How Will My Dog React To New Baby
4 Replies
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I am very worried about how my dog will react to a new baby taking up my lap and time. I have a very small, 12 pounds, lap dog who has made her throne on my lap. She is very protective of me. No one is allowed to come near my. She attacks my husband when he gets too close (she won't even let us hold hands!) and she paws at my nieces and nephews when I try and hold/hug them.
Has anyone else had this problem? How will she react with my baby? Will she know? The vet said the puppy will be fine with the baby since it will have my smell on me, but I'd like to hear from someone who has actually dealt with a jealous, protective, overbearing puppy!!!
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I have a chihuahua and he was not too happy about my lo. He was my baby until I had a baby and like yours, spent the majority of his time on my lap. It has gotten worse now that she is walking and invades his space more. It has not been easy but I love the little guy and will find a way to deal with it. Good luck, hope it goes better for you. I heard there are ways to get dogs used to babies before you bring them home from the hospital, I think you can get books on it.
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You carry around a baby doll to get the puppy used to the idea. Give the baby doll lots of attention and you can start to train your dog on how to act when you are sitting down holding the baby. Your husband can also bring a blanket home from the hospital that your baby was wrapped in and have the dog smell it to get him used to the scent. Have your husband do this before you and the baby come home.
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I can't believe how similar your situation is to mine. I have a 12 pound daschund/chihuhua mix who is totally protective of me. He will not let my DH and I sit on the couch together without getting in between. He also snaps at him all the time and when friends come over with kids, if I hold them, he gets so upset. My DH and I called a trainer and she came to my house to work with Murray (my dog). She was great and I highly recommend calling a trainer in. She gave me wonderful tips on how to help him with adjusting to the baby. But, most importantly she said that you always have to be proactive about watching them together. I got a baby doll that cries, like Jess, and it works great. I also have become a lot more firm with him. He sleep in the bed wtih us and he's totally spoiled. I still let him do that even though I probably shouldn't but I cna't help it. I've taught him basic commands and he's been a lot better around my friends kids. Also, if he acts up, I put him in an isloated place, like the bathroom, for 60 seconds and then let him out. At first I felt terrible, but after numerous times of doing this, he is SOOO much better! It's amazing. I think that the vet is right that your dog will probably be ok with the baby, but let your husband come home home with something of the baby's prior to you coming home with baby and let the dog smell it. Also, when you first arrive home the trainer said for me to come in first without the baby and give him alot of attention and then have my DH come in with baby and slowly let him smell her. Good luck! I know how important it is to have things go smoothly, since we love our dogs so much! I'm sure things will go fine and your dog will adjust better than you think. Congrats on baby!
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