My husband and I will be first time parents this summer. We have two dogs, 5 and 3, who have been the BABIES of the house...until now. Does anyone have suggestions on getting them ready for the arrival of our little one?
2007-03-17 16:42:18 · 14 answers · asked by Momma2B 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The best thing to do is play something of a baby crying or when you are watching tv and it has a baby crying that you should turn it up so the dogs get use to the sounds. More then likely the dogs will be more protective over the baby then anything else. If you go to the vet office they should have packets containg alot of information on this topic. Good Luck. And CONGRATS!
2007-03-17 16:50:02 · answer #1 · answered by TM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually I just saw this on the dog whisperer. Keep the dogs away from the baby and the babies things for the first couple of weeks and see how they respond to the babies onesies for example. If they smell the onesie and start shaking it trying to tear it apart they aren't ready to be introduced. Keep the dogs out of the babies nursery. Dogs demand the same amount of space when they have their babies it's ok for you to do the same their feelings won't be hurt unless they are spoiled brats and if they are they will have to get over it there is a new number one in the house. Also when you take the dogs out for a walk, always walk with the baby stroller in front. The dogs shouldn't walk infront of you guys anyways only the pack leader walks in front of the pack by the dog walking in fronr he's saying he's the leader when you and your husband and the new baby are supposed to be the leaders. Don't let the dogs sniff the baby directly, that's dangerous. And regardless of what anyone posts dogs are not humans and while they should be treated with respect should not be treated like babies, or humans.
2007-03-17 16:52:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a baby doll and dress it in the new babies clothes. Let the dogs get the scent of the baby and allow them to sniff.. Show them that all though there is a baby in the house it will not change things with them.. Also let them know what is the babies and what is there's I am sure they know already but I have heard people gripe because the dog tore something of the babies up. Or used the restroom on or around some of the babies things.. Preperation with dogs is very important when having a baby come into the house...
2007-03-17 16:49:26 · answer #3 · answered by auntietawnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am having the same problem. My dog is my baby!! but we will be bringing home a REAL baby soon so i asked the same question. i was told that i should bring a blanket with me to the hospital and have the baby wrapped in it for a while then the day before i come home i should put the blanket where my dog sleeps to get her used to the smell of the baby. its supposed to help when the baby comes home my dog will know the smell already good luck
2007-03-17 16:47:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one thing I did after the baby was born was to put a blanket on the baby at the hospital then it was brought home so our dogs would be able to get her scent before I brought her home. Just make sure you give them alot of attention when the baby arrives. Cuz you know they are, are babies too! Good Luck on your new baby!
2007-03-17 16:48:12 · answer #5 · answered by shorty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahhh, I know what you mean. My chihuahuas are my BABIES too, and I think both of them are not going to be too thrilled with the new baby. My hubby and I will also be first-time parents.
I don't think there is too much you can do BEFORE the baby is born, but after the baby is born, you should do your best to still pay attention to your dogs, so they don't feel like you forgot about them. Also, kind of letting them sniff the baby out when you first bring him/her home, under your supervision is a good idea. They will usually adjust.
Good luck!
2007-03-17 16:48:55 · answer #6 · answered by Mrs.Gaddis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say that when the baby is born, take a blanket or piece of clothing the baby was wearing and bring it home before you come home with the baby. Let the dogs smell it and encourage them to be calm around that piece of fabric. This will prepare them for the baby and they should react calmly when you actually bring the baby home.
2007-03-17 16:46:36 · answer #7 · answered by tally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is going to sound weird. My husband and I have two dogs whom we love very much, but we know than when we have a baby -- our house is going to go crazy!
That being said (and this is the crazy part) -- I've heard that you should take home a dirty diaper from the hospital, and let the dogs smell it. Hold it, don't let them tear it apart, but let them smell it alot...and by then time your baby comes home, the dogs should be ready to greet your baby!!! Good luck!!!!!!
2007-03-17 17:50:21 · answer #8 · answered by LilyBeth 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw on tv, where people hire someone. What they basically do is have a fake baby and have the parents hold the baby and see what the dogs reaction is. try it out and see how your dogs do. try doing it a couple times a week. while your watching tv or something hold the baby. and make sure you give your dogs as much attention as possible and reward them for being good around the baby
2007-03-17 16:46:07 · answer #9 · answered by kristinad21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to www.beprepared.net and go to downloads. there you can play a clip of a baby crying for your dogs. I just played it for mine, and he didn't even move! (he's pretty lazy though!) just kept laying there with his head down. He's a really big baby, so I don't know how he will react. I read that when you come home from the hospital, YOU should go in first and pet them and let them smell the baby on you, and have your husand walk in with the baby. I also read it was good to bring home a piece of the baby's clothing or something for them to smell before you bring the baby home.
2007-03-17 16:54:01 · answer #10 · answered by Camille 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