Dogs, newborns advice and opinions?

[Gonnabmummy]

I love my dogs to bits. We had two, a husky (who is lovely and chilled) shes 1 .A neutered male staffy who's around 20 months And we've just got a new staffy puppy a bitch she's only 8 week old.
I just want some honest opinions about dogs and newborns. Mine a so laid back the pup is snoozing on the sofa. The male on a bed on the floor and the husky is asleep in the crate it's bliss.they do have there daft half hour but with themselves then they are asleep again.

I'm due our first baby on 28th August close I know, but I feel I can manage with the pup.

I just want to ask how did your dogs take the arrival of you LO did they even bat an eyelid?
Know one knows we have this pup as I can't be bothered with the comments. I'm about to turn 22 and adults in my life all speak down like we are kids. 2 colleagues had a good 20 minute talk down to me on my break a while before I left work.
They actually said and I quote "you cannot let your dogs upstairs anymore they will eat your baby"
Eat, eat really! I calmly replied I have no intention of dipping my child in chocolate and laying him on the floor for them, also what happens when baby is downstairs? Or do dogs only eat children when they are upstairs?!?

When I got up to leave staff room the woman held my arm and said "don't worry I had dogs when I had my kids"
So your dogs are fine but mine are like the spawn of satan?

Sorry for the rant but it makes me feel belittled and I don't know what to say. I'm normally a confident person but this type of criticism direct to my face always catches me off guard. I've told DP when baby is here I'm putting a sign on the door saying, my dogs jump up when you come in. If you don't like this please f**k off and wait to we are ready to visit and I will bring baby around.

So after all that. How did your dogs react? And what can I say to negative people?

I've no issues with dogs and babies...but,

2 young dogs and a puppy with a newborn seems like really hard work, do you have a way of seperation them because without it supervision is going to be almost impossible, do you have plans in place for exercising them while your baby is tiny and you're recovering from giving birth and a way of exercising them with a baby once you're feeling up to it?

Come to think of it - how are you going to manage housetraining with a newborn?

Well I think you have your work cut out!

If the dogs jump up when people come in then you really need to tackle this via training etc now otherwise it will carry on and you really can't have dogs thinking it's okay to jump up on anyone.. as your baby starts walking its a receipe for disaster.

Mostly you just cannot have the baby and dogs alone together, ever. But I'm assuming you know that.

Supervision or which sorry? My dogs have run of the house apart from the nursery. The dogs won't be left with the baby, I can't see a situation where they would be. We also have a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs but don't use this. The dogs go outside to do there business and me and DP walk them. I think I owe my pregnancy fitness to them.

I have don't think of my other 2 as young, they are fully grown dogs and act this way. They sleep all day they don't really do anything. DP has a month off after birth so he can walk dogs.

It isn't difficult to walk them we've had three before but the third was a male last time and my male would not accept him, both have been fine with this one as she's a bitch.

They aren't the restless type so when it's pouring with rain if they don't get a walk they don't care.

After birth I have a pram and pup and DP walks the two dogs we already had like usual.

Re housetraining she's been fab everytime she wakes up I just plop her outside and she goes. The back door is always open in nice weather and she's even been taking her self out, I think she's watching my other dogs. I have paper at the back door but she's been going out touch wood all doesn't go to pot

Supervision of both dogs and baby, lol...dogs playing and a baby having floor time doesn't really work, neither does a mobile baby trying to play with dogs and they're mobile for years before they can understand not to harrass dogs.

It's also amazing how often you need to leave a baby in a room to go get something or go to the toilet :) dogs are easier to move away than babies.

I mention housetraining because interrupting what you're doing with a baby to let a dog out can be way harder than you'd imagine.

Walking - I wasn't assuming that your dogs are hard to walk, it's just that when you have a new baby there are days when just managing to get dressed feels like an accomplishment, nevermind leaving the house.

