!
Pregnancy is hard enough to deal with never mind the thought of losing your good friend of 6 yrs (your lil' spaniel)!! Don't get rid of the dog just because of the new person entering your household! Life is about experiences, why isn't your dog allowed to experience this?!
He should remain in his home where he is loved and cherished, you should be able to keep your faithful companion (Spaniels have never been known to be bad with babies!), and enjoy what you can of the rest of your pregnancy!
Once the baby arrives, just try to give your dog the regular amount of attention that he used to get (keep up with his regular walks, etc.), and he will adjust just fine.
Plenty of families have dogs and babies/children, and (as long as it's not a pit bull), the story ends up a happy one!
Research says: Your pet may even help to protect your child from getting some types of allergies!
2006-12-28 06:01:17 · answer #10 · answered by seaofcolour 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