Dog owners.... Talk to me about how you balanced attention new baby and family dog need - want to avoid dog getting jealous of 4wk old ds but don't want any attention taken away from baby.....

[MrsMc82]

Dog is very uninterested in ds, just has a sniff of him and is very gentle about it.
Been making sure I do have time where me ds and dog are cuddled up on the sofa so he is getting a bit of attention but main thing main thing I'm feeling guilty about is shutting the dog out of the family room when I'm feeding and playing with ds on his playmat and during tummy time ect.... Just don't trust dog not be too bouncy or to try chewing ds's mat/toys ect and not sure I want dog around when ds is playing on the floor - that's reasonable right?? He's a dog after all and ds is top priority above all else....
Dog is just shut in the hall behind a baby gate so can see us but think I just feel guilty that dog isn't gettin same amount of attention he used to and am starting to worry that he'll start to resent ds..... but maybe dogs aren't that deep!!!

[ElenorRigby]

"ds is top priority above all else...."
I think you have answered your own question right there.
Dogs are social animals like us, they understand a pecking order.
However the usurper (a baby) is totally helpless and strange to any dog. I would not take the chance and I am very experienced with dogs. Safety first!
A tip...
My mother gets completely hysterical when her German Shepherd gets anywhere near DD (2 1/2). Sometimes she even hits him in hysteria and he is noticably nervous and trys to avoid DD because of my mothers behaviour. He is a kind dog and well trained. I feel sorry for how he is treated by my mum.
In short I think it is advisable to be very cautious and vigilant without stressing the dog out by going OTT.
I plan to get a dog one day for our girls but not until youngest DD is 4-5 afterall DD is top priority above all else
My 14yo baby died shortly before DD was born

[houmousandcarrotsandwich]

they just adapt to the new way of life. My very mad bouncy dog is completely different with baby.

Dont feel guilty about putting your dog in rank. They are pack animals, it would happen in the wild.

When I shut mine out I give him a toy which he only has at these times (a kong with some food in), which I then think he doesn't see being shut out as punishment.

Its so nice having a dog and baby. I never feel on my own when DH is at work, baby gets fresh air everyday when we go for walks and in the long term teaches children about reponsibilty