Basically have a plan in place for when the baby is anywhere low down, for when you need to leave the room and how to stop a crawling baby trying to poke the dogs (I don't know why, but they do like to do that) and assume that for a few months you may not manage to do anything meaningful towards looking after the dogs...you may well be able to much sooner than that, but if you've planned for the worst case scenario at least you'll have it covered if it does take a while.

Well DP has a month off and I suggested a dog walker which we used to have, to take them for an hour maybe 3/4 times a week. Dogs are easily moved into kitchen or something, we also have a cage they are trained to go into on command.
I don't let them roam when we are out.
I have one of them pen thing from Argos which form a hexagon shape or turn into a room divider.

Re dogs jumping, they never jump at me or DP or when on walk etc but no one every comes to our house and that's how I like it. But I imagine I will be bombarded with people I never see due to baby. If they come announced the dogs will happily play outside with a bone for half hour but when people just waltz in they get really excited. Within 2 minutes they are back to lying down.

I'm not trying to say it won't be harder than having no dogs but surely it can't be that bad? I know families with 2/3 dogs and 5 kids!

Think the dog walker would be worth their weight in gold that's a definite on the to do list

I have a thread further down about this. I get looks of horror when I tell people my dog is not going to be moved outside full time and I'm DEFINATELY not giving him up. He's a 15 month golden retriever. I think provided we're realistic about things then things will work themselves out.

Keeping their routine as much the same as possible helps so maybe get the dog walker back into their lives now not when baby arrives?

Also get them used to being the other side of the stairgate, just as an extra way of coralling them when you & baby are upstairs.

If they sleep with you that maybe is something to rethink as they may get jealous of the attention baby gets even if they have always been fine before with you.

"I'm not trying to say it won't be harder than having no dogs but surely it can't be that bad?"

Ah it's not that the dogs are hard, not really, you know what you're doing with them already after all, you're used to them.

It's just hard to imagine exactly how exhausting and time consuming one tiny human can be and fitting them both in together can be very hard work.

You might adjust to having a baby easily and seamlessly or you might be a bit of an exhausted, sleep deprived, overwhelmed wreck for months and months or most likely like most people somewhere in-between, but there's no real way of telling until you're doing it.

Basically it's one of those things where you plan for the worst and hope for the best...it's way better to make plans you don't need than to suddenly have an issue with no easy solution.

I had a border collie puppy which I got 12 weeks before my DD was born. It was absolutely fine. The dog was well trained, I used to go to dog training with DD and the dog wasn't allowed upstairs.
If baby was on the floor and I left the room for a moment I took the dog with me and walks weren't a problem. They grew up together and were the best of friends, providing your dogs are trained and you are sensible I can't see a problem. You're obviously an experienced dog owner and have thought things through.

I've got two big dogs and a 5 week old baby, it's honestly fine, I don't know what everyone makes such a fuss about,

mrsdevere I'm on another thread over on the pregnancy board where we are admitting to putting nappies & baby grows on teddies, driving teddies around in prams and at least one brave woman has admitted to putting her cat in a sling (and I think another one either had or was seriously contemplating putting a baby grow on her cat) so I don't think you're bonkers at all!

Helga can you link that thread for me to read.

purplemonster that's great I can't see mine been a problem but everyone in my life is like even though they have dogs

My dad often mentions it and when I was born two weeks later his staffy had pups and we all grew together! My mother didn't like this but she survived lol.

I have spent many moons packing, reorganising and trying to find some order amongst the god damn sea of clothes we have for him. The dogs were shut off by stair gate when I'm in nursery and they really don't care.

We've showed them the swing etc and had it on around them, also played baby noises from iPad they just aren't fussed.

My best friends sister had twins when she was my age they're 14 mo now, she had two collie mixes a cat and fell out with her partner. She says she gets on fine.

But i guess it is one of them well you don't know to you've tried it situations.

