how do i introduce a new baby to my dogs?

[Princesa Z]

i am 6 weeks pregnant and have two boxer dogs (they are spoiled) one of them is two years old and the other is 4 (we had the youngest ever since he was a puppy). i am not so worried about the oldest but the youngest is always barking, and chewing on things, he jumps all over the place, and likes to sleep on my bed/sofas (something i dont want him to do anymore). even my parents who have a one year old child have NEVER brought my baby bro to my house because of my youngest dog (which i understand). everyone in my family wants me to get rid of them (they are not really dog or any kind of pet persons). how should i start training him to behave? and what should i do when the baby is here? thanks



and dont say to get rid of them because i'm not.

 

[Vanessa M]

small steps. have them around when ur holding the kid and go from there.

 

[USS Mikey D]

Hold your baby in your arms and visibly show him to your dog. Scold him if he jumps, growls or if worst comes to worst bites. Depending on his behavior, let him smell the baby, and determining his behavior from there make up your mind on if you trust him yet. If not, don't worry, try it again and again and eventually your dog will figure out that the baby's not going away anytime soon and will finally cave it.

DON'T let the baby handle any of the dog's bones, toys or go on any place the dog considers his 'territory'. That's what I would be nervous of.

I know this isn't the best answer you'll get, but I think it's a start..

 

[Anna :)]

Dont panic, you are only 6 weeks pregnant which is great because at least you have a bit of time to implement some changes well BEFORE the baby comes! This will hopefully mean that the dogs will be used to the changes by the time the baby arrives and wont learn to resent the baby. (you will have much less time for training with a new baby on your hands, so do it now!!).

It would be best to make the rules the same for both dogs (irrelevant about one being well behaved), simply because it will be quicker and easier to enforce and easier for them to understand.

Also remember that the chewing will hopefully be lessening now that your dog is 2 years, but always make sure you still give them plenty of things to chew and that they know what they are AND are not allowed. My dog is simply not allowed to touch anything that isnt hers and i did not give her.

If you have a room that will be the babys nursery... start practicing NOW that the dogs are not to enter that particular room. It wont hurt them to have one place in the house that is out of bounds... there will be times where your baby may be on the floor (for dressing etc) and you dont want the dogs in there leaping all over the place. Also you dont want them sniffing through your nappy bin or chewing the babys toys and things. Practice going in the room sitting down and sending the dogs out - take a magazine and have a read in the chair you will be using for nursing etc and teach them, that the room is out of bounds.

As my house is smallish with lots of breakables - i do not allow really rowdy behaviour inside, and with a baby coming soon, you may want to start that training too. But make sure you take them out and give them plenty of other exercise and stimulation, as it is not fair to just expect them to be quiet and still all the time. (running around the backyard so to speak is not enough for any dog, especially a 2yo boxer, so make sure you are doing lots with them).

Crate training is also excellent and gives your dog a quiet spot to settle. And it doesnt matter if your dogs have never used a crate, old dogs can learn new tricks!! Practice leaving them in there for short periods of time at first and once they calm down they can come out -not before! (they may carry on at first but ignore that behaviour until they settle). Make it a nice place for them to go, a chew treat and cuddly blankets etc. Then down the track, if they get barky or silly you can just place them calmly in the crate and leave them to settle. Be careful not to use it soley as punishment. Use this time to train them to "enjoy" their crate. (they will hate it at first, but dont give in). Eventually it will become their little haven to get away from things.

It is unfortunate that they have already learnt to jump on your sofas and bed. If you decide to change this rule their must be no turning back! You cant expect them to "sometimes be allowed and sometimes not" that will cause confusion. But they can learn, just be VERY consistant and dont ever weaken thinking "oh just this once". Vigilance and consistance are the keys. Again teach this NOW so that the dogs do not associate the changes with the arrival of the baby in 7-8 months. My dogs are most definitely not allowed on any furniture and thats where the crate training is great... THEIR space.

Perhaps you should also do some obedience work with them now, so as things progess you have someone/trainer who can help you along the way. Good luck! And when your baby comes home, you will need to still spend time and energy with your dogs to avoid jealousy (it does happen).

Lastly, try to get your dogs to meet and learn to get used to kids starting now! Slightly older kids that you know will be gentle and calm to start with. Little kids can be a bit noisy and rough, but the sooner you start teaching them to deal with it the better it will be for you dogs and your baby (it will be a couple of years before your baby is interacting with your dogs much (toddler age), so start now and your dogs will hopefully learn to cope with kids (some never do). Introduce them gradually and ALWAYS with strict supervision and watch carefully for signs that the dog is not coping. I used to get my nieces and nephews (ages 4 -12) to make them sit and feed treats etc. so the dogs have to learn to be patient AND that kids can be a good thing... food.

 

[moondog]

Your dogs have not been trained so they behave any way they like. No one has ever taught them any different.

Take the dogs to obedience classes where you will learn how to train them to be well behaved dogs. You have plenty of time to teach them some manners before your baby is born.

 

[Ritchellei]

Before introducing your new puppy, take away all items your dog might feel protective of. Food dishes, favorite toys, even nests or bedding may cause your dog to react aggressively to the presence of another, even if he hasn't shown these behaviors in the past. Clean up any untidiness or clutter, as the dogs may feel pushed together if their space is confined.

Check these links for more info.
http://dogtime.com/bringing-home-a-second-dog-aspca.html
http://dogtime.com/new-dog-old-dog-training-center.html

 

[sheri]

You need to start training your dogs now.

Search for a canine training facility in your area.

As for keeping your dogs off of the couch.....once you have let them it will be extremely difficult to stop. But with patience you may get them to stop. Every time you see them on the furniture tell them off and have them stay. They of course will get up again but you will need to be persistent.

Remember that training is key.


When you have the baby .. have someone bring home the babies little hat that they place on its little head right after birth and give it to your dogs to play with.

This way they will be used to the scent of the baby even before he or she comes home.

Never leave your baby unattended with the dogs. Make sure and give your dogs the same amount of attention after the baby comes home that you had given them prior to the baby's birth. Otherwise they may become jealous of the new comer and that is where your problem would begin.

Boxers are very good with babies and children however with any animal it is best to supervise any contact with the baby until it is older.

Godd luck with your dogs and best of luck with your new little bundle