when our oldest came home from the hospital, we had a rottweiler. She had always been a sweety, but we were concerned about bringing a baby home. so, we put a small towel in the bassinet wih DS at the hospital and then took it home first. Harley (the Rotty) got used to DS's scent and when we brought him home, there were no issues. Of course, baby was NEVER left alone with Harley, but she loved to "kiss" the top of his little head when we were holding him.
Good luck!
Jen
I would say people in the first school of thought are out of their minds. An ill-trained, "high energy" dog with direct access to a vulnerable newborn?
I think, I hope, your center of attention will shift.
I would go ahead and let the dog sniff the baby, but watch her and don't let her get too close to the baby. When my son was born my in-laws had two dogs (Aphgans) they are fairly large dogs, but we let them come in the house and sniff him, but did not let them close enough to lick him or anything. Just be careful, but include her as much as possible to let her get used to having the baby around.
Good Luck!
Wendy
Hi,
This too was something stressful for us. However, while I was at the hospital, my husband went home to check on the dogs, and took w/ him a blanket the baby had been using. He made sure they sniffed it. On the day we arrived home w/ the baby, my husband held our dogs one at a time, next to the baby so they could sniff her. Since they had already sniffed the blanket, they appeared to recognize her smell. The dogs and baby were fine. Once they knew she was there, it was all ok.
My daughter is ten weeks old and when we brought her home I had the dog sitter bring our dog home after we arrived. Before our dog came inside the house I let her smell the clothes that my daughter was wearing. Our dog does wonderful with our daughter.
Our super high energy labrador was about 2 when my youngest son was born. I am not a dog expert - I ended up introducing them very very slowly - I held the baby and let the dog come up to me at the screen door a few times - then I opened the door very slowly and let her sniff me - not the baby - then I let her sniff the baby - which really got her excited after a few weeks of just looking - - - eventually she became extremely protective of him - she would get rough with the other kids at times, but never ever with my son. She would lick his food - and never let anyone near his stroller she didn't know. The trainer told me that I trained her to be protective and careful with him because that is how I treated him.
They had a wonderful relationship - sadly she got uncurable cancer and died just before my son's 2nd Birthday - just before her 4th B-day - - - he still talks about his puppy and how much he misses her -
I would never ever leave your baby and the dog alone - ever - I was a 911 dispatcher and I do not want to tell you the horrible stories. Very well behaved mellow dogs - are still dogs and they need to be taught how to treat babies - the worst call I got - a husky killed a newborn - the dog picked up the baby with it's mouth to carry it to the mom who was in the shower - not hard or rough - but just in the right way and killed the baby. Be very careful - the dog will learn by your example - and your puppy will still love you - dogs are very loyal - I could not be around my dog for weeks because of an illness - and she loved me just as much when I got well - - -
Good Luck and Enjoy your new addition!
Hi there! I have an 11 month old daughter and 2 dogs...a German Shephard and a Jack Russell. I've worked as a Veterinary Clinic/Hospital Manager for a number of years (I am a SAHM now) and have helped several people with this situation. The best thing to do is remember that your dog is not a child. She is a member of YOUR pack and you and your husband are her pack leaders. Soon there will be another pack leader and you should make that known with your dog asap. If you already have a room designated for your new arrival you should establish boundaries now. Get a cd of a baby crying/ cooing and play it in the room while you're in it. Then, establish with your dog that that room is off limits by having him/her lay at the threshold but not in the room. I would do this daily until baby is born and then of course after baby is born. Once your dog realizes the boundary (stops at the threshold without correction and waits for you to invite him/her in) then you may make an invitation if you wish to have the dogs' company in the room. You should also use this technique with your bedroom if baby will be sleeping in your room for the first few months. I know it sounds harsh but we humans like to think of our dogs as our "babies". We need to remember that while they are a part of the family, they are best treated as a member of our "pack". I would also recommend only letting your dog sniff the baby when you permit it, not when he/she initiates it. Remember, your child will also be pack leader and needs to have your dogs respect. I hope this helps. Congrats on the baby!!!
Thanks so much for all of the great suggestions! Our daughter was born on June 23 - and she’s perfect. Our dog has been wonderful - she’s become very protective of the baby. She’s also been very patient. About two weeks before our daughter was born we hired Ross and Kelly, two wonderful dog walkers that I’ve been seeing at the dog park for three years. They are fabulous and I knew I could trust them with our dog. So she’s been going to the dog park with Ross and Kelly twice a week. It’s been a life saver - she gets to run and play, which makes her calm and happy when she’s home. Thanks again!