It's hard. It really is. I only had two dogs (staffs - aged 4 and 5 then) when my DS was born and it was harder than I ever thought it would be. A lot of it was the guilt that I couldn't give them the attention I did before, the baby took up SO much time, more than I could have imagined - I was breastfeeding DS and as much as I loved my dogs I didn't want them in my face when I was trying to do that (and learn how to position, get a decent latch, etc).

A poster above mentioned floor time and I found it impossible to do this happily with the dogs in the room, they would want to put their faces into his and generally trample him with excitement, to be honest they ended up shut in the kitchen and this made me feel even worse.

Walking the dogs became DH's job exclusively as I was always breastfeeding/trying to catch up with sleep and it was hard on our relationship as we had always used our dog-walking time as a chance to talk and connect. I did have a sling which really helped in the days when DS was small but as he got bigger and heavier it was more comfortable for me to take the pushchair, I couldn't take the pushchair to our favoured dog-walking spots (mud, stiles, generally unsuitable terrain saw to this even with an off-road buggy, it was difficult to handle alone) and the dogs became frustrated with a rushed walk after DH got back from work, as obviously he wanted to spend time with his family - we did have lovely walks together on weekends, but again, the guilt was immense - I loved my dogs so much, their lives had changed a lot and I felt it was all my fault.

As DS got more mobile, it became apparent that one of the dogs had a real problem with him and was very uncomfortable around him. I had done all the preparations, got the dogs used to a baby (by carrying around a bloody swaddled doll!), got them off the furniture, stopped them sleeping on the bed well before DS was due so they wouldn't associate their "eviction" with him, played CDs of baby noises/crying, walked with an empty pram to get them used to it on walks, fitted stairgates everywhere, DH brought home a blanket we'd wrapped newborn DS in so the dogs could get used to his smell before they met him. We did everything right and yet there was a clear issue with DS and this dog. Eventually a friend of mine took the dog on as we realised (with some expert advice) that the dog was not suited to a family like ours - he preferred being an "only" dog, and that was fine as he is now much happier with his new owner (he has been there over a year now, DS is 2.7). I know other Doghouse posters will disagree with how I resolved this but it was a truly horrifying, awful situation that you can't imagine being in until you are, and I have to live with the guilt that I couldn't fix the problem. Older dog is very happy in his new home and getting the attention he deserves, but he was very lucky that my friend loved him, knew he wasn't a "bad dog" despite his behaviour with DS, and chose to take him on for life. Staffies who have shown undesirable behaviour towards children don't often get a second chance.

Basically, what I'm saying is that there was a lot of heartache involved as we realised we actually couldn't cope with the situation despite being so determined.

Our other dog is still with us and actually the rehoming of the older dog was beneficial to her character and personality, she is now the laziest thing in the world and likes nothing better than snoozing with DS and the cat. We are not stressed trying to keep a dog that isn't happy away from a curious DS, and life is generally easier. The dog and DS are best friends and seeing them play together is a joy.

I'm not saying you should get rid of the dogs, and I'm not being patronising but it really will be harder than you think.

3 dogs (and 2 dogs) is a pack. One dog is a dog. There are lots of things to consider about dog psychology (seriously!) and how to deal with unwanted behaviours with/around DC. You can't say you know that your dogs won't display any because a) it's impossible to say with ANY dog how changes will affect them (my dogs were perfectly lovely with people and all children, they were boisterous yes but perfectly lovely - however when it came to living with one 24/7 things were quite different) and b) they are still very young - their personalities and characters won't be fully developed.

Again, I don't mean to sound patronising but you're 22. I was just 20 when I got my first dog (the older one) and although I was 25 when I had DS so the dogs were a bit older than yours, I felt like I was out of my depth despite the love I had for my dogs (and child!). Staffies are a very boisterous breed and need lots of stimulation, constant training and exercise. I can't speak for huskies but I imagine they are quite an energetic breed too given their history. You need to be prepared to literally NEVER do anything for yourself. That's what it's like. Bringing up a small child and 3 young dogs is a 24/7, 365 day a year job.

