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.)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Congratulations to you and your husband.  There are quite a few young mothers here who welcomed infants when they had dogs who can give you great advice. Two that come to mind are Allyson and Adina.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Wonderful, wonderful news!!! Congratulations!

[Pat and Traveler]

What wonderful news!  Congratulations!!  I don't have any advice, but sounds like Brinkley is a well-balanced boy and should adapt quite nicely to a new little "boss." 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations, Heather! What wonderful news!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Congratulations. Brinkley will be so overjoyed with the new baby that he will be a part and not feel left out, I am sure of it.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

first off...CONGRATS!!  I work at a Level 3 L&D unit and deal with mommas that have fertility issues all the time...This is such great news.. 

Something we do on our unit is before you come home with your little one is take a receiving blanket that the baby has slept on while in the hospital and have someone bring it home so Brinkley can get used to the smell. That way he will not be quite as curious and the smell won't be quite so new to him/her..

Can't wait to see pictures of your sweet baby!!! 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Wonderful news, congratulations!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Congrats!! SO happy for the 3 of you! Brinkley will be just fine and a great babysitter!!!

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Great news! Congratulations!!!!

[Seamus & Haidee]

What great news! Congrats!  Brinkley will be a great big brother!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Congratulations!  This subject has come up a few times.  Allyson, Peri and Tacky is one member that comes to mind.  She has baby Charlotte who is over 6 months old now.  You might look at her page or look for "tags" regarding this subject. http://www.doodlekisses.com/profile/AYSullivan 

I know I have posted quite a few times how my daughter handled her new baby and their Rhodesian Ridgeback Luna.  They brought a blanket that had been wrapped around the baby the minute she was born.  My SIL brought the blanket home and had a one on one with Luna.  Let her sniff it, she would try to grab it, he would pull it up to his chest and say "mine".  Then repeat it a few times.  She got the scent of the baby and the curiosity of wanting that blanket was gone.  My daughter nursed and Luna was always curled up beside her on the bed or sofa when she was doing so.  They included the dog in everything but never left them completely alone in a room until much later.  Luna would "guard" the baby.  Where ever the baby was sleeping, Luna was on the floor right beside the bed.  It was very cute.  They would let her smell the baby and even give her one kiss.  Now the baby is 14 months old and walking and they are best friends.  Actually, Eowyn chases Luna around and holds on to her tail.  There are times that Luna just needs to go find a quiet place to be alone.  My Gracie Doodle is the same way when they visit or we visit with her.  She loves the baby and when we are on the floor she is always right beside her.  You just need to stay calm and be sure to include the dog in everything.  Now we are not huge germaphobes when it comes to dogs so it is not hard to satisfy their curiosity with the baby.  There are people who are insanely uncomfortable with dogs and germs and that could present a problem.  You will just have to figure out where you fit in with all of that.  My daughter also takes them to the dog park every afternoon so Eowyn has grown up around dogs and her first word is "oof" which is what she calls dogs.  Throughout the phases of the first year (crawling, high chairs and dropped food, walking) you just need to constantly be aware of the dog at all times.  Once Brinkley passes all the tests of not pouncing on the baby for a toy, food or movement then you will be just fine.  Also, once the baby has basically "mauled" the poor dog, sat on it, rolled on it, pulled hair, etc., and the dog has not reacted in a mean or viscious way...you should be home free. Also, Brinkley should have no resource guarding problems with his food, toys or chews.  There is nothing cuter than a baby or toddler with their best friend.  Brings a huge smile to your face.  I'm sure Brinkley will be just fine.  Just make him feel included and loved and you all will do great!!  Good Luck!