Fur-Baby and Human-Baby

[Kerry L]

I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first human baby, I am due October 14th. My pup, Hank is 10 months old now. I've read a lot about how to introduce the baby and Hank (bringing home baby blanket, keeping routine, etc). Does anyone have any experience with introducing a their younger pup to their new born baby? What was their reaction?

[Adina P]

Our dogs were 3, 4 and senior when our first child was born. Their response to the baby's cap that Daddy brought home while I was still in the hospital pretty much mirrored their response to the actual baby:

Senior dog: Took a cursory sniff and then walked away
4 yo Hyper Doodle: excitedly sniffed, sniffed, licked licked, sniffed sniffed, licked licked--or something like that ;-)
3 yo mellower doodle: sniffed with interest

When baby came home they responded almost exactly the same.  My hyper little 'licker' would have loved to sit by the baby and just lick her into a wet glob, but responded to redirection and "NO" or "leave it" or whatever...for the moment.

Allyson with Peri and Taquito has a toddler and she did a lot of work with her dogs to prepare them.  I'm sure there is a not-too-old discussion in here somewhere where she responded to a similar question.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My daughter just had a baby and she has two French Bulldogs. She was worried that the younger dog may have problems with the baby, but it was the oldest dog. He didn't know what to make of the new addition and sat and shook when the baby cried. He also snapped once, which is very out of character for him. My daughter was very vigilant about watching both dogs interact with the baby and it is getting better with the oldest dog, Bonzai. The younger one seems unfazed by the new addition. I think you will just have to see what happens and do your best to make your dog feel comfortable with the baby. A baby is a huge change in the household, but it will all work out with time and patience. I think trying your best to stay calm is the best piece of advice. Megan is very reassuring to Bonzai when the baby cries. Good luck!

[Deborah Brown]

I saw some advice recently that suggested playing with the dog when the baby was present.  Otherwise, the dog gets neglected when the baby is around and rewarded with attention when the baby is gone/sleeping - not a good thing!  This could set up some resentment and give the dog the wrong message.

It's been a long time since we had a baby living here but I remember my toddler granddaughter being jealous when the dog got more attention that she did.  ;) 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Our miniature poodle was around both of our babies and loved them.  He did snap once at Kristoff and Charlie hit him and sternly said "No".  He was devastated, but it never happened again.  Babies tend to pull dogs ears and other behaviors that can distress a dog, especially one who was the household star before the baby was brought into the house.  Barney was fascinated with Kirsten, but she died (SIDS) at a very early age, and he went to the hospital  when Charlie picked up me and the new baby.  He was not so happy that time and hung his head as if saying, "Oh no, they went to the baby pound again!"

My advice is to never leave a baby alone with a dog (or cat).  Household pets can be very unreliable when around a baby and unsupervised.  You can hold and play with them at the same time, and the dog will get used to having the baby in the household, but you can never be too protective of your baby.  And, this is where the non-shedding quality of the doodles is most appreciated.  It is terrible to lay a baby blanket (and baby) on the floor and then find dog hair all over the blanket.