Young dogs and babies - tips please!

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Hello all.

I have a 3.5 month old sprocker and just found out I'm pregnant (surprised but over the moon!) so I am thinking ahead about the best ways to prepare us all for life with a young dog and baby.

All being well he will be one when the baby arrives. He has been an absolute dream since we've had him - cracked toilet training and all his basic commands really quickly but I'm aware we have the teenage stage coming up! So it would be good to hear anyones tips/training areas to focus on over the next 8-9 months to make life with a baby and him easier (for us both!).

Thank you!

I have older but enthusiastic dogs and here are some of the things I did in preparation

• decided which parts of the house would be dog free (we made upstairs) and put up dogs gates (also handy as baby gates!)
• ensure the dog has a peaceful place that the child is not allowed to disturb them in
• I bought a book from Amazon about preparing a dog for a baby
• played baby screaming noises so they got used to it

One thing to be aware of is my boy dog who has always been very relaxed and sensible around other dogs developed a very strong protective streak and can be quite barky towards other dogs he perceives as a threat. This has continued (although got a lot better) but only happens with me.

Congratulations, my dogs and toddler have a wonderful relationship and she insists on wishing them good night & giving them cuddles. One sometimes retreats to her safe space but the boy dog follows her around.

Bring in all the baby stuff way before you have the baby, cots, prams , use gates on rooms etc. Let the dog get used to the changes before the baby actually arrives.

Put the scent of vanilla on the dogs toys and items they can have. Put the smell of lavender on things they can not have. Get the dog used to this now.You can then put lavender scent on the baby items, toys etc and the dog will not touch them.

Get kongs and use them when you are feeding or changing the baby.

It is a good idea to walk with the buggy or pram before the baby arrives so you have a dog that is happy with this situation and you only have to worry about the baby when it arrives.

Get the dog used to baby crying sounds by playing quietly when feeding the dog - again start this now.

Make sure your dog has a den safe area where they can go to and start to use this and give it value now.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

Oh I loved having a dog when I had my baby. It was lovely to have snoozy company during night feeds. Lovely country walks (yes DS was born in December). Everything about it worked for us.

The dog had a lovely bond. No problems whatsoever. Oh and scraps thrown from the high chair. Hell yes.

Thank you for the replies!

He isn't allowed upstairs anyway (we have a babygate) so sounds like that's a good start. He also has his crate which we will keep his safe space.

Great tip to introduce all the baby stuff early and play sounds etc, we will definitely do that!

I read this which sounds useful.

www.dogsandbabieslearning.com/2016/05/19/got-a-get-out-of-bite-free-card/