Best Tips for introducing dog to newborn?

[kerry252]

Hi,
We are adopting an infant soon, and have an 8 year old Labradoodle who is the light of our lives.  He loves kids, but is not really used to babies.  Does anyone have things that worked great for them?  I have read the common things, i.e. bring home baby's clothes from hospital, play cd's of baby sounds, etc.  We can't do the clothes thing, as we will be traveling with the baby and will bring the baby home directly from out of state.  
He tends to be on the jealous side, in that when my husband and I hug each other, he cries and groans!  It's cute, sort of.  It won't be so cute with a new baby.  I think he is going to have a very hard time adjusting.  After all, he has been an "only child" for 8 years!  Thank you so much!

Kerry

[kerry252]

Thank you so much, Eufemia!  I like your ideas and I very much appreciate your thoughts : )

Kerry

[kerry252]

Thank  you Jaybay!
Your idea is a great one, I hadn't even thought of that.  It would be nice to have someone to tell me what to do, given that I will be absorbed with a new baby. A doggy behaviorist would bring some peace of mind.  What the heck, we have already spent many thousands of $ for the adoption, what's a little more, lol.  It's not really funny, but you know what I mean.  In the grand scheme of things, as my husband would say, it's not that much money and would be well spent to ensure a happy and healthy baby and puppy.   Thank you for taking the time to write.  It was very kind of you, and I truly do appreciate your thoughts and all you wrote.  And, also, thank you so much for the well wishes.  You are so sweet!

Kerry

[Jaybay]

Since your dog already exhibits possessive tendencies, I think your best bet is to hire a behaviorist to help you establish rules, boundaries and limitations.  In my opinion, it's best to keep the baby and dog separated for a while until you know he accepts the baby not only as a member of his pack, but one with a higher ranking.  

Don't give him any of the baby's clothing.  If he decides that item is a toy and he starts to shred it, what do you suppose he'll think the baby is when they meet?  His nose will be able to smell the baby just fine from several feet away and with him safely in your arms so there's no need to get up close and personal until rules, boundaries and limitations are established and you're sure the dog understands them.

I know it seems like a lot to ask to bring in a behaviorist on top of a new baby, but remember that you want a solid, respectful and above all, safe  relationship between the two of them.  With a few new skills at your disposal, you'll have a trustworthy friend and guardian to help you with your new baby.  And congratulations!  :-)

[EufemiaJosephineOrozco]

You should try holding the baby and kneeling down and letting him take a look. Watch him very closely, don't let him be clumsy! I know most males are when they're the family babies :) had one myself. My mother said she just put my carrier down and let them sniff me, and they were fine. Other than that, I wouldn't hurt to read up on it and ask a professional! There are classes for that sort of thing too, and that may be worth looking into.