Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

Please tell me it gets easier. We just welcomed our dd into the world. Our 3 yr old chihuahua is very good with the baby but she seems to be excluding herself more, keeping to herself and she just seems so moopy. We try to include her in everything but still she seems withdrawn and upset. How did you successfully adjust your dog to the changes of having a baby in the house? Please tell me that over time she will get over this.

It breaks my heart to see her like this.

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

It will get better, same reaction from my dog.

My Bella is my first baby and I tried everything possible to make sure that she was included, felt loved and never left out when we brought the baby home.

After about a week, she came around again and warmed up.

DS is 7 months now and they love eachother, Bella licks him from head to toe

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

My brother and his wife were told by their dog trainer to use a blanket with the baby for a few hours and then put it on the dog's bed so the dog can get used to the smell of the baby. It really did work for them. Their lab isn't even phased by baby #1 or baby #2 now!

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

Congrats on the baby and I ASSURE you it WILL get better in time. Pets take time to adjust, just as human children do when a new baby comes home.

My dogs took a few months to adjust, and even then, with each new stage, went through an adjustment period. At first my male would just sit by the pack n play and bark whenever DD whimpered or cried. THen it died down, and he got used to it. With every stage, he took time to adjust.

Just keep spending time with your pup, when baby is sleeping or whenever you can. Keep showing your pup you love him/her. I promise it WILLLLLLLLL get better, it does take time to adjust.

eta- My male dog has always been my shadow. My female dog adjusted much quicker to baby since she wasnt so much my shadow. I just want you to know that I continued to allow my male dog to be my shadow, to be in the middle of what I was doing with DD so he would not feel left out. It's so cute, he sits in the bathroom with us when DD takes a bath (now 2.5 years old). They LOVE each other, even though he is naughty sometimes and gets too rambuctious with her, she was born with them being in the home and she knows him so well she tells him "no mean, no bite". LOL

Trust me, your DC will love pup and your pup, if you keep giving love and attention, will love your DC as DC will be your dog's pack member.

Message edited 4/29/2011 12:16:46 PM.

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

This is exactly what happened to me.. My dog wouldnt even smell my dd.. I think its very healthy and normal .. Your dog knows her place.. She will eventually come around and it will be fine.. I would just spend alot of alone time with the dog when the baby naps .... Congratulations on your new baby..

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

Aww Kristin!! I can't offer any advice but to keep doing what you've been doing, including them. You are such a good furbaby mommy!

Re: Getting dogs adjusted to new baby???

Awww Kristin I know it will get better. This is my biggest fear and I am worried sick over it. You aren't doing anything wrong and before you know it they will be attached at the hip.