How do I introduce dogs to a new baby?

[Valerie]

Hi everyone! I know it's been a long time since I've been on here.

But I just found out that I'm pregnant and I'm unsure about how to introduce my two dogs to baby smells and all that.

I'm not so worried about Jezebel, our pitbull mix. She's very respectful of my husband and I and has never snapped or growled at us. I suppose she sometimes growls at the other animals when food is involved.

Zola, the chihuahua mix is a bit more of a concern. She is sometimes territorial and always protective of food and things. She'll steal food if she can get away with it and I'm worried she'll try to steal from the baby. She sometimes snaps at fingers when given treats. (she used to always snap at fingers for treats, but she's getting past it.)

[Steff]

To get your dog familiar with the sounds and smells of a baby try and invite friends over with infants to accustom your dog to the real sounds and smells of a baby. Make this experience positive for your dog by offering a treat or playtime.
Gradually introduce more sounds and smells of a baby into your home on a regular basis. You can do this by playing recordings of a baby crying or gurgling. You could also put some baby powder or oil on your hands to accustom your dog to the new smells. Do this gradually and regularly in the months preceding your newborn's arrival. You can also use a baby doll to help your dog get use to the real thing, carry it around, take it for a walk in a stroller with your dog, pretend to change it and bath it.
Once the baby is born and before you bring the baby home, take home a blanket or clothing that the baby has been in for your dog to investigate. Try to speak positively to your dog when the baby is around, and avoid negative tones. This is to ensure that your dog connects happy feelings while being in the presence of the baby. Teach him boundries with the baby, like teaching him to keep a few feet away all the time to give the baby space, and if you want, have times where you allow him to sniff the baby while you are holding it, but let him know that the baby is something we don't rough house with. Teach him to always be calm when the baby is around. But make sure to give your dog plenty of attention and always make interactions when he's with the baby positive, give him special treats or a toy, so that way he will associate the baby with positive things. (Note: make interactions the only time he gets special treats i.e. pieces of chicken-something he doesn't get-that way he will think very positively)

Months beforehand, prepare the babies room, sudden changes are stressful so if you gradually prepare the room, clothes, accesories, by the time the baby arrives the enviornment will be already accostomed to, and you can just work with getting the dog used to and trained around the baby. When you do bring the baby home be calm while introducing because you want the dog to learn to always be calm and gentle around a baby.

If you keep your dog well exercised and make sure the dog isn't left out he will be happier, and having a baby around a happy dog is important.
Keep the nursery off limits to the dog.
Start early with changes in your dog's routines, too, If you need to change where the dog sleeps, when he gets his exercise or any other aspect of his daily life, do it early in your pregnancy so he won't associate those changes with the new baby, and it won't be stressful.
Steff

[Valerie]

I think I can do that. Provided one of my friends will volunteer with her baby. *sigh* I don't think many of them like animals as much as I do.

[Sarah Edwins]

The OP gave some good advice but I would like to draw your attention to a couple of points. Dolls are made of plastic, the same plastic as dogs toys. Since dogs use their sense of smell as their primary sense, a dog could feel that the doll is in fact a toy for him and make a grab at it. This does not mean that they would do the same to a baby.

For more information visit: http://www.squidoo.com/new-babies-and-dogs

Congratulations, and I hope all goes well!

Sarah

[Suzie Laughlin]

Congradulations on the baby. We too are awaiting the birth of our first grandchild. We are getting our dog and cat used to the idea of a new baby with a doll. It is one of those soft like like ones. We rubbed it all over with Baby lotion to make it smell like a real baby. and wrapped it in a blanket, and we take turns holding it. Just to get the dog used to it. We tell him that the new baby is going to be his baby, and he has to protect it. My daughter has shown him her stomach and told him, his new baby is in there. He has sniffed her belly and even kissed it.

[Edda Bataan]

I have lab and he still steals their food but the boys actually give him a run for the money now they are 2 and 4 and try to wrestle the waffle out of his mouth...but as far as introduction...prior to bringing the baby home try to introduce the babies smell with a blankt from the hospital....and slowly introduce the baby to the dogs I just introduced them to Bradey our dog and showed bradey as much attention as I could so he wouldn't feel left ut and now they are all best friends....its a task but when the 3 of them play in the grass its worth all the walks and everything..good luck

[Belles]

Valerie,

Just use common sense. Don't leave the baby on the floor unattended with the dogs ever. Don't allow the dogs on the couch or bed with the baby.. just simple rules. However, if your dogs are allowed to do these things now, train them before the baby comes so that they don't associate the new rules with the "stranger".

You're right, you probably won't have any problems with the pit bull mix, but Chih's tend to be a bit snappier. (I suggest this is so because little dogs are allowed to get away with more than big dogs are.. so little dogs have less discipline overall).

I also would use much more caution when the baby is crawling and grabby at an older toddler age. This is generally when dogs have issues.

Just use common sense. I've seen suggestions of using dolls, smells, etc.. try not to overreact. New babies come home all the time and most cases are successful.

You are wise, however, to ask about this in advance. You're a good dog mom and baby mom!

[nancy hunt]

I had two Lhasa Apso"s when I was pregnant with my son's. They are very territorial dogs! I was concerned also!(17 years ago!) Max especially could be violent, to other people, and dogs!When I delivered my first child, I sent home a shirt with the new baby's sent, prior to my getting home. Whether it made a difference, I have no idea! I can tell you, that I had the world's most unfriendly dog.... and when he met Ryan....Ryan became his cause! Anyone that wanted to meet him, had to go thru Max"s inspection!You, will not have a problem with your dog. BUT.... you must never trust any animal, unless supervised!When the baby comes, allow your dog to inspect the baby! If you show your dog, you "like", this new addition, so will he! Let him smell, inspect, etc....Spend time together!Love your dog, Love the baby!Do it together!You will find your dog, to be your greatest advocate! Remember though, never to leave your child unattended with any animal, no matter how much you trust them!