Introducing pets to newborns?

Question

I have a dog, he is a beagle / terrier mix and approximately 13 months old. He's a pretty good dog except for a few habits I'd like to be able to get him out of, or at least tame down a bit and those are...

- When someone comes in the door he runs barking and jumps all over them (often squirting some pee on them as well).

- You cannot go near him with the leash without him squirting pee.

- Not even the neighbors can pull into their driveway without him barking hysterically.

- He does not listen to ANY commands unless he can see a treat in your hand.

We have a baby coming in two weeks, if he continues to bark all the time the poor baby will never get any sleep. Also, with the amount of visitors that come with a new baby I'd hate to have to be putting him in another room by himself a lot of times. I'm also scared he may jump at the baby!

I know it's not much time to work with, but I just want any suggestions for gradual changes. It's greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Obedience lessons are a must - they will stimulate his mind.. and teachYOU how to work with him.. get him started NOW.. and continue even after the baby is born -

I am talking about group lessons.. this will give the dog something positive and will help you alot even though you might not think it will

terriers are nippy dogs.. you MUST teach the command "LEAVE IT" and "DROP IT"

baby toys will be at risk

seriously PROPER lessons are a MUST!!

Answer 2

You can start with getting your pooch accustomed to seeing you with a "baby" by getting a life size baby doll and begin carrying it around.  You can see how he reacts and begin to discipline inappropriate behavior.  Also, let him smell baby powder, baby oil, the baby's clothing and bedding.  Take him into the baby's room and get him acquainted with all the smells and sights of your new family member.

As for your visitors, I'd think for their comfort, you should crate your little buddy.  Let's face it, you are going to be exhausted with a new baby so cleaning pee off of your floor is going to get old fast with everyone in your families showing up to gloat over the new little one.  This is also for his/her safety, because no matter how "ready" your pet is for the baby, you don't know how all that attention to the baby is going to make your doggy feel; and a jealous doggy can sometimes act aggressively.

Check with your vet, but a barking collar may be helpful.  They deliver a little zap when your doggy starts barking out of control and eventually, the dog learns to equate incessant barking with an unpleasant feeling... hence, it stops.  It worked with a Shepard I used to have.  When he started going at it, it was like he got into a "zone" and the barking took on a life of it's own :)

Your dog is just getting over the puppy stage and it looks like he's gotten into some pretty bad habits.  If you can afford it, some obedience training might be in order.  Just like children, if you continue to give in to him by giving him a treat before he behaves, he's not going to change his behavior.  It's imperative that he has clear boundries with the baby for everyone's comfort and safety. This will be especially important when the baby starts to crawl and walk. My ex-husband has a Doberman and she is terrific with our boys (the youngest is 3).  But she is extremely well trained and knows that if she misbehaves, she's going to be crated.  He also crates her for visitors because though she doesn't jump, she's a big dog.  I have a friend who has a very loveable Golden Retriever.  She wants attention from anyone who comes in the door, barking and jumping and basically not letting you get the door - then when you do pet her and hang out with her, she won't leave you alone.  For some this isn't an issue, but for others, it can be downright annoying.  Whenever I have had a pet who has less than perfect manners, I always err on the side of my guests comfort and crate him/her in another room.

As a "reward" for being patient in his crate while you conduct your visits with family and friends, maybe your husband can take him to a park or somewhere that will allow for some "play time" and room to run around, bark, and just be a doggy with a ball or frisbee.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best with your little blessing.  Your life will never be the same!

Answer 3

have your husband or significant other or parents take him to obediance classes. squirting pee is an anxiety sign, and not a nessicarily good thing. if you can get him to behave a little more then he should be okay. i have also heard of classes to introduce dog to baby. go to an animal shelter or spca for more info. they normally know the good places to go

Answer 4

baby's aren't really good with animals..

animals don't know that baby's are delicate

they're fur can get really bad if the baby has an allergy/ or chokes on them

baby and dog will both be loud. both will become louder for attention

Answer 5

The dog will change when you introduce it to the new baby.  The barking will get to be much quieter, the bouncing will stop.  The dog will sit near the baby while it's asleep, and will watch the baby when it's up and 'doing things.'  The dog will growl when strangers approach the baby if the dog isn't sure they are friends, and may bite if a stranger moves suddenly while reaching for the baby.  I don't know for sure this will happen, of course, but I have known many dogs who were 'ill behaved' before the new baby was introduced, and who became great guardian/friends of the baby.  Dogs, no matter their size and color, are basically 'wolves' at heart, and wolves are the best 'parents and caretakers' of the pups in their pack.  You and your spouse are 'pack' and your dog will become a 'guardian' for the baby if you let it.  Don't separate the dog ... let the dog sit as close to the baby as possible, and then you'll see a 'changed dog' ... and I think you'll be very happy with the changes.  

Answer 6

Take the puppy up to the baby on a leash.  Don't let him too close, too soon, though.  Let him get a little sniff.  If you notice his face even quiver one bit, take the dog away and save it for another time.  You can do this three times a day until the dog gets used to the baby.