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Post by lyndseycherise on Apr 26, 2006 18:17:21 GMT -5
In June we will be bringing a new baby home and I have so many questions about what to do with our dog who at the time will then be a year old. How can we expect him to react?? He is a very typical adolesent male large breed dog (golden retriever) - playfull and protective and very very active. Is there anything we can do to make the transition easier on him or to prepaire him/us for this new adventure in our life. I will be the one home with him and the baby most of the time and want to make this as smooth as possible so any suggestions, experiances, tips would be greatly appreciated. I want him and the baby to bond and eventually become friends and playmates.
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Post by Nicole on Apr 27, 2006 17:22:08 GMT -5
Congratulations to you. We talked a bit about this here... dogden.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1138731103&page=1#1138731103Take a look and if you want more specifics, give a holler. ;D I personally think that adjusting a dog's schedule NOW to how it will be when baby arrives is very important. And also that the dog is reliable with commands now and to include the dog as a helper to the extent possible. You can teach him now to bring you something...a bag...and then use that when baby comes. Don't freak out when the dog wants to take a peek at baby or it will make the dog nervous. Make sure the dog is exercised. Always supervise.
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Post by sibemom on Apr 27, 2006 22:49:25 GMT -5
One thing you have to remember is that you can not FORCE the relationship between a child and a dog. As Nicki said a dog that is well trained and very consistant with obeying is alot easier to handle around a child. If your dog understands that you are in charge and you have implemented the NILIF, that we all talk about here, then your dog will understand that what you say goes, that he must earn everything you give him and that he can not push his way in for attention, which is a common problem with dogs who were already in the home before Baby is in the picture You have to remember not to ignore the dog either but also like Nicki said start getting him into a regular routine that replicates the way life will be once your bundle of joy is added For the most part dogs will accept a new family member and do have a natural instinct to protect a child. Goldens are very good family dogs but then again remember that all dogs are not Lassie, and as baby gets older make sure that you set rules and boundries for him/her also. Never let things get out of hand between the two and always make sure that your child understands what is acceptable behavior and treatment of your dog. Kids have to learn respect for their fur friends and that is usually what makes a strong bond between the two. I have been lucky all my dogs have been very good with children, but it does take some work to make sure all creatures two legged and four legged are living in harmony . It will be a wonderful experience for all of you and nothing is more heatwarming then to see a dog and child playing together. NOW SEE when hubby comes home from deployment you will have EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROLL ON THE HOME FRONT
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