https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 03:41:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571704 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:45:54 +0000 youboots 2571704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They are still getting usto her at 15 months. Each age comes with new challenges. We keep them separated unless we are actively supervising. She is not allowed to approach them on their bed- it's their safe space. Dutch has growled at T once when she was petting him and he took off and she grabbed his tail. Just be diligent, I don't feel like we will really trust them unattended around eachother for a few years. There was a good blog post on this recently. Don't force the baby on the dogs.</p> <p>ETA Dutch is a 55# lab mix- we adopted him he is 12-15 years old, no idea.</p> <p>Lucky is a 35# mini Aussie -7.5 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571702 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:41:16 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2571702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: our trip home got messed up, cause our crazy nurse didn't discharge us until 7 pm and so we got home in the dark. It ended up ok but it majorly stressed out postpartum hormanal me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571678 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:08:16 +0000 MrsBrewer 2571678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: LOL! Omg same here. My 110lb lab should be 90-95 but gained a good 10lbs in like 6 months from eating scraps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571519 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:29:38 +0000 YogiRunner 2571519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish we could have brought home something from the hospital first to get our nervous lab mix used to our newborn's scent, but it just didn't work out. So the first interaction was stressful... Our dog had been staying at my sister's and came home all over excited. She saw my DH holding something weird, and when DS cried, she flipped out barking. She also wouldn't come near me that night. Sniffed me suspiciously then trotted away. It was rough! BUT by day 2 our dog was fine. She doesn't care at all about the crying, will come over and gently sniff the baby and lie down right next to his bassinet. I hope all stays peaceful and tolerant once he starts crawling! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571510 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:15:37 +0000 PawPrints 2571510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Tiny newborn babies are pretty much just a source of mild curiosity for big dogs. They'll have months to adjust as baby grows and becomes more mobile. Our dogs were pretty accustomed to our daughter by the time she was old enough for there to be a risk of any negative interactions. We keep an eye on our german shepherd mutt (the golden retriever is amazing and could be trampled and not care) to make sure he never gets completely cornered by the baby - so he always has a way out that he can escape through. And we praise him every time we see him get nervous and then make the choice to walk away, so he understands that we always want him to do that when she's making him uncomfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571459 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:33:30 +0000 RKitty 2571459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Big dogs are often better with babies and children. They are usually much accepting and adjusting to them. I volunteer with a animal rescue group and any family with kids they stress a big dog is better then any small dog.</p> <p>Pretty much everything has been said. Try to get everything set up ahead of time to give the dogs a chance to check everything out before the baby arrives and to set up boundaries. Once the baby is born send someone home to give the dogs a chance sniff something of the babies first.</p> <p>The only thing I haven't see anybody mention yet is to make sure your pups are well trained. They should know sit, down, off, leave it, drop it and stay. If your pup doesn't or needs some polishing on it get them in a class so they'll listen. Our newest dog just got his training done in April and got his Good Canine Citizen even! Our other dog we'd had longer and had done training though we've been working on revisiting several key points. (He doesn't do down well...) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571453 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:25:59 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2571453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only problem we've had with the dog (65# Aussie) is the kids dropping food and her putting on ten pounds in a year. :shocked:<br /> She's infinitely patient with them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571408 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 13:21:58 +0000 MK0180 2571408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an 80lb mix. He is fearful and anxious. However, by doing what others have already posted was a good way to transition him and introduce him to the new addition. My parents, who watched him, brought him DS's hat and blanket to sniff (he also chewed on the blanket - he was still a puppy). We made it so that he "found" the baby in our house (I think this is important) - we had him on the leash as we walked him to meet DS.. And he just 'knew" who this kid was. He also knew I was pregnant (both times) before anybody else did. He was also very young - about a year old at the time so his hyperness was in overdrive but he was/is very good with him. That's not to say that I just leave DS and the dog- I'm always there to make sure DS doesn't grab his tail (which he'll sometimes do) or the dog doesn't take to licking him in overdrive (which he'll do as well). If the dog or DS get too exited I remove one of them from the situation and take them to another room (or outside if it's the dog). Because he's a beast I can't walk him by myself so DH and I usually go after work or on the weekends. He would sit by me when I nursed or pump and we just hung out together when DS was sleeping. I have a pretty tight bond with him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571400 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 13:13:06 +0000 Gigi2 2571400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a big dog (golden retriever) who was 9 when baby was born. She was used to kids and super gentle, and did great when baby was tiny and immobile. Giving her special one-on-one attention was key to keep her happy. I also brought baby on all the long walks in the bjorn, so dog associates baby with the park and fun. It was a little tough when baby started moving and grabbing, I found it stressful even though I trust the dog. Always watched like a hawk and tried to intervene. My husband was less stressed. Now that baby runs around and feeds the dog they are bffs. Just give everyone time, and know that things change so quickly with a baby, so if it's not all perfect or smooth, that doesn't mean it'll stay that way forever! