How to introduce dog to new baby?

Question

I have a 2 1/2 year old male yorkie who is so attached to me, its not even funny! He is extremely jealous of anyone around me and now I am expecting my first child. Any suggestions on how to make this transition easier?

Answer 1

When we had our baby girl, my husband brought the hat our daughter was wearing at the hospital home for the dogs to smell.  When we arrived home, the baby was still new and an adjustment, however, the smell of the baby was somewhat familiar.  Give it time and never leave the baby unattended - even if the dog is friendly.  good luck!

Answer 2

i reported that guy too! =] hes a jerk

Answer 3

all I'm saying is make sure you do it the right way! try and ease into it! and good luck to you and your fam.

Answer 4

I have a male golden retriever who's about that age and isn't fixed. He was very protective of me too. When I found I was pregnant I started teaching him not to jump on me because of the belly, and tried to reinforce obedience training when he became overly hyper. We'd point to my belly and talk about the baby like we would talk to anyone else. I guess it sounds weird, but it helped make him aware.

When my son was born, we did wrap him in a receiving blanket and then my hubby brought it home so he could "smell" the baby's scent. When we got home with the baby we immediately reinforced what we'd worked on during the pregnancy. If he got too hyper and was too close to the baby we would discipline him. Almost immediately he was very gentle and loving. The baby is 7 months old now and our dog is still very gentle and protective.

Talk about the baby often, point to your belly, let the dog smell different things that pertain to the baby. It should help ease the transition. Good luck and congrats.  

Answer 5

that guy is just a jerk,   anyways most dogs love babies no matter what.  the new baby scent amazes them.  and the baby is so little the dog doesnt view them as a threat to your relationship.

Answer 6

I have always read that you should allow your dog to smell something the baby has been wearing (a blanket or outfit) or, as gross as it sounds, let the dog smells a wet diaper. Other than that make sure to spend time with your pup while your baby naps to reduce jealousy and don't leave your dog unsupervised with the baby for the first few weeks until you are really sure he will not behave aggresively towards your baby.

Answer 7

i had this same question because i have an over active, needs to be the center of attention, but VERY loving pitbull and needed to know what to do!

well my boyfriends cousin has a dog that is JUST like mine. very protective and always the center of attention. she said that while they were still in the hospital with the baby they had someone run a onsie over to the hosue and let the dog get used to the smell. also it really helps if you introduce a dog to something new when its tired. have someone take your dog on a really long walk or maybe to a dog park so when he meets the baby hes tired and less likely to be aggressive (it really does work)

also if you are still early in your pregnancy try to get your dog around babies as much as you can.  

Answer 8

We had the same issue.

The first thing i did was train him to be pulled on. Every time he got pulled (tail, legs etc) he got a treat. That made the pulling a positive experience.

We left baby stuff all around the house so he was used to the smell. i would use the baby lotion so he knew the smell. l would leave diapers out so he knew they were going to be around and to not chew on them.

A few days before coming home my hubby brought a blanket that smelled like me and the new baby and let the dog lay with it.

When we came home, i greeted the dog first (with no baby.) i let dad carry in the baby. I let him sniff and l**k ( i know, l**k the new baby) but it is his way of getting to know the baby .

They are now the best of friends.

imagine his surprise when we brought home another one of those crying pink things!!!  

Answer 9

it is important you treat the dog now as you will treat him after baby is born.  If you do not want him in your room when baby is here do not let him in your room now or he may come to assosiate the change with the arrival of the baby and get jealous.

I would suggest you introduce them slowly. When I brought my bubs home we kept her in our room (it was winter, warm in our room).  Our dog was so curious of her so we would bring out items that smelt like her ie clothes she had just worn.  That way he got used to her smell before actually meeting her.  After a few days we brought her out to meet him.  We let him sniff her while we held her all the while talking to him telling him what a good boy he is being gentle with the baby.  He is really good around her now.  I never leave bubs alone with him though.  He is a good hearted dog but hes so big and clumbsy and Im scared of him wacking her over with his tail or something. haha.  good luck and congrats

Answer 10

well i had 2 dogs when i had my first son and i was happy i introduced them and than my other son had the same situation and i am so glad that i did introduce them.

all you have to do is make the child and the dog get closer and closer unless the dog is a biter i would make sure he is away from the baby until at least 6 months but if not than i would suggest making them get closer and let the dog get used to the babies sounds and just ease the child and dog into a friendship and soon the dog will love the baby as well as u!!!

congrats on the new baby

Answer 11

I def. reported that guy for ya!

I heard you should use a blanket on your baby, and then take the blanket to your dog and let him get your babys scent...that way the smell of he/she wont be so new