New baby arriving soon

I am due in November with my first "human" child. My two dogs whom I love like my babies are going to have to adjust to this new process. I am especially partial to my male dog who I've had for almost 7 years now. don't get me wrong, I love my other dog just as much, but the older one I just have a special place in my heart for him

I love my fur babies so much that I find myself getting teary eyed lately. I want them to know that DH and I will still give them equal attention. Even if it's hectic with the new baby for a little while. I know it's going to be a big transition for them. I just hope they will be okay.

I plan on having DH bring home a piece of the babies clothing like a hat or something so that they can smell the scent of the baby. I am hoping this technique will help.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Re: New baby arriving soon

I went through this when I had my DD. I was very emotional about my dogs not being my only babies anymore. I felt bad that Iwould have to focus alot of my time on something other than them. But we worked through all that and things go back to normal in time.

What we did was DH took home baby blankets when DD was born and let them sniff it, etc. We also set up all large toys, items, etc weeks before DD was born to get our dogs used to all that extra stuff. They hate things that make noise, music, etc so we were most worried about that. So we gradually got them used to that stuff before DD arrived. This is my biggest suggestion to you. We allowed them in DDs new room, to get used to that too.

What we also did was when DD was born, my parents stayed at my house during the day so my dogs were not alone. DH slept home at night, did not sleep at the hospital with me. Honestly I saw no need for that. Staff takes great care of you, and DH needed a good ngiht sleep. And my dogs needed some consistency. So thats another suggestion I have.

When we brought DD home, I went in to greet my dogs first, since they hadnt seen me in about 5 days. I let them get over that excitement, then we brought DD in in her carseat and let them sniff. They were like sharks circling the car seat checking her out.


I have to tell you my dogs are NOT good with children, never been around children. Considering that, they adjusted pretty well b/c we made sure to not push them aside, allow them around us while keeping DD safe, allow them in DDs room (they could not reach her crib, etc). They never felt left out. I felt so sad for them, but I am sure it was more me than them feeling that. In time, all worked out and now my DD is 3 and its like she was always with them. Time flies and it all works out if you love your dogs enough. We had challenges b/c my male is a nipper (still is) but he loves my DD (hes just rough and crazy, but loving). She loves them. It melts my heart and we are one big happy family.

Any ? let me know. It will all work out, some of it you have to play by ear, kwiM?

Re: New baby arriving soon

DH and I are TTC and I worry about the same thing with our pets. My cat loves to sprawl out on my stomach at night when I'm on the couch, and I know once I"m pregnant that will have to stop, and once I give birth, my lap will be reserved for baby...so I think my kitty will feel left out. I don't know how my dog will react either. She's big and easily excited so I know I will have to make sure to keep her away from the baby...I like the idea of bringing home some of the baby's clothes first to let the dog sniff and get used to.

Re: New baby arriving soon

I was thinking about the same thing while I cuddling my little boy last night. I kept telling him, he's still my baby. I hope everything works out.. and he doesn't feel DH and I are rejecting him.

Re: New baby arriving soon

I totally know what you mean about having a special place in your heart for one of the dogs even if you love them both. I'm the same way with our "baby" dog. Our Pomeranian is just way more independent while the cockapoo is SUCH a momma's boy and loves to be loved on.

Anyway, I'm currently pregnant now and I worry about this too! Luckily Dh and I exposed both dogs to babies and toddlers from an early age and they like children. I know they will get along when the baby is a bit older, I'm only nervous about when the baby is very young because both dogs get very excited about jumping up and I don't want to the baby scratched etc.

Good luck!

Re: New baby arriving soon

I went through this same thing too when we had our DS.

To be perfectly honest, the relationship between me and my dog is NOT the same, but I still love her to pieces. It's not fair, but she does have to take a backseat to DS many times, but it's something that we've learned to be okay with.

And, my DS loves our dog so much. Her name was one of his first words, he calls her every day, pets her all the time, hugs her, kisses her, picks up her food bowl when it's empty and gives her snacks. The relationship between them is just amazing!

We've had some issues, but we've worked on them.... it's not all easy, but we are still one happy family!

Re: New baby arriving soon

I went through the same thing! When we were leaving for the hospital I started crying and told my husband that we were ruining my dog's life.

My dog is great with kids and she loves DD. We made sure to include her in everything just like we used to. Sometimes it's a ton to handle, but I take her for walks every time I take the baby out. If I'm playing on the floor with the baby I'll call her to come sit with us. She'll watch DD play on her mat. She licks DD face like crazy I tried to avoid that the first few months, but now I just embrace it. There is no way I can prevent it and it doesn't seem to bother DD.

Just keep including your dogs. They will adjust.

Re: New baby arriving soon

Congrats on your soon to be arrival!!!

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Good luck!!

Re: New baby arriving soon

I wish I could find my old post before my DD was born.. I was petrified my dog would not feel loved . or my dd would hurt her.. I was never afraid of my dog hurting my dd (although I never left them alone together you can never be sure)

If you saw them together now you would just die!!!They get along so well.. I treat them both the same with the same amount of love and attention.. I will say its exhausting , but so worth the results.. My dd is so gentle and kind and loving to her . and I believe its because I NEVER EVER EVER YELL at my dog.. I treat her so well that my daughter just mimicks the way I treat her.. Always kind and loving . I have only that advise for you.. treat your dog the way you want your child to treat her.