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571398 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 13:08:39 +0000 Pollywog 2571398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 65 pound lab-Pit mix. She is very energetic. We set up the nursery in advance to let her sniff the baby's stuff. She was there when my water broke and I immediately went into active labor. She seemed to get it. A few hours later DH brought home a bloody receiving blanket. When we got home, I went in first to give her hugs and kisses and then we introduced the baby butt first. She sniffed and then ignored him until he cried. She has been fine with him, as long as he doesn't touch her. If he touches her, she glares and moves away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571378 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:46:06 +0000 sorrycharlie 2571378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Sheltie (he's huge) and he was already used to my nephew. But he really didn't care. He excitedly sniffed her when we came home but that was that. He did make sure he was always laying near her but her crying didn't bug him at all!</p> <p>He totally ignored the hat my mom brought to him to sniff, while we were in the hospital. Lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571376 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:42:38 +0000 milag64 2571376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: yeah i've definitely been thinking about around the waist leashes....or just always using a carrier. My husband and I have opposite schedules, so most walks are done individually. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571347 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:24:04 +0000 BSB 2571347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As for stroller walks, yeah, we don't take the dogs. We have a fenced in yard that they can run in. It was so much better when we moved from our apartment into a house with a fence. If we take the dogs for a walk, we'll take them without the babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571345 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:19:51 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2571345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@milag64: for walks we either all go together and one of us has the stroller, one the dog, or we did some leash training with treats so he walks beside the stroller without pulling. I keep the treat in my hand and give to him when he walks beside me nicely (our dog is very food motivated though!) With two dogs I would consider a running leash around your waist maybe? So you have a more stable core control rather than your hands and arms being pulled </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571282 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:42:47 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2571282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a pretty big dog- 55 lbs. I have a nephew who is 3 months older than my son. Anytime my nephew came over the dog could not stay out of his face, she was really bad with it. When she saw our baby, she greeted me, sniffed him and went on her way- it was like she almost expected to see him, so strange. </p> <p>Our biggest problem with the baby and the dog is that the baby is now a toddler and climbs all over the very patient dog. I know that is risky for both of them so I spend so much time discouraging him but he can't resist. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571276 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:30:16 +0000 BSB 2571276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dogs do okay around them. They don't have any aggression. Which is good. My older and larger dog doesn't really care for the babies. I think she still might be a bit scared of them because if the babies crawl towards her, she'll move. My other dog is smaller and likes to lick so we do have to watch that dog and prevent him from licking the babies (faces, arms and legs). </p> <p>My older bigger dog does bark every time someone comes to the door or comes cloes to the house. I was told the babies get used to the barking when they are inside the womb. When they were younger, sometimes they would sleep through the barking but sometimes the barking would startle the babies but they would go back to sleep. </p> <p>Now that the twins are 9 months, and if the white noise machine is not on loud enough, the barking might wake one of them. They usually go back to sleep within 5 minutes. I do get mad at my one dog for barking but I understand why she barks and she's just being protective over some things that happened before the babies got here. </p> <p>Oh, I brought home a hat from the hospital for the dogs to smell when they were born. My smaller dog ended up chewing the hat, which I heard is sometimes normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571269 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:19:11 +0000 MrsBrewer 2571269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@milag64: truthfully, we go on walks at night after dinner once DH gets home from work. I would t be able to do the stroller and control the dogs by myself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571267 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:17:11 +0000 milag64 2571267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: ooh that helps! mine are two big dogs too - how did you handle them with a stroller? right now i walk with one leash in each hand usually, which obviously wont work with a stroller </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571259 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:11:30 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2571259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with everyone and what they've said so far, nothing much to add. Just wondering how everyone thinks it's so easy to walk their dogs with the stroller. Carrier wasn't bad before but he's so heavy and I find myself plodding along slowly. I need to just do it. I feel very guilty about her not getting as many walks as she deserves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571241 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:54:43 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2571241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a large lab who is a rescue and has some anxious tendencies that did worsen as our son started crawling. Before that, he could care less about the baby. We introduced them by having our son in the bassinet and allowing him to sniff him with close supervision and didn't have any issues. </p> <p>Once he was crawling and vocalizing, I think the movement and loud noises freaked our dog out and he growled a few times and even snapped. We quickly made a space that is only for the dog and kept them separated if one of us was not between them physically. This was essential when preparing meals or whatever when we couldn't watch them both like a hawk. We also used a vet behaviourist who said to never trust even the most gentle dog with being alone with baby, touching, pulling, etc. as they are animals after all and can react quickly. </p> <p>Now he is much better as