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Dogs and babies
PanteraGirl
Posts: 566 Member
Hi all, I posted this thread in another group I was part of and I thought that you all would have some advice for me as we all have pets!!!!!
We are expecting our first child due this November. We also have to adult male Rottweilers.
Both our dogs are great with children and babies. We have never had an issue but we still want to be prepared so that the transition goes smooth. Does anyone have any advice for us?
Thus far, we read:
1. That when the baby starts kicking inside, that moms should sit on the floor and place the dogs ear on the belly so they could feel the baby moving and apparently they could hear the babies heart beat and they begin to form a bond with the unborn child.
2. We need to set a comfortable space in the house a side for the dogs to be able to retreat to when they are getting overwhelmed by screaming and crying of the baby. This is supposed to help avoid resentment towards the baby.
3. When laying the baby on the floor in the same room as the dogs...we are supposed to designate a blanket for the baby to lay on and the dogs are to be trained not to touch the blanket because the blanket belongs to the baby, and establishes a hierarchy. Same with toys. Of course I would never leave the baby on the floor unattended with the dogs.
4. Children go through the front door of the house first. Dogs are supposed to wait. Also establishes hierarchy.
How have you guys dealt with bringing a baby home to dogs??
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading. :flowerforyou:
We are expecting our first child due this November. We also have to adult male Rottweilers.
Both our dogs are great with children and babies. We have never had an issue but we still want to be prepared so that the transition goes smooth. Does anyone have any advice for us?
Thus far, we read:
1. That when the baby starts kicking inside, that moms should sit on the floor and place the dogs ear on the belly so they could feel the baby moving and apparently they could hear the babies heart beat and they begin to form a bond with the unborn child.
2. We need to set a comfortable space in the house a side for the dogs to be able to retreat to when they are getting overwhelmed by screaming and crying of the baby. This is supposed to help avoid resentment towards the baby.
3. When laying the baby on the floor in the same room as the dogs...we are supposed to designate a blanket for the baby to lay on and the dogs are to be trained not to touch the blanket because the blanket belongs to the baby, and establishes a hierarchy. Same with toys. Of course I would never leave the baby on the floor unattended with the dogs.
4. Children go through the front door of the house first. Dogs are supposed to wait. Also establishes hierarchy.
How have you guys dealt with bringing a baby home to dogs??
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading. :flowerforyou:
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Replies
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I have no idea because I don't have any babies as you speak of them. I just want to commend you on doing your homework and being a very responsible pet owner and mother to your children. I think it's fantastic that you are introducting your Rotts to your unborn child. PS - I have a Rott too!0
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Thanks so much for saying that! I love Rotts!! One of the reason I am working so hard at this is because both of mine are rescues. One of them was found on the road...and the other one was sent to the Humane Society because they had a new baby and a small dog so they got rid of the big one.
I don't want to be one of those people that kicks the dog to the curb just because they don't want the responsibility anymore as soon as a family comes into play. The Rotts have been great dogs thus far and I'm sure they will continue to be
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I heard, and i don't have any children (except with fur LOL), that dogs aren't supposed to touch the babies. i heard that the dogs are supposed to be kept away from babies. i don't agree with that at all. i do agree that the dogs should be monitored at all times when interacting with babies and shouldn't be allowed to lick the baby anywhere.0
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You've got a great base, I think those are fabulous ideas.
The Humane Society has some great ideas:
Train your pet to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite him on your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.
Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.
If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your pet to see and hear what's happening in the room, he'll feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.
Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
When you return from the hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome.
Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_babies.html
Ceasar Milan has good tips too:
Be aware of your energy. A pregnancy affects the entire household. You may feel excited, anxious, or worried. Remember, your dog will mirror your emotions.
Control the introduction. Start by taking your dog on a long walk. Be sure to drain all of your dog's energy. Before returning, wait at the door step; make sure your dog is in a calm-submissive mode before inviting her in. Upon entering, your dog will instantly know there is a new scent in the house. If you have already introduced the scent, it will be somewhat familiar. The mother or father holding the baby must be in a completely calm-assertive state. The dog should be allowed to sniff the baby, but at a respectful distance. During this first meeting, do not bring the baby too close. Eventually, the dog can be allowed to get closer and closer to the baby. By doing this, you are teaching the dog to respect the baby as another pack leader.
Don't forget the dog. A dog does not need toys or special attention to feel important; you simply need to maintain the routine, providing daily walks and consistent leadership. This will help your dog feel secure and allow her to relax about the new addition to the family.
Source: http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/yournewdog/introduce-your-dog-to-your-baby/
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We had a rottweilller mix from a shelter for about 4 years years. It turned out she was horrible with children. She tried to attack our friends' baby in its carriage. Several times she crashed through closed glass windows to get pizza delivery men, etc.....
When my wife got pregnant we found another home for her with a family that had older kids and she lived there happily for the last half of her life.0 -
Thanks so much for saying that! I love Rotts!! One of the reason I am working so hard at this is because both of mine are rescues. One of them was found on the road...and the other one was sent to the Humane Society because they had a new baby and a small dog so they got rid of the big one.
I don't want to be one of those people that kicks the dog to the curb just because they don't want the responsibility anymore as soon as a family comes into play. The Rotts have been great dogs thus far and I'm sure they will continue to be
It makes me so happy to hear you say that. So many people completely forget about their dogs once baby arrives and the poor dogs are relegated to the outside. I know of one case close to home (I may well end up asking if they would like me to take Belle). I don't have children but your plans sound really good to me. Best wishes to you and all the family.0 -
PanteraGirl & Ali_TSO, thanks so much for the info you posted! My husband and I are expecting our first child in Feb, and while we know our dogs are great w/infants and toddlers from our friend's first child, it's definitely great info for how to introduce them to a permanent member to the family as opposed to someone just visiting.0
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http://www.herald-mail.com/lifestyle/hm-baby-on-the-way-dont-forget-about-your-dog-20120705,0,3985973.story
I saw this in the paper today and thought about this topic. Hope it helps :-) Good luck to all those expecting.0
This discussion has been closed.