Help Needed! Expecting a human baby in Dec! Bully thinks he is the only child! HELP!

[Geaux Bullie]

We are expecting our first baby this December!!! and while we could not be more excited we are not blind to the fact that our bulldog thinks, 1. he is a human 2. I am in fact his mommy and he loves his daddy 3. we should not hold or show attention to any other human children or furr babies in front of him and last 4. every toy or prospective toy for the baby is his. With that being said, WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREPARE?! He already sleeps in a large kennel so that is his private space. He is not a barker by nature so that does not concern us. Mostly he jumps when I have something he wants, nothing can be on the floor unattended and he is stronger than he thinks.

 

[Jennifer Clark]

[MENTION=860]sheshistory[/MENTION] they need help!

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[Davidh]

Bullies usually do well with fur kids, but you need to show him you are the boss of everything and not him. Once the baby comes you will need to keep things off the floor he is not supposed to have.you may have to block off a room for the baby to play, so he can not get the toys. It is also a health hazard for a bully as some of the toys for skin kids can be a chocking hazard or cause an obstruction. You need to start his training now so when the baby comes he will know how to act. [MENTION=2]desertskybulldogs[/MENTION] has raised skin kids around bullies too and can help with this.

 

[2BullyMama]

I agree with DavidH, start training him now, with what is and isn't his and also think about bring in a professional trainer to help if necessary. Hoss may surprise you and be perfect with your skin kid, but it is best to make sure he knows his place before baby comes home.

 

[sheshistory]

I just had a baby (2 weeks old today!) but I'm not sure I will be that much help. I had similar fears as you with my 3 year old bulldog. He is a jumper, he is boisterous, and he has no idea he is 65 pounds but, honestly, I've had very few problems with him. He is VERY interested in the baby but ever-so-gentle on his approach. He wants to be near him, he wants to have my attention, but he's very polite considering! I would suggest, as others have, you get your bully in line now and start setting some boundaries. I would also spend time with your bully and let him lay with you and stuff. This might sound totally whacked out, but I FIRMLY believe my dogs knew I was pregnant and the birth wasn't a huge shock to them. Or at least less of one!

The issues I have had to deal with are more the stress of having a newborn in the house and havoc it wreaks on everyone - including my bully. He's had some tummy troubles and a few behavioral issues (he peed on our rug for the first time...ever) but other than that, I really believe a bond between infants and bulldogs exist so do what you can now and see how it goes.

 

[Lokismom]

Setting ground rules now is going to make it a lot easier in December. Loki is used to being and only child so when my Nephew comes down he is very jealous when I am holding or playing with him. It takes him a bit but he does catch on that he is still our baby but he has to share us with Max.

 

[dalmatina38]

When my granddaughter was born in January of this year Amber was just over a year old and she has done great. She does get excited but is very gentle with Hailey. Now, the toys are a different story all together; you will have to keep them up and away. Amber can not understand the toys aren't hers and neither does Ruby. Also, constant supervision at all times is a must!! Both of mine are great with Hailey and seem to understand she is a baby but I am always on guard, they do like to steal the babies toys an any and all opportunities. Just be patient and alert is the best advice I can give. Our biggest stubbling block so far is the walker; Amber thinks it is something to drag around and when there is no baby in it she tries to figure out just how it works. We cannot leave that unsupervised for one minute because it is just too much of a temptation for either of mine to pass up. It rolls and excites them both. Good luck and congratulations!!

 

[hnhammond]

Along with all the advice you've already gotten, has your bully been exposed to kids before? Maybe you should teach him how to play nicely with little kids by using a friend's kid, going to the park, etc.

Matilda LOVES kids but when she first saw them, she would run full-speed and try to jump/charge into them - terrifying them and also quite dangerous as she has no idea how strong/heavy she is. She quickly realized that children were afraid of her, so to get her to calm down when she saw them, we would use treats to get her into a sit, THEN let the child approach her. As long as she was calm, children would be allowed to pet her. She caught on to this VERY quickly.

