37 weeks pregnant. Tips on bringing baby home?

[tenbananasaday]

Okay. So I need all your tips and experience. I am 37 weeks and it just occurred to me that my baby might be coming very soon.. ha. What can I say... it previously didn't feel real to me. I have nearly 4YO dog- a staffie cross. She's a rescue that I've had for three years but I do know a little of her background.. previously lived with a young family and a newborn, but they found it too much caring for a newborn and a puppy so handed her into a rescue. She had separation anxiety at the time, which I think they found difficult to mange with a newborn, ect. She's a great dog with a lovely nature but she is prone to becoming anxious. Any tips or recommendations on how to introduce a new baby to the dog will be massively appreciated? Thank you.

Watching this with interest as currently 21 weeks pregnant with a furry first born to think of!

Don't introduce the baby to the dog. Introduce the dog to the baby.

The dog needs to understand that they are in the baby's territory. My suggestion would be to have someone else take the dog when you bring the baby home, so the dog then comes back and meets the baby.

Best of luck with it all. Sounds like it might be a bit of a challenge.

I had to spend the night in hospital so DH took the worn baby grow home for dog to sniff and get accustomed to the baby smell first. I wouldn’t send the dog elsewhere when bringing the baby home.
There are some tips here on introducing your baby to your dog

www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-keep-your-baby-safe-around-your-dog

I’m 33 weeks pregnant. Dogs have had sight of all the different bits around the house, I.e. buggy etc I’ve been using them around the house (like a mad woman) to get them used to it and now they don’t care. A friend of mine also gave her dog treats when he went near the buggy- good bit of positive reinforcement I thought.

Try your best to stick to her routine, my partner will be doing it predominately initially. Lots of walks and cuddles so she doesn’t associate new baby with lack of anything. I’ve always found consistency is key with anxious dogs.

Mine will sniff baby initially but I would also consider wearing a t shirt and holding baby on it then giving it to the dogs so they understand the new scent without baby potentially screaming

A lot of dogs don’t like the noise of a newborn crying and I have heard of people playing newborn sounds to dogs to get them used to it, I don’t think this is all that necessary but if it helps you to feel more confident then do it.

This is our first baby but I have introduced what was four dogs (three rescue dogs) to numerous children of varying ages and has always gone really well.

By the way- I grew up with a staffie and it was the best dog ever. Cannot wait to have another staffie one day.

@BloodyCreateUsername

Thanks. Yeah, staffies are great dogs. Lovely nature. She's always been good with my cats too.

A lot of dogs don’t like the noise of a newborn crying and I have heard of people playing newborn sounds to dogs to get them used to it, I don’t think this is all that necessary but if it helps you to feel more confident then do it.

Strangely enough I did this and she fell asleep. Granted it was after her walk so probably nap time anyway. 😂

The Blue Cross link above has some really good info. I'd focus on keeping the dog's life as predictable and 'normal' as possible and not worry at all about introductions, as such.

At this stage you don't need your dog and baby to like each other (or even have any real relationship). You simply need them both to be safe and happy.

The time for friendship building comes much later (years later).

Get all the baby stuff up in the house now. If you dont want the dog near the cot pram etc start training for the behaviour you do want.

So treats for the dog being on the floor by the pram bu do not let the dog put feet up on it etc.

Use you tube for crying video sounds etc when your dog is eating

Get a baby gate and fix it to the kitchen door or bedroom door now so you have a safe space to be with the baby and away from the dog. Get your dog used to this asap.

Get your dog used to interactive toys and chews that will amuse the dog when you are busy - again start this now.

When the baby comes reward your dog for not interacting with the baby or baby's belongings.

Have you got a plan in place for the dog to be walked etc when you are tied up with a newborn. If you are going to get a dog walker again sort this out asap.

Congratulations