Will a dog adjust to the arrival of a baby better if it has another doggy companion?

Question

We have a two year-old Vizsla and I would like to get another, slightly older dog so she won't be alone during the day. We were wondering if the companion might also help her deal with the arrival of a baby (we're not pregnant now, but are looking to get pregnant soon). Has anyone seen any research on this or have any first-hand experience?

I'm not actually worried about our dog having problems adjusting. The truth is my family always had two dogs and I want to have two as well. It's my husband who is a little more skeptical. He's more amenable though when he considers that it might be good for the first dog when we DO eventually have a baby--so I was looking for people to back that up, if it is true.

Answer 1

One of my friends, who is also a new mother, has three pitt bulls. I'm sure you know that bad rep these dogs can get but it isn't always the case. Her pitts are her daughter's protectors.

More in scope of your question.. a companion for a dog is always a good thing especially when bringing a baby home. Just face it, you won't have as much time and energy to put into your pet. She may get lonely and having another dog will help her cope with not having as much of your attention.

Answer 2

My parents had a very creative solution to this problem. Their vizsla was also two when I was born. They took a new baby blanket to the hospital, had me sleep with it for a few days so it smelled like me, and took it home and gave it to the dog. They named the blanket "the baby" and put it back in my bassinet. Then, when they wanted our dog to check on me, they would simply ask the dog to "go check the baby!" As far as getting another dog, it might make it more difficult because then your new dog might suffer from middle dog syndrome (I'm not kidding, one of my dogs suffers from this!) when the baby is born. Ultimately, its up to you, but you might not want to get a new dog just yet, and it probably would not make it easier on your vizsla. Also, two dogs (I have three) make your dogs less affectionate towards you, which, personally, I dislike. Good luck!

Answer 3

do not get another dog, unless you want one. The dog will adjust to the baby just fine, he might even feel like its his duty to watch and protect that baby as he is part of the clan. If you get another dog, he might feel as if you are just trying to find something better than him. Just show him how much you love him, keep the regular rutines and never forget to hug your dog once in a while, he will be glad you still care for him as you used to before the new addition in the house.

Answer 4

As a rule, dogs are companion animals and very rarely pose a threat to newborns in the house...in fact my dog was always lovingly protective of my kids when they were born.

If you want to get another dog as a companion for your current dog, I would get one younger as opposed to older. Your dog is Alpha and will possibly not take kindly to another adult.

Answer 5

When we brought our newborn son home from the hospital, we laid him down for our 3 year old lab to check out. She (the dog)was very inquisitive, wagging her tail, sniffing and licking. As our son grew so did the dog's affection and protective behavior.

Of course not all dogs are alike, but I assume that yours will adjust just fine.

Answer 6

I think that would help the dog, so she has someone to play with while you are taking care of the baby.

Answer 7

Go to pawpersuasion.com and read the articles on children,babies and dogs you will have all you need

Answer 8

Do you really want to be a new parent and take care of two dogs?