Preparing for new baby with a dog?

Question

My husband and I have a very large rottweiler, that we absolutely love and spoil (she is very sweet and a gentle giant...we do not worry about her being vicious. In fact, she's always very good around babies. She's also physically handicapped so there's no chance of her jumping up on the baby or anything like that)....We are having a baby in a couple months. Is anyone else dealing with a baby and dog? Has anyone been through this? How do you deal with a newborn and dog? How did you prepare your dog for the baby's arrival? Did anyone have issues? What about the dog shedding? Does the dog hair bother the baby?

Any tips from faithful dog owners that are expecting or have been through it before...

Thanks! :)

Answer 1

My dog was over 50lbs when i had my son. My dog slept w/ me, followed me everywhere, and was very protective of me, though never vicious. We were very careful to make sure that Lipshitz (my dog) didn't feel put out or rejected b/c of the baby. We never wanted her to be jealous or resentful to him. We had rules about her getting on the bed when he was up there, but i let her investigate, sniff, and even lick him to be comfortable w/ Julian. I think Lipshitz sensed how important Julian was to me, and since she was devoted and adoring towards me, she instantly took on a protective air w/ julian. She was very gentle w/ him, and even afraid to be near him at first, i think b/c she didn't want to hurt him. When you come home from the hospital, bring your dog a special treat, and spend some "special" time w/ the dog. Perhaps that sounds dumb, but if you adore ur dog like i do, the last thing you want is a feuding dog and baby. :) Oh, and the hair was never an issue, except that changing Julian where the dog would lay (couch, etc) often got hair in his diaper, and i would suggest having a very definite changing spot. Good luck, and congratulations!

Answer 2

Congrats! I have had my dog or 12 years, hes a small mix and very spoiled by me. I was very worried about him when i found out i was pregnant with my daughter, he really dislikes kids. I read online somewhere that the best thing to do is let the dog check out everything if possible. the bouncer, the swing the baby bed ect. so its not suddenly new and not for him. my dog checked out everyhing! Also if you are going to be making changes like were the dog will sleep or eat of it he will no longer be able on the sofa then you need to make those changes now before the baby. That way they wont think its because of the baby you made the changes. I also agree with sending home blankets and clothing the baby had worn before you come home from the hospital. I did this with my dog and the day i brought my daughter home he smelled her once and then walked away from here and his attention was on me finally be back home. also make some time for Doggie. even though you have guest paying attention to the dog and helping, the dog will really need your attention and your love to help through the changes. Remember dogs are pack animals, it might take some times before your dog learns the order of the new pack.
** just remember no matter how trusting or loving your dog maybe, never leave you dog alone with your baby!**

Good luck!

Answer 3

We have two rottweilers and we began asking around when we decided we might want a baby. Given I have never actually done this, it's only advice. I read somehere that sometimes dogs don't associate a baby being a person, due to the baby's size and the noises they make. It was recommend to set up the baby furniture and use a doll to carry around for a few days before the baby came home, to leave the doll lying on the floor and couch, places where you may leave the baby, so your dog can get use to the idea. My mom told me never to push the dog away form the baby, let the dog smell and lick (not the face) the baby to know it's okay. If you push the dog away they can become jealous and a little more roudy than you are used too.. good luck.

Answer 4

Hi

We have two dogs. One is a Bichon Frise which already thinks she is our only child and then a beagle. I think the Bichon will be jealous of the baby at first b/c she is high maintenance but in the end I think she'll be protective of the baby. The beagle I'm afraid won't know the difference and will bounce and try to jump on it so she will be spending more time outside. I plan on having my husband bring home a couple of blankets with the baby's scent on it before we come home and this should help. I'm planning on my bichon pouting and probably putting on a little show but I think it will be ok. We talk to them about it and sometimes they act like they understand. When we tell them we have a baby in my tummy they go wait at the door like someone is coming home. It may seem silly but I'll do what I can. I also think they might be able to sense that something is different about me as well as the bichon follows me everywhere. Everytime I get up to pee she is there checking on me. So you might be surprised and they might understand more than you realize. Just try it out and be protective of the baby until you find they won't do anything vengeful. I know that is my plan.

Good luck!