Where did the 8 week-old staffy come from? 8 weeks is quite young for a pup to be removed from her mother, what's the story here? I can appreciate how maternal and hormonal you must be feeling but is it REALLY a good idea to add to your work by taking on another pup? I realise she is with you now but there might be better options for both you and the pup. I don't doubt you will love and adore the pup but it will be a real strain on you. Don't forget that dogs have terrible twos too (well mine was more like "terrible 18 months - the "teenage rebellion" as I referred to it )!

Did you get her from a breeder? Was the breeder aware of your situation? If I were a breeder I would not allow a young, heavily pregnant mum with two young, high-energy breed dogs, to take one of my pups. I wouldn't.

I reiterate my point above about staffies not often getting a second chance. I'm not saying she WILL display undesirable behaviours around DC but having 3 dogs AND a baby may turn out to be too much for you, and if you realise this after a while, she will have less chance of a happy ending if you leave it till later to try and rehome her. I am not suggesting you would, but just telling you what I know about staffies in rescue, etc. An 8 week pup has a very good chance of a happy ending in a suitable home.

Again, I honestly don't mean to be horrible and I have no doubt that you are a perfectly capable dog owner and will be a lovely mum, but you asked for the truth about dogs and newborns, and the truth is it was one of the hardest periods of my life and not one I would repeat in a hurry! I'm not saying "give up your dogs" - far from it, I think it is lovely for kids to grow up with dogs and my experience is probably marred by the problems we had with DS and my older dog - but do think carefully about the pup. Talk to the breeder if that is how you obtained her. There may be a more suitable home out there for her, and you will be lessening your (already large) load by a quarter. There are posters on here involved in rescues who can probably give better advice than I can but my point is to just think carefully about what you're doing.

I truly wish you the best of luck, and I'm here if you want to PM me for a chat. :)

Dogs have been introduced to colleagues toddler 3yo and were very uninterested in her wanted to walk away, but were on leads however never a fresh baby. One colleague does have two very large lab, Akita mixes and she's been very encouraging and just said about taking clothing home from hosp and letting them have a supervised sniff when baby gets back and hers never bothered.
I suppose I'll find out soon enough

We had 2 dogs when the dcs were born. Now there are 3. It's really important to include the dogs where you can. If you are attaching the baby to yourself when it's tiny, dog walks are not a problem. When the LO starts walking (slowly and in any direction) dog toys for throwing are brilliant. We were a bit concerned, initially about the dogs and the babies, but really, with a bit of careful management it was fine. We also put the dcs in a baby cage, which was much easier than struggling with stair gates which didn't fit and the other stuff. The babycage worked really well in keeping everyone safe and you can take bits off to close off different bits of the house.

Wow what a monster post meerkat I thank you for your advice but I feel I have been blessed by the dog fairy with my first two they honestly do not move. I mean they like the walks but they just sleep in the house honestly 24/7

We got our husky at 8 weeks old too, that's common place here? First injection on solids and away....

I can't bring myself to get rid of her so soon especially when she's done nothing wrong. I know the maternal instincts may play a part in me taking her but she's lovely.

I haven't said my dogs won't etc because how will I know but like other posters said I'm sure extra care in not leaving baby etc we will get by.

I have an incredibly supportive DP who works split shift 9-2 and 5-10 so he is able to walk morning, afternoon and night with me even if its just round the block. Plus he has the first month off. And I am definitely getting the dog walker back as it will exercise the dogs and give me some alone time. Also if I feel upto it I could take the dogs out even just 15 mins to have time with them while DP has LO

easytoeattiger I think the cage is like the pen I described from Argos? It's really solid and taller than gates so great for plopping LO in. I know the third dog is young but that maybe perfect time as she will grow with LO. Maybe I'm bonkers I probably am
But the step from two dogs to this one can go smooth if managed well like you say?
I feel like I'm just throwing everything back in everyone's faces but I'm not, I really appreciate it. It's just well I lead a bit of a sad life I don't get out too much and don't have many friends apart from my colleagues who all work 48 hours :( the dogs are my reason to get out and they bring me so much joy, they brighten up by day constantly she types whilst welling up like a big girl
We have a carrier thing for baby when he's born not a sling. I don't know how to describe it lol like one of the baby bjorn carriers but it didn't cost an arm and a leg

Sorry, OP, it is something I have experience of and a lot to say about it!

