Preparing My Dog for Baby Coming Home

Many parents ask for the blankets that the baby is wrapped in after birth, blood and all. According to the parents the dogs need the scent and will associate the smell when the baby arrives. I would call a dog trainer to find out other specifics.

I remember being told to tug at the dog's ears and tails. Also bother them while they were eating...put hands in dish etc. The day you actually come home, it is a good idea to have the baby outside and have dad go in and love the dog. Then have mom go in and love the dog while dad is outside with the baby. Then, have dad hold the dog while mom brings the baby in holding him/her.
I hope this helps.

We worried about the same things you are. We had 2 dogs before baby was born and we worried about how they would adjust. They did just fine and there were no problems whatsoever. I've heard that you're supposed to let your dogs smell baby things and hear babies cry before you bring baby home,so they're used to it. Have you ever watched the Dog Whisperer? That's an awesome show! Check that out if you can. might give you some good tips too.

I have three dogs and have successfully integrated two new babies in to the house. I also train dogs and have fostered many rescue dogs. I agree with the prior poster, socialize your dog and if possible give him something to smell.

When you first come home with the baby, go in and greet Braveheart first, let him get his joy out of his system. Bring in another blanket from the baby. Let him sniff it and absorb it. Then bring in the baby. Let Braveheart sniff him/her from head to toe as long as the baby is ok with it. This will let Braveheart assuage his curiosity.

I suggest a good obedience class before you get the baby. Even if Braveheart is well-trained, a reminder course will do you both good. He will need to be able to sit or leave a room when directed. He should not be jumping and if he is accustomed to sleeping on the bed, he should understand that he needs to get off when told, without complaint.

Another advantage of an obedience class is that it will give him some mommy and me time. Even after the baby comes, continue to spend some personal time with him. He does need to know that even if his place in the pack has shifted, he is not being rejected.

Unless your baby is terrified of dogs or Braveheart really responds badly in the beginning, do not separate them. Let him understand that your new baby is a pack member and one that he needs to respect an care for.

Also remember that a crawling baby looks very odd to a dog. He may growl because he does not know what the baby is trying to do or supposed to be. If you had your baby from infancy, it might not matter as much. As your baby may come to you crawling, it is more of an issue.

As much respect as Braveheart needs to learn, so does your baby. Be sure that Braveheart has a safe place to go to, his bed, his crate, something. If Braveheart growls do not correct him, change the situation, send him to he his bed. My reason is this. A growl is a warning. If you take a growl away from him, his only option is to bite. Do not cosset him, but just quietly and firmly separate him and the baby and tell him to go to his bed.

The go to your bed, crate, what have you should be a command that you are training now.

Best of luck with your soon to be bigger family. Reassure Braveheart it is all good - the baby will soon be throwing food from his/her high chair.

One last thing NEVER EVER leave your new baby and Braveheart alone unsupservised.

Peace

N.

Glad to hear that you are thinking of him! We had the same situation and we were told to get a tape of a baby crying and play it for the dog a few times a day so it will get used to the sound. It can be distressing for them to hear crying so this helps with that. Also, after the baby is here (and cudos to you for helping out the Chinese orphans!) make sure you set aside special time with just you and your dog so he won't start resenting the baby. Also, let the dog around the baby as much as you feel comfortable with, they are just like little kids who want to help out and are curious. They love to clean the the hands, feet and face and it won't hurt the baby if you let the dog bond itself through that method, just go behind with a wipe. One last thing, make sure that your dog has a place just for him that the baby can't get to or put her toys there -they need space just like us. Hope this helps!

N.

Our dog is a lab, so we haven't had any issues....she's just such a good dog. I wanted to respond, though, because we have a little girl from China, so if I can be of assistance on that end, let me know!

We were told when we brought our babies home to not all walk in the house first with the baby. Have one adult go in and greet the dog, pet the dog, love the dog...then have the other adult bring the baby in and introduce him her to the dog. Somehow this helps them still feel loved even when a little one is about to change their lives BIG TIME! Good luck!

