Brinkley and a new baby

[Heather & Brinkley]

Some of you may recall that we got Brinkley three years ago after many unsuccessful attempts at having a baby. All of my friends were having babies and we had wanted a Goldendoodle for quite some time... so we decided it was the time to bring Brinkley into our lives-- so we had another being to care for.  He is the love of our lives and I can't imagine life without him.  He's spoiled rotten and he gets so much loving from not only my husband and I, but my parents and my husband's parents as well.

Well, after 8 years of infertility struggles, we experienced a miracle and will be welcoming a new baby boy into our lives in late September.  Totally unexpected.  We are overjoyed.  We know that Brinkley is fantastic with children so that's not a worry.  He's spent many hours with the neighborhood kids playing "dog show" as the pull on his collar and direct him to "run around the show ring" and he seems happiest when he's out their trotting around with ten or so kids.  But, Brinkley is used to getting all of my attention.  All of it.  He wants to be the one snuggled up to me and he makes known if he's not the one cuddling by my side.  What is the easiest way to get Brinkley used to the new baby?  I want him to love the new baby-- I don't want Brinkley to feel like he's getting less of me because a new little human enters our lives.  How do I keep his naturally jealous tendencies at bay?  I know he knows 'something' is up because he often puts his head on my belly and lays there for a long time.  I'm assuming he can hear the baby's heartbeat.  

I appreciate any feedback.  Hoping to make this any easy transition Brinkley. 

(Here's a picture of Brinkley on our routine Saturday morning 2-mile walk around the lake before I let him loose to swim.)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is wonderful and exiting news....congratulations!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Congratulations!   We had the same experience as Ginny, somehow the dog just knows the new baby is part of his family.   All should be fine, enjoy your enlarged family.

[Kary, Sparty & Stella]

Congrats!!

[Adina P]

Congratutulations, Heather!  I'm not sure there is any real 'prep' you can do for Brinkley.  He'll probably be fine.  The only thing I can suggest is some refreshment in obedience: sit stay, down stay, etc can come in hand when your arms are full and need a little space.

[Adina P]

P.S. Join our New Mommies group!

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks!  I actually do a training session with him each night-- that's how he gets his daily dose of treats so I'll keep doing that.  :)

[Christine & Camus]

How wonderful, Congratulations!!! ( However, no advice to offer.)

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks so much for the well wishes everyone!  We are so excited and I'm hoping Brinkley will "just know" as many of you have suggested  Here's hoping I can get Brinkley's two walks per day in with a new little one.  My goal is to keep his regimen as normal as possible... and I know I will benefit from the walking as well. I will say I've stayed in great shape through the pregnancy and I owe it all to Brinkley's daily long walks twice a day.    

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

if you have your stroller, or when you get it, would it be too silly for you to go for walks with him now using it?  Get him used to it before you have the real passenger on board?  just a thought! 

[Heather & Brinkley]

Oh good idea!  We do have it and we got one that will work on the gravel path that we walk on daily.  I'm going to try that. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I bet the neighbors will all rush over to see the new baby in the stroller--so you will need to have an explanation ready!! HA!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Heather, This is such wonderful news! I'm thrilled for you and DH. I think if you look at Allyson's posts about Peri and baby Charlotte, your fears may be allayed. From the way you describe Brinkley and the neighbor kids, he might just be ignoring you to admire his new baby! Our doodles both adore the grandchildren. When they come over the rest of us are chopped liver and the kids get all of their attention. Owen is the rascal at our house but he perfect obeys our 6 yo granddaughter. It's hilarious. Enjoy loving both of them. It works out. Big hugs and doodlekisses from all of us!