Babies and big dogs?

Question

im having ababy and just wanted to know if there are any steps or concerns about introducing them, my dogs are very affectionate but big and one is still a puppy any advice? thanx

Answer 1

I wanted to mention that I have read the other statements, to be honest I agree with only a few and am shocked by others. I have 2 rotties, my male weighs 130lbs and my female weighs 92lbs. Three years ago my sister came to live with me and 7mo later her baby girl was born, she also brought with her a 3yr old and a 8mo old. When I took them all home I introduced my dogs to them and let them smell and like them (yes even the baby). To tell the truth my sister is due to have twins in June and I am taking my dogs to her house after the babies are born. They are all a part of the family (meaning the dogs) so it is just a matter of introducing them to one another. As for how we introduced the baby, we all got down on the floor with my dogs, we were holding her baby and I told them her name and let them smell her and lick her, and let me tell ya something the first time she cried my dogs came running like somebody was hurting one of their babies. I knew then they would be fine. To tell the truth a week after my sister got here her youngest son was sitting on the floor in between my male dogs front legs eating a hot dog and my dog didn't even drool. So as for not letting the dogs around the children I disagree. I do agree that they should be supervised just because truly you never know what can happen, however I trust my dogs with any child, not just my sister children.

Answer 2

NEVER EVER leave the baby alone with the dogs not even for a second!

Also, NEVER put your baby near the dog's face or let your dogs put their face near the baby. While your dogs might not be biters, it could still happen.

Ok, now with those warnings out of the way, you should observe the dogs around the baby first, but make sure the dogs are controlled (baby gated in the next room would be best for this step). See how the dogs react when the baby cries. Some dogs get very upset others don't mind as much. Also, try putting one of the baby's shirts (worn and not washed, but not soiled) where to dogs are to try and get them used to the baby's smell.

When you do introduce them, have someone with you in case the dogs go wild. Keep the baby either in your arms or in a car seat that you are holding. Don't let the dogs jump on you. You can let the dogs sniff toward the child, but I would keep them a good 5 feet away. Again, it would be a good idea to have them on a leash.

These rules apply to little dogs to. I love dogs, but ANY dog can bite.

I hope this helps.

Edit: I see a lot of people posting that you should put the car seat on the floor with baby in it and let the dogs sniff and lick the baby. The reason I posted the way I did was because I have a friend who tried this. Her dog was very small. They were all getting along just fine, until the baby cried a little and wiggled. The dog bit the newborn's leg. They had just gotten her home from from the hospital and had to take her right back. CPS was called and my friend had to take a parenting class because it considered child neglect. You say your dogs are big, their bite might be enough to kill a newborn.

Answer 3

I have three dogs, and my daughter is only 2, so when she was born the oldest dog was 10, the youngest only 1, and he's bonkers. I was a little wary, but not to the point of having a stress out about it.
The scaremongers should lock themselves away in a dark little room so they don't have to worry about anything at all!!!
The idea about the blanket brought home from the hospital before the baby comes home is a good one, and we tried that, it introduced the baby's smell and they were fine with that. The other thing we did, was to make sure all the dogs were out of the house when we brought the baby into the home, then she wasn't invading their territory. She was in the house, in her moses basket, they came in and had a good sniff. They were fine, and have been ever since. Now she's older, she pesters the life out of them, but they take it with good grace, and if it gets too much, they beat a hasty retreat. She is never left alone with them, and she's had to learn that she cannot just do what she pleases to them! The dogs all love her, and she loves them. The pointer was particularly protective of her, especially when doctors or health visitors called! You cannot take their love for granted, and any dog can be startled or panicked. Any dog owner worth their salt wouldn't dream of leaving their child of any age alone with a dog, it's not worth the risk.

Answer 4

Get your husband to take the first nappy home with him to let the dogs sniff it. and then when you come in put the car seat on the floor so they can have a good look. They'll probably lick the baby, but it won't do anything to it.
We did the same thing and our dog is fine with our 6 month old daughter.
I'd watch the puppy. It might try to play with your baby. :)
If I had the choice now, I'd rather not have a dog.(don't get me wrong, still love it, but so much work) It was so much work giving the dog the same amount of attention. All you'll want to do is sleep when your baby sleeps.

Answer 5

Keep the dogs away or where you can scold or pull the baby away quicklly. Simply put...Encourage the dog to sniff. Good boy's to the dog alowing it to understand it's OK to accept the baby. You'll be there to say NO! when the dog tries to put it's feet on the dog. AND IT WILL. As far as the dog knows it can play with or bully the baby just like another puppy. You must think like a dog and understand the dog will react to the baby like another dog.. THIS is when you let him know NO to this or that, that he can or cannot do.
IF the dog never gets to sniff or become close to the baby he'll feel neglected or jelious of the baby. He must accept the baby as part of the family and know his limitations.
Keep your guard up until you are confident it's safe to put your guard down.
Some breed may react differentlly then others!

Answer 6

My dog, Little Pete, is half Rottweiler and Labrador 3 years old and weighs about 80 lbs. He looks just like a Rottweiler but he's solid black. When somebody comes up in the yard he woofs like he's the baddest dog there is until they get out of the car and then he's their best buddy waggin his nub and wanting to be petted. He climbs up in every bodies lap that will let him. The UPS guy doesn't even pay attention to him anymore. He is a big spoiled baby.

Answer 7

The very first thing you should do when you bring the baby home is to put it on the floor in it's carrier. With you and baby and dog all on the floor, hubby too., just tell the dog that this is his baby too (I know they don't understand the words we speak but the tone should be soothing) Let the dog sniff and lick so that he gets to know the baby. Your smell is on the baby so that helps the dog to associate with it.

I have done this with a couple of fully trained Police Dogs and the dogs accepted the baby as part of the pack and all went well.

Answer 8

I am in the same boat, I have 2 boxers(14 months and 8 months) and I am having a baby in May. My dogs are sweethearts but I am still a bit concerned about how they will react. I was told to have your baby's father bring a baby blanket home from the hospital that the baby has used(before you and baby come home) and let the dogs sniff it so they pick up his scent and praise the dogs so they relate this scent with praise. Good Luck to you~

Answer 9

Dogs can learn to live very happily with babies. You can take some simple steps now to prepare your puppy for the baby and it should be fine.

The Dog's Trust have a good information sheet on preparing dogs for a baby.
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/information/factsheets/training/

Answer 10

I have a 10 month old chocolate lab and a 1 year old niece. We made sure the dog was around her as much as possible and always kept calm when they were together. The dog can sense if you are anxious of something happening, My dog is brill with her and always makes sure she never wonders off anywhere.