Introducing dogs to a baby

hi Everyone

We are expecting our first baby this April. We have two dogs. A boxer lab mix and a pure breed boxer. What are ways we can introduce the dogs to the baby when we bring the baby home. We love our dogs so much and we want them to realize that the baby comes first. All suggestions and advice are welcome.

Thanks in advance to everyone

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

We took home some of the items that Baby G wore in the hospital. DH would take the burp cloths, onsies, and even a receiving blanket so that they could get used to the various smells. We also allowed them to explore (with a TON of supervision) while I was feeding the baby, while he was crying, during a diaper change, while he was awake...etc. Once he could control his hands, we would help him pet the puppies. (All with a ton of supervision). I do not let the dogs in the baby's room, but I do allow them to co-exist, kwim?


Congrats!

Message edited 1/15/2008 8:58:54 PM.

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

We are going to spend some time retraining her first of all since we've gotten lax with obedience.
I read that it's a good idea to have a carseat or carrier with a baby doll in so the dog gets used to the idea.
Going to let her in and out of the babies room before he/she comes as we are redoing the room.
And as MrsMBV said, bring home baby stuff and let her smell it before we bring home baby. Never leave baby unsupervised.....

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

A drop of Listerine on baby's toys will keep your dogs off them, yet safe for baby.

There is a CD you can get, I forget the name, something Fido, of baby noises to get the dogs used to hearing crying and cooing. I used it quite a few times and Scout seemed to be OK iwththe baby noises when she finally was born.

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

I found the suggestions in this article helpful...we are starting to prepare both the dog and cat for the baby in June...here is the link
DOG and BABY

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

DH brought home blankets that the boys were wrapped in at the hospital and let Tiger smell them.
When we got home, the first thing we did was bring Tiger over to the boys...who were sleeping in theri carseats and let him smell the boys and kept reassuring Tiger that he was a good boy. We NEVER neglected the dog at all, and always played with him when we were holding the boys.

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

we let sandy explore the baby's room, both before she was born and now

DH brough home a recieving blanket from the hosptial to let Sandy sniff it

The day we brought dd home, I went in and greeted sandy, if anyone came over, they were to greet sandy as well as the baby

We let sandy sniff her and she has been GREAT with DD, totally protective, gentle, loving

My dog ROCKS !!!!

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

I have an almost 12 month old. We have two dogs and it has been fine so far.

Well, first off, my trainer always told us to baby-proof our dogs. Pull their ears, tails, etc. And thankfully we did. Especially for when DD started to become mobile.

Anyway, as far as when she was an newborn, my DH brought home some blankets from the hospital so they can smell them and even before DD was here I let them go in her room.

When we brought her home the pups were definitely curious. My dogs are so hyper that i was petrified that they would jump on her, but thankfully they have been awesome with her. Like i said above, I let the dogs go in her room, i dont leave anything off limits. I feel that if they werent allowed in her room then they might get jealous and they might do something to DD out of jealousy. We also made it a point to spend quality time with the dogs. Like, if i had DD then my DH would give the dogs the attention that they were so used to and vice versa. So far so good it has worked for us and DD is always pinching and pulling ears on them.

DD loves them, the dogs make her giggle and they just love giving kisses to DD. Everything will work out fine.

Message edited 1/16/2008 9:09:18 AM.

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

I know Cesar is a bit controversial, but I think he gives some great advice here.

We've already been working on Dottie by creating boundries with the room that will be the nursery.

DH has also, for a long time now, been testing her while she eats. He puts his hand in her bowl, tugs on her tail, etc.
She's completely submissive when he does it - no aggression whatsoever.

Good Luck!

Cesar's Bringing Home Baby

Message edited 1/16/2008 9:59:44 AM.

Re: Introducing dogs to a baby

Preparing Fido, that's it!! I can send you the CD - we're done!