Anxious about dog and baby

[tiredpooky]

Hello, DD 8m , greyhound 7y very docile, we've had him 5y. getting myself in total state about safety - what about risk to DD of muddy feet and even traces dog poo in the house, feel anxious house never clean enough for her. Also when she more mobile will I have to permanently hover over her to make sure she doesnt pinch sleeping dog, what if he reacted by biting? (not likely but I cannot be 100% certain). I love this dog but i also know i can find him a home easily as he is cat trained. I realise a lot my probs are anxiety. But we waited 5y for DD. She is our miracle.
Advice , stories, suggestions would be great. Think I do need to speak to HV about my anxiety. Will do that.

Congratulations on your dd . You sound very stressed and anxious, I'd say having a chat about that with your GP was a good idea.

You have to hover over your baby anyway until she's about 3 so she doesn't hurt herself, dog or no dog, and by that time you'll know whether there's a problem with the dog (doesn't sound like it though). The world's not sterile and your house doesn't have to be either unless your dd has particular health problems you haven't mentioned.

Have you got space to keep the dog and baby separate for a while so you're not worrying about it?

You do sound very stressed No need to worry about hygiene issues from muddy paws etc - it's actually thought that children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies and asthma: a little bit of dirt does us all good.

A good way of keeping baby and dog separate is a dog gate: Lindam make them and they look just like stair gates, only higher. Your dog can still see and interact with the baby, but they are separate.

A new baby is a wonderful but stressful time: your dog can be a very worthwhile member of your new family, not necessarily a problem.

HTH

Just as the others say.

If it's any reassurance, I've owned dogs all my adult life, including when my two daughters were born. I kept the house as clean as anyone elses but wasn't obsessive about it and was naturally cautious, training both dogs and children to respect each others space. Both my girls are just fine, 13 and 14 now, with no mishaps or health concerns as a result of us owning dogs.

Perhaps that bit about 'training' the DC is important and one some people overlook. Just as much as a dog needs training, children need to be brought up to respect dogs, not to touch their food/bones etc, disturb them whilst they are sleeping or pull them about. My own experience taught me that starting this at the earliest possible age with my DDs has been very beneficial.

Thanks Romanarama, Bella32 and Vallhala
I do feel a lot better for your replies. I realise the problem is not the dog but my perception of the situation. I will try to relax and bit and not be so precious about DD

You're not being precious - or at least no more so than the rest of us are precious about our dogs dc.

Seriously though, Valhalla's point is a very important one: dc need to be supervised and given clear guidance on how to act around dogs. Even the best-tempered dog has its limits and toddlers can be really horrid to dogs - then it's the dog that pays the price. Dogs Trust website has lots of useful info on dogs and children (sorry, cannot link) but with a few basic precautions you can all be very happy together

Hi there,

I had alot of similar anxieties, my DS is now 12months and his relationship with our dog is really coming into bloom. It's lovley to see. I am always cautious not to allow DS onto the dogs bed or to mess with his bowls etc. He is only a baby so he doesn't know 'No' but i just move him on.
We sit down togther and the dog is asked to lie down and we pet him which DS loves. My dog can get a bit giddy so if he lies down he's less paw waving!

Our dog seems to know he is a baby and treats him specially! Takes his ragger toy back very gently etc. The dog also likes to be able to see my DS and gets a bit fussy if he doesn't know where he is.

If i go out on my own dog goes to bed, if i take DS we have a silly barking fit. I'm not sure if this is jelously or anxiety but he has a kong toy stuffed with something as we leave to take hs mind off it and the barking is ignored.

Stair gates are a good idea or a crate if needs really must but I hate seeing dogs shutin crates but at times its the only way and it's not for ever.

As long as you always supervise and pay attention to your dogs body language, they should be fine. Once she's walking they will have such fun together.

Thanks Bella32 and LadyAlex, I do supervise well I just worry about worst case scenarios. Its good to know by 12m they may have a good relationship so maybe I'll calm down a bit then. I have already penned off half the lounge so half is baby and half is dog.

not much to add to the other posts - just that I agree that many dogs have a certain intuition about babies and children. I'm sure you'll see a lovely relationshp grow. and also, more to the point am [anvy] of your cat trained greyhound. I'd love to have a greyhound but we have a cat and although I know they can be cat trained I understand it's very hard work.

We waited 6 yrs for ds - so I know what you mean! Our dog was about the same age as yours is now when ds was born. She was a rescue dog when we got her (aged about 8mo) and probably has a bit of greyhound in the mix somewhere...

Re dirt/muddy paws etc - it hasn't been a problem - muddy towel kept by dog got most of it off before it came into the house properly (the advantages of a short-haired dog!). I did remove toys that were not so hygenic - the ones that could be washed weren't a problem.... and its a good thing they were washed as I had to remove them from ds's grip / mouth on occasions .

Mistledog has snapped (vocally - no contact made) twice at ds (he's now nearly 5) - each time we have told ds off immediately. The dog understands that we protect her and look after her interests so that she doesn't have to worry - we are REALLY careful that he treats her with respect - and make sure that he does the same with other dogs - a word of warning, make sure you teach your dc to ask owners before stroking their dogs.

Also agree that the dog should have somewhere to go to be 'safe' - basket/bed etc - but I would try not to shut the dog out on a regular basis as I would have thought that this is more likely to cause jealousy.

Apologies for hijack: Hatwoman - speak to the Retired Greyhound Trust. There are many greyhounds who are not interested in cats at all

As you were, ladies

If it makes you feel any better, my house is full of dogs and cats, and hair everywhere, fridge, oven, dinners... my children have all survived it and in fact are never really ill other than the occasional sniffle. I am expecting twins, I'll probably be a little more particular then, but maybe not too much...

Obviously I am trying to make light of it, but I do sympathise with you. Dogs are great with children if all is handled properly. It does sound like your anxious, and given your circumstances, I am not suprised at all, but maybe speaking to your HV is a good idea.

:quietly hoping some other dog owners will own up to the hair situation too and it's not just me:

Mud etc a good thing for your baby! I was very careful to not leave my dds alone with my dog at any time while they were still too small to understand how to touch him gently etc.Although I did turn around at one point to see dd aged 15 months RIDING on my poor lomng suffering doggie and singing "horsey horsey don't you stop" .I only had to hear her singing that to know her intentions and thwart them! Make sure your dog can get away from your baby when she is crawling and teach her to be kind to him from the off.