Like everyone else has said, let the dogs be around the baby. When our first was born, my MIL wouldn't let the dog any where near the baby at first. The dog started getting agressive, but when my MIL left, I let the dog smell and lick the baby and they have been great together ever since. When my second came along, Midget, our dog was a pro at the kid thing, but our other dog, Niko who was a 9 year old Boxer and recued, had never been around little ones before. We got him just before I got pregnant with our second baby. He actually became very possessive over the baby and wouldn't let anyone other than me and my husband and our daughter near the baby. Not even the MIL. I still laugh about it. Always make sure you monitor the baby and dog, especially if the baby is on dog's level. I have a Pit Bull puppy now (niko had to be put to sleey in November) and Midget (our Min Pin) and I know they wouldn't hurt either of our kids, but i always keep an eye on them with the dogs. Just incase midget were to eat someone's fingers off!

That's always a hard one to call. You just never know how a pet's going to react the same as you would never know how a sibling will react. They all have very different personalities. I would start by keeping them seperated and slowly introduce them to one another for short periods at a time. You do not want the dog to develop a jealously toward the baby this could promote aggressive behavior. Make sure your dog gets as much attention as you can find time to give while the baby's napping etc. You may consider a playmate for your dog. We've always had atleast two so they can keep each other company.

Preparing Fido. It's a cd of baby sounds, along with instructions on how to play it. I used this before my daughter was born, and it was great! They have a whole booklet with steps on introducing babys' smell, etc. The website is preparing fido.com. Hope this helps!
Preparing Fido™ is a collection of unique, natural baby sounds conveniently recorded for you on CD. The Preparing Fido™ CD includes the most typical sounds your Fido (or Fluffy, Buddy or Buster) is likely to hear after your baby arrives home. The following tracks provide a wide variety of baby sounds to help prepare the entire family, including dogs & cats.

.1. CRYING BABY 4:57
.2. BREATHING, GRUNTING
.....AND SQUEAKING BABY 5:44
.3. TRY YOUR VOICE BABY 2:20
.4. COOING BABY 4:28
.5. BABY CHANGE YOUR DIAPER 2:00
.6. COOING AND LAUGHING BABY 2:14
.7. BABBLING BABY 3:17
.8. BATHING BEAUTY 3:53
.9. SCREAMING BABY 1:00
.....(don’t freak out Fido!)
10. GIGGLING BABY 1:39
11. KEEPING YOU UP BABY 13:23
.....(variety track)

Why Hound You About Preparing Fido™?
Most pet experts, animal behaviorists and veterinarians agree: it’s extremely
beneficial to expose your pet to baby sounds before mom and baby come home from the hospital. Why? Because dogs often react negatively to unfamiliar noises and sounds. Reactions may include running to the source of the sounds, agitation, alarm, fright, nervousness, whining, and barking. Preparing Fido™ will help train your pet to remain calm in the presence of your new baby and help ease everyone’s transition to your family’s new addition. Preparing Fido™ can be used for cats as well as dogs.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association 1999-2000 National Pet Owners Survey, there are approximately 62,400,000 dogs owned in the US. And, with over 5 million births annually in the US alone and millions of these dogs owned by expectant parents -Preparing Fido™ is a must for nearly anyone expecting a baby! The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) says, “If your family already includes a pet, you'll need to help that first "baby" adjust to the new one you'll soon bring home.” Moreover, The HSUS recommends that parents “Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying . . . ."

To properly prepare for the new arrival, your dog (or cat) should be exposed to a variety of baby sounds. These sounds, in conjunction with a training program can be used to help your pet remain calm when in the company of your baby. Your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends who are pet owners can also be better prepared - especially if you’re planning to bring your newborn to their homes.

