introducing dog to baby
Discussion
hey all,
got a baby due (first one) in 10 days and just wondering if anyone can offer any words of wisdom on how to introduce our 18mth old b
h Weimaraner to her/him.
Weim is a typically excitable and energetic specimen but pretty well trained and behaved. She has her own bed(s) etc so doesn't sleep in our bedroom and is only on the sofa when invited if the missus wants some company when I'm out or vice versa...soppy sod! only specifying that with regard to breast feeding.
any great tips for ensuring doggy doesn't get over excited with the baby or ways to lessen jealousy? stop her thinking all baby's toys are for her?
I had dogs growin up and spoke to my folks - they said they did absolutely nothing differently but they were much more 'relaxed' breeds of dogs we had and there was always a couple at a time...with Suki being a little bit mental and occasionally needy I'm worried the new arrival might upset her a bit. anything I/we can do to make it easier for her? she is good with young children but never really encountered any under about 3yrs old.
thanks in advance!
got a baby due (first one) in 10 days and just wondering if anyone can offer any words of wisdom on how to introduce our 18mth old b
h Weimaraner to her/him.Weim is a typically excitable and energetic specimen but pretty well trained and behaved. She has her own bed(s) etc so doesn't sleep in our bedroom and is only on the sofa when invited if the missus wants some company when I'm out or vice versa...soppy sod! only specifying that with regard to breast feeding.
any great tips for ensuring doggy doesn't get over excited with the baby or ways to lessen jealousy? stop her thinking all baby's toys are for her?
I had dogs growin up and spoke to my folks - they said they did absolutely nothing differently but they were much more 'relaxed' breeds of dogs we had and there was always a couple at a time...with Suki being a little bit mental and occasionally needy I'm worried the new arrival might upset her a bit. anything I/we can do to make it easier for her? she is good with young children but never really encountered any under about 3yrs old.
thanks in advance!
Our neighbour has a Weimaraner (thanks auto correct!), and a boxer, they're on their 17th foster child, they've had every age from baby to 10yr old and say the best thing is to be calm, firm, and do try to not let the dog (s) be overprotective as that can be very scary for other people!
Has your dog ever been exposed to a crying baby? Some dogs can get very distressed by it. It's not just the baby itself it's the change in the household re: attention given to the dog. Often dogs become stressed when they are suddenly ignored so it is important to keep the dogs routine and not to shut him out (obviously as long as baby is safe!)
It may be worth a look on the dogs trust website as they keep up to date info on this sort of thing. You are leaving it a bit close to babies arrival but you could buy a sounds soothing CD that has a great advice booklet and the CD has sounds of a crying baby.
Let the dog sniff new equipment, visit the nursery etc.
When baby is born, take home clothing the baby has worn before baby actually arrives home to allow your dog to get a scent.
Do not assume your dog will be friendly, allow introduction but with one of you holding baby and the other with a lead on your dog. Lots of praise and treats for positive behaviour from your dog.
Most dogs adjust very well. Occasionally they don't. A DAP (now called ADAPTIL) plug in pheremone diffuser by your dogs bed may help as a calming aid.
It may be worth a look on the dogs trust website as they keep up to date info on this sort of thing. You are leaving it a bit close to babies arrival but you could buy a sounds soothing CD that has a great advice booklet and the CD has sounds of a crying baby.
Let the dog sniff new equipment, visit the nursery etc.
When baby is born, take home clothing the baby has worn before baby actually arrives home to allow your dog to get a scent.
Do not assume your dog will be friendly, allow introduction but with one of you holding baby and the other with a lead on your dog. Lots of praise and treats for positive behaviour from your dog.
Most dogs adjust very well. Occasionally they don't. A DAP (now called ADAPTIL) plug in pheremone diffuser by your dogs bed may help as a calming aid.
We had a two year old beardie and a new born.
First day back from hospital we bought the dog out of the house and Carefully let him sniff baby. We then let him approach inside under very controlled circumstances- basically letting him know that we wasn't to approach baby without our say so.
He has been brilliant to be honest
First day back from hospital we bought the dog out of the house and Carefully let him sniff baby. We then let him approach inside under very controlled circumstances- basically letting him know that we wasn't to approach baby without our say so.
He has been brilliant to be honest
Do not push the dog away. They will bond unbelievably well. When my daughter was born we had a staff, (oh dear killer dog), she would protect her through anything. When the nurse gave her jabs it was like an army trying to break down the door when she cried. Worst thing you can do is push the dog away, if you do it's a threat and they will not be safe. Step daughter has the same, her dog would kill for the babe.
cheers all for replies.
absolutely understand not to push Suki away - verbal agreement with the wife at the minute that when one of us is attending the baby the other will be with the dog praising/playing etc to try and keep her happy in her position in the house and not feel neglected.
Bex - she hasn't heard a baby ever to the best of my knowledge, part of what worries me to be honest...any time baby cries in the night Suki will get disturbed/upset and want to come and investigate...I guess this might just be something she gets used to?
during the day isn't so much of an issue as she is either out with me on her walks or cream crackered under my desk!
noted about letting her sniff things cheers - already let her have a good smell of all baby related 'equipment' at PIL's house where she is at the minute while I renovate...letting her catch sight of the baby gym/play may thing was a grave error haha! all those swinging toys and stuff were obviously for her (!)
thanks all for replies and advice.
absolutely understand not to push Suki away - verbal agreement with the wife at the minute that when one of us is attending the baby the other will be with the dog praising/playing etc to try and keep her happy in her position in the house and not feel neglected.
Bex - she hasn't heard a baby ever to the best of my knowledge, part of what worries me to be honest...any time baby cries in the night Suki will get disturbed/upset and want to come and investigate...I guess this might just be something she gets used to?
during the day isn't so much of an issue as she is either out with me on her walks or cream crackered under my desk!
noted about letting her sniff things cheers - already let her have a good smell of all baby related 'equipment' at PIL's house where she is at the minute while I renovate...letting her catch sight of the baby gym/play may thing was a grave error haha! all those swinging toys and stuff were obviously for her (!)
thanks all for replies and advice.
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