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Permalink Reply by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on December 8, 2008 at 2:44pm

Congratulations!!! I would make sure you have an area where you can keep Bailey secured away from the baby but let him get used to the noises (crying etc.) of the new baby. I dont know about Bailey but whenever we get up in a hurry for something our corgi (caridgan) is right there wanting to know what is wrong! Our cardigan has not been around babies or small children alot at all either and feels that he needs to protect the children when they are being disciplined or if they are crying and someone picks up the small crying child, our cardigan thinks he is suppose to protect them. It is very diffucult to deal with this since we dont have small children around consistently. When we do have small children around he does alright it is when there is too much excitement he doesnt know how to handle it. The other advice I can think of is maybe having someone hold Bailey on a leash while you or someone else is holding the baby and see how he does with that and gradually I would think as he gets used to the baby you will be able to take him off the leash. I would also set up babies stuff ahead of time, so he can get used to it being in the house before the baby arrives, playpen, swing, maybe even high chair? I dont know if this suggestion will help but maybe giving him a blanket the baby has used to put with him in his sleeping area or on his doggie bed. Those are my thoughts hope they help, it will be interesting to see what other people write. Good Luck. Always supervise Bailey and baby, never leave Bailey with the baby.

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Permalink Reply by Dannielle on December 8, 2008 at 5:54pm

Wow so glad u asked this I was going to ask something very similar. I was in a car accident on Fri. night and before they could do x-rays they automatically give u a pregnancy test which is good cause I found out I am pregnant. Droopy and Zero have been my babies ever since I got them. They have been my life and they have never been around small kids. Hope the adjustment works well for u :o)

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Permalink Reply by Kaity on December 9, 2008 at 8:18am

Thank you all so much for the comments and advice. I think I might look for a dog trainer in my area to come and help with the introductions. I also found a website called http://www.dogmeetbaby.com/ where you can get a CD of baby noises to play for a while before the baby comes so that she's not totally unprepared for the sounds that come with our impending arrival.
Bailey is a wonderful dog, she's just very spoiled and used to having things her own way, now that's going to change and like a very young child I worry that it will upset her and hurt her feelings, and that she might take that out on the baby!
We will definitely be supervising the two of them together but of course my ultimate goal is that someday they will get along. I don't want to have to keep them separate for the rest of Bailey's life.

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Permalink Reply by Cindi on December 9, 2008 at 9:51am

Talk to your vet about a recommendation for an animal behaviorist. (We're not talking obedience training.) You will need someone who can help you desensitize Bailey to children and fast moving objects. It will take commitment and consistency on your part, but if you do, it will be well worth it. It's important that you find the right person to help you.

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Permalink Reply by Kaity on December 9, 2008 at 11:04am

Wow Debbie!
Thank you so much for the tips! I printed them out and I'll stick them to my refridgerator when I get home from work tomorrow! Those are wonderful ideas...I think I'll buy the book.

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