Now, she's so afraid of intimidating children, that when she sees one, she flattens out like a pancake and inches over to them very, very, slowly. Then she lies completely still. The children usually will pet her then, because she literally does not move, and she does not budge until they leave. hahaha

 

[Manydogs]

I am speaking from MANY years ago. When my husband and I got married, we got our first dog together. She was our first CHILD. She went everywhere with us.Was always included in everything. When we had our first "skin" baby, she(dog) was included in everything, also. We never acted like she was "left out" of things. We told her "that was her little brother" and she had to help take care of him. You do have to keep on eye on things, but don't make Hoss feel like he is second now. Include him just as you always did, Show him that you still love him, and he is the "big" brother.You do not want him to get jealous of the baby. Teach him to be gentle with the baby,as well as you can, and make him feel important,too-especially when people come to see the baby-don't push him aside. I know things will be hectic at first, but when you get a routine, it should work out! Wishing you the best for your little family! Our two were in all the professional photos together,also!

 

[Jennifer Clark]

Along with all the advice you've already gotten, has your bully been exposed to kids before? Maybe you should teach him how to play nicely with little kids by using a friend's kid, going to the park, etc.

Matilda LOVES kids but when she first saw them, she would run full-speed and try to jump/charge into them - terrifying them and also quite dangerous as she has no idea how strong/heavy she is. She quickly realized that children were afraid of her, so to get her to calm down when she saw them, we would use treats to get her into a sit, THEN let the child approach her. As long as she was calm, children would be allowed to pet her. She caught on to this VERY quickly.

Now, she's so afraid of intimidating children, that when she sees one, she flattens out like a pancake and inches over to them very, very, slowly. Then she lies completely still. The children usually will pet her then, because she literally does not move, and she does not budge until they leave. hahaha

AWE!!!

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[Vikinggirl]

Congratulations on the arrival of a new baby.

05-13-2013, 03:04 PM #1
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Introducing Children to New Puppies
Hi everyone, I've noticed that a lot of people have toddlers or young children and new puppies, and I also have a 5 year old grandson, and I have 3 nephews and 2 nieces who are all under the age of 6. They always get really excited when they are around the puppies, and can get the puppies quite excited as well. I found these really good tips on how to introduce children to new puppies or pets in general, and thought id share them.




Children positively love puppies, and why not? Something magical seems to happen between boys and girls (of all ages) and young animals, particularly puppies. Kids learn affection, compassion and responsibility by caring for puppies.
However, certain safeguards can help to set young children and their new puppies on the right path together from the very start.




Here are 10 tips for introducing a new puppy to young children
By following these simple steps, a family may maximize its enjoyment of a brand-new puppy, while giving the young canine a safe and secure start in the home.




1. Before the puppy arrives, read puppy picture books together
Parents or caregivers can pre-introduce children to puppy care by sharing colorful and informative picture books pertaining to dogs and pet care. A visit to the library, bookmobile or local bookstore can be a fun and educational excursion to prepare for a puppy's arrival.




2. Practice puppy handling with a plush toy dog
Puppies are cuddly, but they are also extremely fragile. Young children can learn to hold baby dogs gently by playing with furry toy puppies before the real puppy's advent.




3. Pick up puppy hazards in the home
By nature, puppies love to chew on nearly anything they encounter, from toys to household objects. Preparing for a puppy's entry into the home includes removing clutter (including small items that may cause a puppy to choke) and anything that may be destroyed by an over-eager puppy's chewing.




Young children should be warned about leaving toys out, where a puppy may chomp these treasured items to bits.




4. Prepare the new puppy's private space
The brand-new puppy will need a safe and quiet spot for resting. A basket, box, crate or small safety-gated room can be ideal. Children can be instructed to leave the puppy at rest when he or she is in this haven.




