Training a dog for baby's arrival?

Question

My husband and I have a pit-bull terrier, almost 2yrs old. He is very obedient so far and has passed all the classes puppy thru advanced. He is so adorable and we love him a lot. However, in few weeks or sooner we are expecting a baby, and I am afraid that he may feel jealous or ignored, or worse what if he acts up. Could you please give me any tips on how to prepare my dog or train him for the baby's arrival....

Answer 1

first get him use to being around any babies you know, and also let him explore the baby's room. and when the baby's sleeping give him some attention then.

Answer 2

Well, for starters let the dog/puppy know who's boss!  This is very, very important... You can start such training by feeding him at specific times and not from a dish that's filled all-day... Move his bowl around and stick your hands in the bowl.  Take his toys away whenever possible and touch his paws, tail (if any), ears etc... This is what children do and dogs may NOT like it!  If the dog is used to it early on it won't bother them...!  

When you have the baby bring the worn clothing home BEFORE the baby's arrival home and let the dog sniff it and smell it... When company arrives give them a treat or two to greet the puppy... So, it's NOT being yelled at the entire visit!  

We have a rotweiller she was around 2 yrs. old when we had our first child.. Since she's a very large breed we wanted her to be a part of the family and LOVE being around our child/children.. For us it was very, very important that she is gentle with them.... We can take toys out of her mouth and even FOOD!  It doesn't bother her... Our children lay on her and play with her ears... She doesn't seem to mind... We do NOT tug or play pull with her as she is just too strong... She is crate trained and when we have lots of company she likes going down there.... Our dog turned into a completely different dog when we brought the baby home.. She was attentive and curious.. .Very gentle but very, very protective... NEVER let anyone pick up the baby!  Your dog may get protective and snap at someone... Always give a visitor the baby OR put the dog in a safe place....!  Our dog would put her fat head in the bassinet and check on them.  Stand between the bassinet/guests... Each dog is different... Respect the dogs cues and follow accordingly...

Good luck

Answer 3

well I'm just guessing (cuz im 12) but i have been waching animal planet and got an idea, try to get a life size doll try to be the same size as the baby and when you hold the doll if he gets upset just ignore him and then when you are done with the baby (doll) if he is calm him a quick pet and acknonage him! see dogs dont care how long they are petted the just like to known as part of the pack the dog has to know he is below the baby in the pack to, because if he thinks he is above the baby then he will try to be incharge of the baby and start to think he is higher in the pack and then he might start to act up when he get into trouble for doing what he thinks is right so just when you are giving attension to the baby make sure to give some to the dog but only if he behaves good and does not get jelous when you have the baby around and BIG CONGRATS on the baby i really hope this helped

Answer 4

Start training your dog now for the baby's arrival.  Take either a doll or roll up a blanket and carry it like a baby around the house.  Do this when you enter the house, when you go to the kitchen to get a drink, when you are watching tv, etc.  Some dogs will try to jump up to see what is in your arms and some even mouth at what you are holding, so before you try this with your own baby, do it with a blanket or doll.  See how your dog does.  If he jumps then use the tools I'm sure you've learned from all the training you have done with him to stop this behaviour.  Make sure to reward him when he correctly does not jump on you or the 'baby' or if he ignores it all together.  Walking into your house is a great time to practice this since this is when your dog will be very excited.  Also practice pushing an empty stroller while your dog is walking on leash nicely beside you.  He will need to learn this and it is better that he gets accustomed to the stroller before there is a baby in it.  

You will have to make sure you spend the same amount of time with your dog when the baby arrives, but you will learn to do it differently.  Most dogs accept babies into the family fairly well, but make sure you never leave your dog alone with your baby for any amount of time because you never know what will happen.  Also, your dog may become protective of your baby which you need to be careful of.  Some dogs will then try to ward off people who approach the baby possibly while you are just out for a walk, or they may try to force the baby to do what they think is best for the baby, nip at it to push it in a different direction (more common in the herding breeds, but still possible).

It sounds like your dog is very well behaved, so I think you will be just fine.  Congratulations on the baby and good luck!

Answer 5

When you deliver, take a blanket from home to wrap the baby in.  Once the baby has been in it for an  hour or two, take the blanket home to your dog.  The baby's scent will be on the blanket, and your pup will learn the scent.