2007-12-24 23:55:57 · 6 answers · asked by yellowroseoftexas 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Even though we view our dogs as our "children" most of the time it's important to remember that they view us a "pack members" all of the time. In this circumstance you have to think like they alpha female your dog sees you as.
Your dog may view him/herself as 2nd in the ranking because you, the alpha female, choose to spend so much time with him or her. When the baby comes that baby will and needs to become 2nd rank above the dog and the dog will naturally accept the baby out of instinct. After you establish that baby's place above the dog you can start a less strict attitude about your dog's interaction with the baby over time wich should lead to a harmonious happy family.
The trick is that you "claim the baby" as your property/pup as the pack leader. Hold the baby and keep the dog at a distance until he/she gets the point like a mother in the wild would until they realize the other members are not a threat. That may take 5 minutes or 5 days until your dog understands. Slowly lessening the boundaries you set for the dog to keep it's distance until you allow your dog to finally cuddle up together with the both of you. This should create your dog to behave as you would like to gain the acceptance of the higher pack members.
2007-12-25 00:27:02 · answer #1 · answered by your_pet_sitter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for asking this! I nanny for a family with a sweet but large dog. I was wondering to myself how I'd get her used to their being a small child in the home when I return back because the kids I nanny for are 3 and 5.
(I give birth in June, return full time in Sept but will be going there once a week during the summer).
The dog is such a sweet lovable dog but I wondered this exact same thing.
2007-12-25 08:14:58 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Mommy to 3 year old Jacob and baby on the way♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, give the dog a preview scent of the baby, plus hold the clothing or etc. AND give the dog affection at the same time so your pet will not feel rejected per say by the new baby in the house, so that your dog will kinda understand that affection equells the new scent. Hope it makes sense?
2007-12-25 08:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by satyr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We "borrowed" a hospital blanket from the hospital once my daughter was born and we brought it home and put it in my dog's bed. That way she could get used to the scent. If the baby is out of the hospital, ask your son/daughter for a blanket that they've wrapped the baby in.
We also gave our dog "treats" every time she showed any sort of affection towards our baby.
We call our dog "the cat-dog" because she's very aloof. So any sort of attention she paid the baby was big news for us.
CONGRATS!
2007-12-25 08:01:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After the baby is born, bring over some things with the baby smell on them. This should help.
The type of dog would be important, also having a dog crate would be smart for their visits. Frightening things can and have happened with new babies and small children. They are usually protective of their space
You know your dog the best. Good luck and congratulations.
2007-12-25 08:03:50 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could try using a baby doll wrapped in a baby blanket. Do things with the doll that you'll be doing with your grandchild.
2007-12-25 08:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by Kaiya's Mama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