Dogs and babies?

Question

I have a Dog who is about 1 years old. My husband and i feel that we are ready t have a baby. but i am worried about a babie around the dog. He seems to get jealous even if my husband kisses me or if we pet the cat instead of him. i don't want to take the chance of having him hurt a baby. Are there anyways to make it so he is less jealous?

Answer 1

When we had our daughter we made sure to take a receiving blanket to the hospital and wrap her in it for a little while as I nursed her then sent it back home with my husband so the dog could get used to her scent before we brought her home. Also, make sure the dog has time to get used to the baby and don't punish it if it is uneasy around the baby, but be firm. Don't lock it away from the baby or it will associate the baby as something bad.

Answer 2

I have a Lab who is overly jealous of anyome or anything being near me or me giving attention to anything besides him, He will go after my boyfriend for touching me and will push other dogs out of his way. However, I have nieces and nephews who I have 5 days aweek and 8 hours each day. My dog is excellent kids and knows that they are ahead of him in the pack order. I make that clear and do not tolerate anything else, but if i let it go he will bully the kids. I really really recommend getting in contact with a dog behavior specialist they do amazing things and can slove almost every dog behavior problem, I have had them work with my dog and some of my very aggressive foster dogs and they all came around and went into good homes. And some of these dogs were extremely aggressive and they all became kids safe. Get ahold of onenow and tehy can help you with the current iisues and how to handle the dog when you have a baby.

Answer 3

Dogs and babies can get along just fine with a little preparation.

First, if you haven't already, obedience train your dog. Your local vet, shelter, or pet store should be able to recommend a good trainer and class.

Your dog should be getting plenty of regular exercise and training sessions, and he should be working for food, treats, and attention - for instance, have him 'sit' before being petted, 'down/stay' before being allowed to eat, etc.

Your goal is to have a calm, well behaved dog well before a baby arrives.

When/if you do bring a baby home, make sure the dog continues to get adequate exercise and attention. He'll probably be curious and want to sniff the baby a lot at first - let him sniff and praise him for being gentle. Give him treats and attention when he's around the baby so he will associate the baby with good things. Of course, never leave a dog and an infant together unsupervised - even for a moment.

Answer 4

Since you are already having issues with the dog's behavior, I suggest getting them under control BEFORE bringing a baby into the mix. Your dog needs to learn his place in the home, that YOU determine who you will cuddle with and pet, not him.

I suggest starting him in obedience class, as well as instituting a "Nothing In Life Is Free" program at home

http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/NILIF.html

I also suggest asking some trainers, your vet or your local humane society if there is a trainer in the area that specializes in preparing dogs for the arrival of a baby.

Of course, NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with ANY dog.

Answer 5

Dogs do not experience human emotions, like jealousy. In this situation, the dog is acting as the dominant and his actions are demanding your attention. Obedience training is a good way to correct this by both asserting your dominance as the pack leader, and by strengthening the bend between you and your dog. I suggest you begin obedience training as soon as possible.

As far as the baby goes, never leave a child unattended with any dog...even your most trusted family pet. Children unknowingly poke and prod and pull, and a dog who is frustrated by this may nip as to say "I've had enough". Be responsible and only allow child and dog to interact with careful supervision.

Here is a link about introducing your dog to a newborn. There is some very helpful information here,

http://www.leerburg.com/dogs-babies.htm

Answer 6

Practice by carrying around a doll. Pay attention to the dog while you're holding the doll. Also, when you are in the hospital after having the baby, have your husband bring home a blanket/item that smells like the baby so the dog gets use to the smell. That way, when you bring the baby home, it will seem familiar. Remember, certain dogs (like Dalmations and most small breeds) do not do well with children. Do your homework and good luck/congrats!!!!!

Answer 7

The best thing to do is get prepared. You have already begun thinking of this so that is a great start. Next thing is take your dog to a trainer. There are inexpensive trainers available at Petsmart if their is one near you. If not search the web for your city or use the yellow pages and locate a local trainer. You can also ask your vet. They usually can point you in the right direction. It is imperative that you start this training immediately. You do not want to have problems when you baby arrives.

Good Luck

Answer 8

See if you can find a workshop in your area that will help you prepare your dog for a baby (in the Denver area, the Dumb Friends League offers one regularly). If not, try consulting with a dog behavior specialist that has expertise in this area. There are specific things you can do to prepare.
This article may help:
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/babyprep.pdf

Answer 9

Part of being a responsible parent and dog owner is making sure your dog & child are NEVER left alone together.

In the mean time, socialize your pup with as many other dogs/cats/people/etc. as possible. Enroll him in an obedience class too. It ALL helps.

Good luck (and congrats on the baby decision!)

Answer 10

If the dog gets jealous he has become the alpha and owns you in his mind. You need to become dominate over hin top dog so to speak.put him on his back, pet his belly until he submits, make him sit and wait for his supper. Get him into training, and never, never leave a baby or a small child alone with a dog no matter how nice the dog is for the safety of the dog and child.