Having a baby will definately affect your dog. I have a 4 month old and a nine year old pit bull (a VERY sweet and affectionate one) and our dog just started showing signs of "jealousy." She just recently started peeing on the floor when my husband and I spend too much time doting on our son and forget to give her affection. However, here is how we introduced our dog to our son. First, I put together all the baby gear and used it in the house (stroller, swing, vibrating seats, etc) so she would get used to all of the new stuff. After the baby is born and you are still at the hospital, have your husband bring home an article of clothing for your dog to sniff (but not lick) and then put that piece of clothing in the baby's crib or bassinet so your dog knows that that is the baby's territory. When you do bring the baby home, have your husband carry him/her in. You need to show your dog affection since you have been away for a few days and then gently introduce your dog to the baby by letting him slowly approach the baby and sniff (but again do not lick). After that, let your dog get used to the baby in his own way, don't force it. My dog pretty much stayed away for the first week or two, then started to gradually show interest in our son. But make sure your dog knows to give the baby space (he shouldn't come close enough to lick--at least 6 inches away) that reinforces to the dog that the baby is the "pack leader" just like you and your husband. Finally, please make sure that you spend at least 10 minutes each day playing, petting, and cuddling your dog without the baby around so he does not feel like he is replaced.

Sorry, I just re-read your post and noticed that you are bringing a child home from China. Try as many of these things as possible.....

Sounds like your dog and baby may have met already, but if not I do have a suggestion. When my first daughter was born we had an 85-pound lab already and worried about how he'd react to a new baby in the house. If you can provide some item that has come in contact with the baby and let your dog smell that before he meets the baby, that is an ideal first step. When you bring the baby home, introduce your dog to the baby outside, not in the house. Your dog will consider the house 'his territory', and if the baby is first introduced on his turf he may become territorial and try to establish seniority over the baby. If he first meets the baby outside--we did it in the driveway before walking in the house--that is considered neutral ground, and your dog will be much less likely to view the new baby as a threat. For what it's worth, our dog became very protective of our baby; he allowed her to place coasters all over his body frequently, and used to lay under her crib and howl whenever she cried. I don't think things would have gone so well if they hadn't met on neutral ground first.

A good thing to try (if possible), maybe bring home something that belongs to the baby, that has the baby's smell on it. Also, if you have a place set up for the baby....start talking to the dog, say things like " come on braveheart, let's go check on the baby...little things like that.

We had two dogs when my son was born, and I spoke to our vet -- then recently the new father of twins and a dog owner -- about what to do. What he recommended worked fantastically.

We brought home the first little hat my son had worn -- the one with all the gunk from the birth on -- as well as a very early-days dirty diaper. We let the dogs have a good old sniff of those. Sounds disgusting, but it (apparently) let them get his scent and, importantly, to pick up that he was a "puppy" -- someone new and little in need of protection.

Then, when we got home, I held my son and let the dogs sniff him (and especially his rear end!) for as long as they wanted. Then I gave them lots of affection.

Both dogs were great. They were very gentle with my son and used to lie down next to his seat or his crib, almost like they were guarding him. One, in fact, used to come and get me if he started crying!

Hope it all works out for you.

When we brought our baby home, we had our dog in another room. Then we put our baby next to my husband in the living room but still in her car seat. I went to get the dog and greeted her, then I let her go "find" the baby. The baby became her "find" and she has been protective of her ever since.

We had the same issue, our dog was (and still is) very spoiled before the baby came. We had a friend come to the hospital after I had my son, and take a blanket home that I had used to swaddle him. He let our dog sniff the blanket so he could get used to the smell. Also, when we came home, we let our dog out and he sniffed the baby, then we all walked into the house together as a new family - mom, dad, baby, and dog. I made and effort to talk to our dog in the same baby voice so he wouldn't feel left out. If I said 'oh you're so cute' to the baby, I would say it to the dog. Our dog is still very jelous of our son, but now that our son is running around and plays with the dog, he seems to like it better.

