is it a good idea to have a dog with a newborn baby?

Answer 1

Dogs are like humans. Despite past behavior, how they will react to something is always unpredictable.

For instance, our family recently had some company and they have a 4 year old girl. My dog has met and played with this girl before. However, the girl put on her winter jacket to go outside and my dog got all PO'd at her (later figured out the dog didn't like the fur collar).

I have brought home two newborns with my dog. My dog has been nothing but patient and an excellent guardian of my children (he even almost bit his vet when the vet walked toward my 3 year old who was with me)

When we are ready to bring home a newborn, we bring home the baby's blanket first and put it where the dog sleeps. After we bring the baby home, we have always made it a point to take time to play and walk with the dog (the same went for the older children as well).

Chances are, there will be no problem, but you always want to be on the lookout.

Answer 2

I have found that having a dog with a newborn baby is an excellent idea. The dog will bond with that baby and will act as a protector for his/her life. Somehow the dog will always sense when the baby needs something before you will and will alert you to it. We always had a dog when we had our babies and were never sorry for it. What a blessing our animals were during that time.

Answer 3

If you don't have a pet - then you shouldn't get one along with a newborn. But if you already have a family pet - there is no reason to get rid of it. You should start preparing the dog for what life with a baby is like and have the dog around babies. There are even classes for dogs to help them adjust.

Answer 4

For me it was a a bad idea. The dog became more aggressive. We still have him....but he is always separated therefore the dog is negelected. He has plenty of food and water but hardly ever gets interaction the way he used to.

He has tried to snap at my daughters feet from newborn stage. She's 20 months old now. We want to give him away but it's hard to find someone to take a 15 year old dog.

Answer 5

I think putting baby smelling items near the dog and gradually introducing the baby to the dog is the best way to go. Don't freak out and panic when the dog goes near the baby. Speak very quietly and gently to the dog about the baby. I hope everything works for you. Congratulations on the baby!

Answer 6

If you already have a dog then you'll just have to let the dog get use to the baby, but i wouldn't run out and buy a dog knowing that your pregnant...a lot more responsibility. Also, don't let the dog lick the babies face!! I hate when i see someone do that...too many germs.

Answer 7

It depends on the dog. Both my kids came home from the hospital with 2 dogs at home.

Answer 8

sure it is
we have a MiniSchnauzer/Bichon Frise cutest puppy ever but for the last 6 months that i was pregnant he slept in my bed not that the baby is born he has to sleep in the kennel again
hes not really bothered by this and loves my son and is very protective of him and wont let him out of his sight when people are over to visit

we were really worried of him being jelouse but we make sure we pay lot of attention to him
and he doesnt even flinch when my son grabs on his fur and tugs hard

Answer 9

I did. It depends on the type of dog and their personality. If it is an agressive breed or easily jealous than no.

Answer 10

It is better not, but if you already have the dog, it is certainly manageable to keep it, if the dog is kind.