As I said I'm honestly not trying to put you off, it sounds as though you have the best intentions and are getting well prepared so I really do wish you the best of luck and hope it all works out. My lottery fantasy is still to open a staffy island where unwanted staffies can be loved by me forever but it will have to wait until DS is grown up I think.

It's great you have a dog walker and plans of how to manage your time with dogs/DC. Hopefully you will prove that 3 dogs + 1 small human can be done with relatively minimal fuss! Do let us know how you get on, and if you get any cute photos of the dogs and baby all snuggled up together do post them here! I have a lovely one of DS and our critters all snuggled up last night if you look on my profile. :) I love seeing children and pets living harmoniously forever, it is nothing short of wonderful.

Oh, and ignore the comments. I'm sure people are well-meaning but if they don't have dogs then DEFINITELY ignore them, they know not what they speak of! I'm sure the people with dogs who are making comments are just trying to prepare you. Just nod and smile - that was always my mantra! Well, that and informing them of the "nanny dog" reputation of the staffy and how they are one of just two breeds actually recommended by the Kennel Club to live with children. That should shut them up!

Congratulations on your impending arrival and if you do need anyone to talk to I am here.

Hi Gonna I feel your pain! I am due in November and we have got a much loved 4 year old Border Collie...she is used to being the baby of the house so I am a bit worried about what will happen next! We have been getting her used to baby noises and letting her sniff baby grows etc...she loves children, but we haven't introduced her to many babies. I think once our DC is about 6 or 7, they will be best mates, just in time for the dog to start getting old and grumpy!

My boss' first response when I told him I was pregnant was 'you know you will have to get rid of the dog, don't you' which I didn't think was very helpful at all.

I think you are very lucky in having a DP who can be so hands on at the beginning and make sure the dogs don't have any cause to get jealous. I am similarly very lucky with my DP and hope this will really help - at no point on my maternity leave will I be left with dog and baby alone (not that we have planned anyway - but you never know!) so I hope the dog will get lots of attention and the usual walks, whilst I am completely exhausted and baby focussed!

Good luck with it all and please feel free to pm me.

I was brought up with a staffy and have never come across a nasty one!

Everytime I go to my grandmas I mean like twice a week! and the topic of dogs come up she always says "ohh Rebecca I will never forget when you were 4 and we were walking across the prom and I said be carful that dog looks nasty and you looked up and me and said no grandma not nasty dogs, nasty owners!"

Diego my male staffy has changed a lot of people perceptions but we are really lucky where we live I would honestly say 90% of my town have one or two, even DP mentioned it.
Strangers or acquaintances don't really mention it, it's people closer to me that pisses me off. I suppose they still see me as a child I get a lot of ooo only seems like last week you were 8 and playing on the park

Off to look at your pictures meerkat

And don't forget everyone likes to give you advice about everything when you are pregnant.

Get your sleeping done now, you won't get any when baby is here! etc.

I have also had similarly helpful advice from my step mum about smoking and drinking being fine in pregnancy, as the baby is in a 'sealed unit'. So take pregnancy advice with a generous pinch of salt, everyone has different experiences and just want to be helpful.

I intend on a few pics on Facebook once they are all settled down with some catches phrases like "lunch is served" tehehe. Hopefully it will get someone people to notice how laid back they are.

The people with dogs that comment are often concerned by the dreaded staffy word! But I just pull a funny face. They really do get a bad name even tho as you say meerkat kennel club recommend them.

The colleague that said they would eat my baby being one of those, her two terriers fine, my staffy oh no no no.