While I was pregnant, my husband baby proofed our cat and dog. He got down with them and pretended to be there offspring. He made sure to teach them how to react when the tails, ears, feet, hair got pulled. Just be playful with them and when the dog gets rough, remember to show who's boss by holding their snout closed. It may take a few times of playing to make sure the animal realizes that you are playing with them and are not a threat. Also, wash an item that is going to be the baby's and let the dog smell it and be comfortable with it without taking it over. We brought home a blanket that had the baby's smell on it from the hospital. But that's not possible in your situation. You might also want to make a particular time of the day that you give extra attention to the dog and then very little for the rest of the day. They do adjust just fine. Do you have any friends with little kids? Getting the dog used to other kids might help easy the tension too. I hope this helps. Good luck with your new life adventures.

My husband brought home a blanket for the dogs to sniff before we brought Nate home. Also, I walked into the house first WITHOUT the baby (my husband brought him in) so I could pet and reassure the dogs. Hope this helps!

Hi K.,
Before I started working in day care, I was a Vet assistant and had to answer these kind of questions on a regular basis. The first thing that I would suggest is to have your dog around children about the same age as your little bundle will be when you bring her home. This will get him used to the sounds and smells of a baby. Another thing that you can do is to ask to have a blanket or shirt (or something) that your baby has slept with or worn sent to you, if they will do that, you can let him sleep with the blanket. This will get him used to having her scent in the house and around him. If you do not know anyone with a baby around your little one's age, maybe they can send you a tape of her crying and laughing so that he can hear her before she arrives. I would go and get him a special toy or treat to have around when you bring the baby home. This treat or toy would be something that you only give him in the presence of the baby so that he will learn to associate good things with her (most dogs that I know go "crazy" for hot dogs or cheese). If you are able to get a tape of her, you could also give him the treats when he is listening to the tape.

You are right that there will be some adjustment time needed for him. I would just remember to make sure that he does not feel that you are turning your back on him when the baby comes. Always make it a positive experience for him and he should do just fine with it.

If I can be of any help when your little one gets here, feel free to send me a message!

Congratulations and Good Luck!

K.-
This book was reccomended to us by our dog trainer: Your Baby and Bowser. We had two 'problem' dogs and were very worried about bringing our daughter home. It was very helpful.
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Baby-Bowser-Stephen-Rafe/dp/15...

Unless you have an article of clothing with her scent on it to let the dog have before she gets home, there is not a lot you can do. When we brought our two children home from Russia we never thought there would be a problem with our friendly dogs. Unfortunately as soon as our 3.5 year old walked in and saw the Springer Spaniel he started screaming, not the home coming we were expecting. He didn’t seem to care about the Westie. We kept them apart as much as possible and thought about giving the dog away. It took him three months not to be scared anymore, we never knew why, the dog is super friendly. Our daughter was 10 months old and never even noticed. They both now torture the dogs with hugs and kisses and everyone gets along great. So sometimes everyone just needs a little time. Good luck, you must be very excited.

Make sure the FIRST thing you do when you arrive home is greet your sweet, loyal pup WITHOUT your baby in your arms. Your dog has missed you and needs your undivided attention for a few minutes. At least that's a first step!

Good for you that you are taking your dog into consideration!! What always worked for me was to have my husband bring home a blankie that I had used while holding the baby. He would let him sniff it and get use to our scents together. Also, when bringing my second baby home we had (still do!) a rottie. I wanted to make sure he was use to baby sounds, etc. So I wrapped up one of my younger daughter's dolls and it was a good thing I did. He was a bit jealous just seeing me hold a baby doll. He got use to it quickly and learned not to jump up on me or sniff too forwardly. He has always been great with the kids and protective of them too. Regardless, I NEVER left him in the room unattended with any of the babies even if they were in the bassinet. Good luck and congrats on the baby!

I worked as an RN in L&D and we heard this question a lot. Our advice was to take the pet into the babys area frequently, a lot of the time this a room that wasnt previously used and let him smell all of the babies new things. Talk about the baby by name or by baby so the pet is familiar with the name. The best thing is to bring him the babies clothes, blankets from the hospital. After the baby is born but you and baby are still in the hospital, have your hubby bring home some of the babies blankets and clothes he used that are still unwashed. The smell from the clothes will be great for the pet to sniff and get used to. Good luck!!!