Answer 5

What we did with our furry baby was that we went and purchased a life like doll and washed it in the baby bath we were going to use, rubbed the lotion that we were going to use and put the brand diaper on it that we were going to use. This helped her get used to the smell of the new baby. We also held the doll around her and made sure that we paid attention to her as well. When we saw that she was getting comfortable around the doll we would set it on the floor on a blanket and sit on the couch and watch her. When we saw that she wouldn't hurt it we went the next step and walked out of the room, at first she would go up and smell it and walk away and go to her "room" but eventually she became accustomed to it and would even lay by it. Once this happened we got a tape of a baby crying and would play it sort of louder then normal so she would get used to the sound. Once the real baby came we used a lot of the same techniques. Our furry baby and now 6 year old daughter are best friends. Our lab wont let her out of her site when outside. The biggest thing to remember is to not push away your dog when with the baby. This can cause bad feelings and resentment. Make the dog feel like its helping you take care of the new little one. Good luck

Answer 6

Just make sure that you keep your baby up where the dog can't get him/her and it will be fine.

My son has been in love with my dog since day one, unfortuneatly the feeling isn't mutual. My dog wouldn't even be in the same room as the baby for the first month, and even now tries to avoid my son when possible.

The hair doesn't bug my baby, he does eat it though - on purpose right off the dog if possible. So I don't know if that would bug you. Mine you my dog is very hairy and has hair like a long haired cat... a 50lbs cat.

Your biggest problem may be when it is time to put gates up, you will have to let your dog in and out a million times a day because he won't be able to jump them. And you will have to make sure your son doesn't trap the dog. I have to keep telling my dog he is 100x faster and can get away from the baby. I just make sure that if he decides to growl instead or getting away that he is made to submit.

Answer 7

We had an old Husky when my son was born. She didn't care for him much, but she managed. When the baby is born take some of the blankets s/he has been wrapped up in home before you take the baby home so the dog can get used to the baby's smell.

Shedding and dog hair shouldn't be a problem unless the baby is allergic.

Answer 8

This was a big concearn of mine when I was pregnant. We have 2 dogs. One yellow lab (my baby-5 yrs) and a golden retriever (2 yrs). I was very concearned because they were used to so much attention. We were very lucky that my parents live very close by. The dogs love going over to my parents because they have dogs also. They all love to play together. I was fortunate enough that my mom offered to take the dogs while we were in the hospital (my husband stayed over night in the hospital). She even offered to keep them for 2 extra nights once we got home. It was good for both of us. We were able to get more used to this new little wonder to take care of, and the dogs had fun with their friends.
We had purchased two bandanas before hand and put them with the baby (so they would smell like him) and then when we went to pick up the dogs prior to them coming home, we tied the bandanas around their neck. Then they got used to his smell.
It was something that I worried about for so long and something so many people asked me about. "how do you think the dogs will handle it???" I would always think "I don't know!!!!!"
There's no way to know. The dog fur is annoying baby or no baby. I try to vaccuum often, but lets be honest, I barely had time prior to having the baby. But, I can say that when I go to pet-free friends houses I LOVE being able to just put him down on the floor and not have to worry about the fur, the dogs running by etc. But, at home I just put a blanket down, and keep the dogs in another area.
It's an ajustment for all of you. But, it will work out.
Also, it is hard to try to find time to give the dog special attention, but do try to make time. Even if it's just a few minute hug or pet. Or maybe while you're feeding the baby, your husband could make time to pet the dog.
I'm going on and on. But I can completely relate to your worries.
But now, my son is 6 mos old, and just last week he really started getting interested in them, and even reaches out to pet them. It's adorable.
Have fun, and don't worry too much. You won't know till it happens!!!

Answer 9

I cant say that I have already delt with this. But I am going thru the same thing. I have an adorable pitbull. She too is gentle but what me and my husband have been doing is exposing her to lil babies. She grew up with my nephew so she knows to be careful. I heard putting your dog into a pack so she can find her place works. It helps so she wont be disgrutled when the baby comes and all the attention isnt on her anymore. Good luck to you!

Answer 10

I had a Dobie and A terrier with both my kids. I did not prepare at all..they seemed to know it was OK when I brought them home. They checked baby out and moved on. Shedding should not bother anyone unless of course a hair gets in the mouth or baby is allergic.