our son is walking. We allow our son to pet the dog but only with us holding him and controlling the situation. We include the dog in everything and let our son throw treats and food bits to him, lots of walks as a family to reinforce that the toddler is a positive thing that leads to food and outside fun time for our dog. We respect the dogs space and don't allow our son to grab him or get in his face ever, and the dog still has his bed and toys all to himself in our main family room so he can observe if he's being excitable (we tell him to go to his bed if needed) and a quieter spot in our room if he needs to get away. </p> <p>Giving them their own space but also keeping them involved in a controlled way while sticking with their routine as much as you can is best I think. Plus getting out for walks and exercise keeps you from going stir crazy and is essential for the dog too! I felt very guilty to shift our attention away from the dog, but also annoyed at the extra responsibility with the dog but it has gotten much better with time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571230 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:48:46 +0000 snowjewelz 2571230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a big dog, but she was older so I think it helped. We didn't do anything special; just always monitored their interactions and never left them alone. Aside from sniffing she was never that interested! Once DD was mobile, she did try to hump her a few times for dominance haha but we nip that in the butt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571228 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:47:39 +0000 mrsjd 2571228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following! We have two big dogs and a baby due in September. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571210 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:32:21 +0000 walshbee15 2571210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a big pit/lab mix and a pomeranian. We did the standard bring things that smelled like the new baby home for the couple of days I was in the hospital. Prior to that we let them come into the nursery once it was all set up and made sure they were calm in there and knew it wasn't a place to play. We brought out all the gear and some toys, swing/bassinet and set it up so they got used to those things around the house. I wore some of the baby lotion we were planning to use so it wasn't a new smell to them. Nothing too crazy but I think it helped them.</p> <p>However, the pom was WILD when we brought baby home. He was just couldn't calm down around the baby and wouldn't stop anxiously barking. It was upsetting and stressful, but I wasn't surprised. He's been a spoiled baby for 6 years so it was a huge transition. But week by week he got better and a month or two in he was totally fine. Now they are buds. The big dog was absolutely awesome as soon as we came home. She laid down when we brought the baby in the door and has been so gentle and sweet and timid around him.</p> <p>I never leave them alone with him, especially now that baby is trying to grab at them every chance he gets. </p> <p>I also agree with Peasinapod, don't feel guilty for separating the dog to another area of the house if you need to. My husband struggled with this but, you do what you have to do to survive when you first come home. Everyone will eventually adjust and you won't have to separate them as much as things settle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571198 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:19:42 +0000 MrsKRB 2571198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a boxer and just took dd home on Saturday! We just make sure to let her sniff her a lot (no face licks) while giving her lots of treats. We make sure to still play and cuddle with a lot so she doesn't feel left out. So far it's been working well, although she does get a little bit jealous when we are paying more attention to the baby. Having visitors over helps a lot too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571195 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:15:27 +0000 FaithFertility 2571195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had am 80lb pit mix when DD was born! I let Bella sniff everything as we put it together, swing crib etc...<br /> We monitored her and let her check outout the baby but on our call! She was older 9 and wasn't too into her, meaning could care less! As DD got older she liked to lick and kiss her and DD liked her too, we again alwaysed were there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571194 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:14:28 +0000 Peasinapod 2571194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also just to add, I agree walks every day so they don't feel neglected! My dogs had also not been around kids or babies much before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571191 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:12:18 +0000 Peasinapod 2571191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a German shepherd and a small dog mix. I ran a lot of interference in the beginning. My dog isn't allowed upstairs so that's where tummy time and on the floor stuff happened. In the beginning if we were around the German shepherd I was holding her. My dogs were still pretty young though , 3 years old when we had our baby. I wasn't worried he'd attack her or anything but he was still such a puppy I just didn't want an accident to happen. He got used to her pretty easily because the interactions were so gradual. Now at almost 2 the big dog is better with her then the little.</p> <p>My only advice is introduce gradually, always supervise, and don't feel guilty for separating them. For me not having to stress was more important then always being inclusive of my big dog. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571189 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:11:21 +0000 MrsBrewer 2571189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have 2 big dogs! One is 75 and the other is 110 lbs! They were never really around kids much before we had DD. Didn't do much either to prep for her coming home. We just brought home a receiving blanket we used with her before we came home. </p> <p>They have been great! So gentle with her, and not nervous at all. I think it helps letting them see your LO grow from the newborn stage and on. That way the baby is still immobile! I will say though, you cannot neglect them. Still go in plenty of walks and get them exercise! That is definitely key. Otherwise jealousy will come. It's so easy to incorporate LO in walks though with bringing a stroller with or carrier! Especially now when the weather is nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/acclimating-dogs-to-new-babies#post-2571186 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:06:04 +0000 milag64 2571186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have dogs (especially big dogs) how did you prepare them for the arrival of a new baby? How did you ensure that they wouldnt do anything stupid to a new baby? Did your dogs react differently to your baby vs to other children? Thanks! </p>