Preparing for parents new Belgium Shepherd...

[TheABC]

My parents are adopting a 3 year old Belgium Shepherd. She was found starving in the woods, so we don't know much about her past history. My parents are experienced owners, but it's been a long time since they have had babies and dogs together.

My DS is 4 months old and we visit, usually once a month. I don't plan on leaving the child or dog alone together, but any tips or advice on introductions and safety would be very welcome.

Which variety of Belgian is it? They tend to have different characteristics although of course you can't generalise. Belgians are a guarding and herding breed so are full on and lively as well as reacting to anything strange in their environment.

You are sensible to not leave dog and baby alone but you are lucky that baby is still so young so the dog can get used to DS and his funny little noises without the child being near him.

Belgians are wary by nature so the best thing to do would be to let him get used to DS in his own time. No pressure at all, don't force them to meet 'face to face' just let them be around each other whilst DS is safe in a pram / buggy / your arms.

As he grows up be guided by how the dog is and his temperament. Many Belgians are super but some are nervy / poor of temperament and they are big dogs. Obviously never allow the dog to be cuddled and never leave them alone.

Thanks, Fuzzy. I have not seen the dog yet myself, so I cannot confirm the variety, but your advice chimes very well with what I have read. YY to the baby noises - DS shrieks like a baby bird! I am especially keen to ensure we do not stress the dog or provoke a confrontation, so we will keep it very low key and casual.

One positive is that most Belgians are quite food orientated, so rewarding him for good behaviour should be easy.