Babies and Dogs...

[scooby88]

Its a possibility. He does seem a lot calmer around people and other animals when he is at the farm, I think its because he is not having to guard his own territory.

Opinons I dont mind, but calling my dog an 'ornament' is very insulting. I love that dog to pieces and would do anything to make sure he stays happy and healthy. He is a lot of hard work and im forever grooming him and having to clean up after him. It would make like a lot easier if he was just a garden ornament, but I would not be without him.

 

[Lolly85x]

Dogs and babies are a tricky situation. You don't know how a dog is going to react to a baby, no matter how well you know your dog!
I'm a dog lover, and would never suggest that solution to get rid of the dog... Pets are part of the family. And I do agree with them being kept outside part of the day and then let in, at times and having boundaries.
I do think keeping them totally separate isn't te solution, this will just make your dog even more curious and maybe build tensions.
I do agree with the fact that it's not the dog actually attacking the baby that your worried, about it's the size and weight of the dog, it's getting knocked over etc...
I think it's best to get advice from a professional dog trainer definetley... And perhaps you and your OH could start wearing baby lotion on your arms, or talc... To get the dog used to a bit of a different smell... And have the babies things sitting about.
Hope all goes well for you and you can work out a solution x

 

[natashateale]

When I lived at my mums and had my DD My mum had 2 boxer dogs. One female one male and the male is a big clumsy dopey softy. He would bang into things when running and he could know my OH Over he ran at him. But he wud never ever hurt a fly. He bark really was bigger than his bite. But u can imagen I was nervous about bring my baby into his home. He had been around toddlers before but never babys so I was scared what he wud think. When I bought DD home I didnt let him see her straight away not until he got the smell of somebody else being in the house, I wud let him smell her baby grow before I stuck it in the wash and he knew he was missing something. When DD was about 5days old we introduced them. My partner stood up with baby while the dog sniffed about at him. Then OH came down to to the dogs level so he cud see the baby. I stroked the dog so he was a bit calmer and he took a few sniffs before he started jumping around like a mad hatter. As soon as I said no though he stopped and came and had another sniff. He was thankfully well trained so if we told him no he wud stop it. We never left baby in the room on her own with the dog but the dog got used to baby rather quickly and barely noticed her alot. As long as he didnt get excited we didnt have to be to careful. Now at the age of 4 my DD and the dog who is 5 get on lovely. He lets her lay on him and alsort. I am sure he misses her when shes not at my mums dogs can be funny animals but I think u know ur dog but I think u shud introduce them otherwise he cud get very territoral and recent baby.. If they get to know each other then they cud be best friends

 

[cosmicgirl]

Its a possibility. He does seem a lot calmer around people and other animals when he is at the farm, I think its because he is not having to guard his own territory.
.

This was what my dog trainer suggested. If you bring a child or baby into "their" territory, the dog is more likely to feel that they need to protect their territory if that makes sense.
But if they are introduced on neutral ground, it gives the dog an opportunity to meet the baby without needing to feel territorial, does that make sense?

 

[scooby88]

I completly agree Cosmicgirl. I think he would be much calmer in a neutral environment. I also agree about him gettin used to the smell. We are planning to put the highchair in the kitchen before baby comes so he can get used to that, and the pram. He isnt allowed upstairs anyway so baby room will be a no go. Like Ive said, its not really a comparison, but he got used to the chickens pretty quick. he was excited at first, but now he ignores them. He got used to me quickly too, I moved in when he was 1(ish.) He still gets jealous when me and OH hug, but when we stroke him he's ok. I think the initial excitement when baby comes will gradually wear off. We are only 9 weeks, but I want to start training as early as possible so we are all fully prepared.

 

[Amylize]

Lets hope you can intergrate them Scooby one way or another simply because Dogs are a part of the family and i understand the love for your pet is strong! My bully is a complete and utter lunatic! she isnt no where near as big as your beautiful dog but my god she is strong! Soft and loveable all the same! even at the age of 4 1/2 she still acts puppyish!
I'm scared she is going to get jealous tbh but i am going to try and get her used to baby stuff before baby arrives. I want my little girl to be fine aound her and visa versa because i was brought up with dogs and have veyry fond memories of them.

I hope that you have light shed on your dilemma with trainer tho.

P.S. This is my Other baby

 

[NaomiiLeiigh.]

When you say he barks when you and your oh hug are you sure its not a play bark?
As my dog play barks a lot some people aren't sure on how to read him when he does
Like when me and my oh play fight he starts to play bark at my oh coz he want to play too.

God luck with it all anyways im sure your dog trainner will know whats best to help you
As they'll see your dog & home life x

 

[sophs85]

I am also a dog behaviourist and have always owned staffordshire and English bull terriers which are known as nanny dogs because they are so good with children, I still would never leave LO around a dog as you never know and also to a dog sometime a little squeeky baby can just be something fun to play with to them and then through no fault of there own they would then be blamed if anything happened. I definitely recommend to people don't dramatically change the way you treat your pet when LO comes along, it's an addition to the family not a replacement and people also forget that having a pet was there decision so you can't just block them out and ignore them because you've had a baby, that's when problems arise. Some people like to contact local behaviourists and they can give you some info on the best things to do when having a baby, it's really helpful xxx

 

[russellmuscle]

I think in all honesty its about how you are with your dog, ie my dog (lives with my mum german shepherd) is very nervous and has attacked but only has been adult males, I have had my niece around him and she climbs on him, pulls him but hes just a big softie around kids never ever turned on kids hes 8, dogs have an instinct, same as my dog right now wont leave my side because he knows im pregnant and I have full trust in my dog.

There is also an element of you have to make sure you do keep an eye on the baby and dog, common sense says your not going to leave your baby and let your dog trot about near the baby so.. I disagree that you cant say that if you keep a baby and a dog separated that it may get out, I think though you should be watching your baby and not leaving it on its own for a dog to by chance get out.. just like any normal person would. Your not going to leave your baby unattended on the floor knowing you have a dog and it could possibly get in the room with the baby.

I have two cats, in my flat and they keep themselves to themself, they never bite or scratch anyone some cats i know are different but mine are handled constantly and are used to it.

Like everyone says its personal choice, but i think it does help to actually have a dog to have a proper opinion on it. No one here knows exactly how your dog will react but you and each can only really go on personal experiences which are likely to be different. I dont believe in certain dogs certain temprements either, solely depends on the dog behaviour and owner behaviour.

Alot if not most families grow up with either all kinds of pets and are fine. Alot more dangerous things out there than a dog lol..

 

[russellmuscle]

PS - i think with cats and dogs always make sure flooring etc is hygenic, not that your not.. im just saying cause we wil have our hands full with 2 cats jumping everywhere but our cats are only allowed in certain areas of the house. Baby's room has never been a go since we moved to our new house so they know no difference they have also started been weaned from our bedroom too

 

[babyem]

If a dog has attacked anyone, wether it be only adult males, you can't guarantee it won't attack a child..

Don't get me wrong, I think dogs and children can get along very well, but I don't think they can be fully trusted as they are still animals.