5. Supervise young children carefully with the new puppy
Even the sweetest, most gentle puppies may bite, nip or scratch--particularly in a panic. Children must always have adult supervision when visiting with a brand-new puppy.




6. Demonstrate delicate handling of the new puppy
The adult should always pick up the new puppy first, modeling gentle touching and secure, but soft, holding of the young pet.




At this point, it is important to warn the young children about keeping the dog's face and paws away from their own faces and necks. Puppy licking may be adorable, but nips and bites can be dangerous.




7. Pass the new puppy to each child in turn
With children seated on the floor, the adult may hand the new puppy to each child. In this way, the grownup is able to show the youngsters, one by one, how to hold the puppy in their laps without danger of dropping him or her.




8. Keep it quiet during interactions between young children and the new puppy
Loud, sudden noises should be avoided during the first visits with a new puppy. Yelling, screaming, stomping, crashing sounds can cause a puppy to panic.




9. Respect the new puppy's feeding and sleeping times
Children should be trained to give the new puppy some space while he or she is eating and sleeping. By keeping such moments sacred, children and adults can help to minimize the puppy's stress and to build mutual trust.




10. Assign only age-appropriate puppy care duties to young children
Children may learn responsibility by helping to care for the new puppy. However, the puppy will depend upon an adult for daily feeding, watering, exercise, discipline and training. Although young children may participate in the process, they need to be supervised and reminded regularly.




A proper puppy introduction can set the stage for many years of affection and enjoyment between the growing dog and the children that care for him or her.




​


July 24, 2012
Introducing Your Pet and New Baby


Congratulations—you're expecting a baby! If your family already includes a pet, you'll need to help that first "baby" adjust to the new one you'll soon bring home.
You can help your pet cope with this big change in much the same way parents help children understand that a new brother or sister will be joining the family. By following the tips below, you can ease your pet's stress, help her welcome your new baby, and ensure that your pet stays where she belongs—with you and your growing family.
Can I keep my cat?


If you're pregnant, you've probably heard of toxoplasmosis because it can cause serious birth defects. However, toxoplasmosis is a rare disease in the United States and is one that can easily be avoided. While the disease-causing parasite can be found in the feces of cats who ingest raw meat, birds, mice, or contaminated soil, toxoplasmosis is more commonly found in uncooked or undercooked meat. More about pregnancy and toxoplasmosis »


How will my pet react?


No matter how much you plan ahead, the addition of a new family member may be difficult for your pet.
Remember, your dog or cat was your first "baby" and is used to being the center of your attention. So it's understandable that she may experience something akin to sibling rivalry when you introduce a new human baby into your household.
You can minimize this feeling by working with her before you bring home your baby. For example, because your new baby will demand a lot of your time and energy, gradually accustom your pet to spending less time with you.
Drastically decreasing attention and frequently scolding, ignoring, or isolating your pet after the baby comes home will likely make your pet feel stressed. If your pet is particularly attached to the mother-to-be, another family member should develop a closer relationship with the animal. That way, the pet can still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with the baby.
How can I prepare my pet?
Below are several suggestions to make introducing your pet and baby safer and smoother for all. Be sure to carry out these changes months before the baby's arrival to best prepare your pet.


Take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and necessary vaccinations.
Spay or neuter your pet. Not only do sterilized pets typically have fewer health problems associated with their reproductive systems, but they are also calmer and less likely to bite.


Consult with a veterinarian and pediatrician if the thought of your newborn interacting with the family pet makes you uncomfortable. By working with these experts before your baby is born, you can resolve problems early and put your mind at ease.
Address any pet training and behavior problems. If your pet exhibits fear and anxiety, now is the time to get help from an animal behavior specialist. If your pet's behavior includes gentle nibbling, pouncing, or swatting at you and others, redirect that behavior to appropriate objects.


Get your pet used to nail trims.


Train your pet to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite him on your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.


Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog, and practice training techniques. Training allows you to safely and humanely control your dog's behavior and enhances the bond between you and your pet.


Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.


Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.


To discourage your pet from jumping on the baby's crib and changing table, apply double-stick tape to the furniture.


If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your pet to see and hear what's happening in the room, he'll feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.


Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.
Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby's name if you've selected one.
Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.


Finally, plan ahead to make sure your pet gets proper care while you're at the birthing center.


After the baby is born


Welcoming a new baby is exciting for your family. Remember when you first brought home your dog or cat? But before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby's scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate.


When you return from the hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. Keep some treats handy so you can distract your pet.


After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.


Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular
routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day—it may help relax you, too. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.

 

[Vikinggirl]

These are suggestions from Ceasar Milan





Our dogs are very in tune with us, so with an event as monumental as a pregnancy, your dog has already sensed that something is up. But just because she has picked up on the new feelings hanging in the air, doesn't mean that she understands what they mean.


Here are a few tips for preparing your dog for the new arrival.


Focus on leadership. Nine months is more than enough time for you and your pet to work through most issues and smooth out any unwanted habits, and for you to establish yourself as the unwavering pack leader. If necessary, hire a professional to work with you. You will appreciate the work you put in now when you bring your newborn home to a calm, well-behaved dog.


Be aware of your energy. A pregnancy affects the entire household. You may feel excited, anxious, or worried. Remember, your dog will mirror your emotions.


Claim your baby's scent. Bring an item that contains your baby's scent, such as a burp cloth, from the hospital before bringing home the baby. During this exercise, it is crucial that you set clear boundaries. Challenge the dog to sniff from a distance, while you are holding the item. By doing so, you are communicating to your dog that the item is yours and then giving permission for the dog to sniff. "This new item belongs to me, and you will need to follow my rules when around it." This helps start the process of creating respect for the baby.


Establish boundaries around the nursery. I recommend starting with the nursery off-limits. Condition your dog to understand that there is an invisible barrier that she may not cross without your permission. Eventually, you can allow your dog to explore and sniff certain things in the room with your supervision. Then you decide when she needs to leave. Repeat this activity a few times before the baby arrives. This will let your dog know that this room belongs to its pack leader and must be respected at all times.


Control the introduction. Start by taking your dog on a long walk. Be sure to drain all of your dog's energy. Before returning, wait at the door step; make sure your dog is in a calm-submissive state before inviting her in. Upon entering, your dog will instantly know there is a new scent in the house. If you have already introduced the scent, it will be somewhat familiar. The mother or father holding the baby must be in a completely calm state. The dog should be allowed to sniff the baby, but at a respectful distance. During this first meeting, do not bring the baby too close. Eventually, the dog can be allowed to get closer and closer to the baby. By doing this, you are teaching the dog to respect the baby as another pack leader.


Teach your baby. Once your child is in the exploratory state, it is important to supervise all interactions between him or her and the dog. This is a great opportunity to teach your child not to bother the dog, yank her tail, etc. These lessons on mutual respect cannot begin early enough. Too many children have inadvertently provoked an otherwise peaceful dog, simply because they were unsupervised or their parents had not given them proper instruction.
Don't forget the dog. A dog does not need toys or special attention to feel important; you simply need to maintain the routine, providing daily walks and consistent leadership. This will help your dog feel secure and allow her to relax about the new addition to the family.


Forget breed. Don't assume your dog will (or will not) pose a problem based on breed alone. Sure, babies have been bitten by Rottweilers and pit bulls, but they have also been injured by labs, chows, and mixed breeds. A baby in Rhode Island was killed by a cute little Pomeranian. What is the key? Leadership. Be honest with yourself. Can you control your dog at all times in all situations?


Your child's safety comes first. If, after working with a professional and on your own, you are still not 100% confident about the safety of your baby with your dog, then finding your dog another home to protect the well-being of your child and pet is a step you may have to take.