newborns and dogs?

[jaydee4209]

So I'm 7 weeks pregnant with my first child. I have a 1 year old jack Russell and chihuahua mix who I adore but my boyfriend is determined that the two together is not a good idea. Does anyone have pets with a new born? How did things work out?
Thanks!

[3xsacharm843]

I 2 have a pitbull she's always been n house we a bby 5yrs ago shes very protective of him now im 17wks pregnant again and shes came protective ofevery again..my 5yr commands my dog and she listens very well..and cat is the same way never once hadaany issues

[Nikki148]

I have a pitbull n she was great with my girls I'm now 25w n she follows me all ova like security she knows I'm pregnant lol. It's amazing how animals can feel these things. I know she will be great when my lil prince comes

[MelB317]

Honestly I'll trust my two dogs around my new baby more then I'm going to trust my toddler...I have two poodles and they were amazing with my daughter and still are

[sorenr]

Oh and also, the dog needs to know that baby is a higher priority in the pack. Don't be tempted to spoil your pooch, it might be worth detaching yourself a little over the next few months eg.for example, if it is a lapdog make it lie beside you or on the floor, so that when baby comes it hasn't stolen your pups spot! Having dogs and babies can work very well, I think it's good for kids to be around animals too, it teaches them some respect for others and it's also a bonus when it comes to allergies, children with animals are less likely to develop an allergy to pet hair, dust mites etc. Don't give up on keeping your pooch!

[sorenr]

I have a lurcher and a labrador. Both were given a chance to sniff my son, but we made no real fuss at all, they were both fine, my lurcher was actually a very good nanny, lying by the pram and would run back and forth between me and it howling whenever my son started to cry! Never had a problem and my son has never been too interested in either of them so it's all good. Both dogs were brought up from pups with my other 2 kids though and I chose their breeds based on temperament.

don't make too much fuss, never leave them alone together, if your dog is well adjusted and socialised you shouldn't have any problems. I agree with the above poster about teaching your child how to treat the dog as he/she gets older, I reckon most bites in young children happen because of a tormented dog.

[mummah_stiles]

We have a staffy and he has been great with my son who is now 16months. It was a slow introduction as our dog is quite hyper, but, we used a wrap that we had my son wrapped in for the first day in hospital and my partner took it home and let the dog sniff it and put it on the floor / lounge / in his lap and would tell the dog 'no' if he came near it so the dog was used to the smell. By the time baby came home it was like the dog didn't even notice him ! I really think that made all the difference.
It really depends on the dog though and I personally would see how you go for the first couple of months. After that, appt of it is teaching the child what Not to do eg pull tail, poke eyes etc. Nothing saddens me more then people getting rid of or putting down pets that snapped at a child when the child was in the wrong in the first place.