Should my dog stay with family when our new baby comes home?

Congratulations on your new baby! This transition often causes more stress to parents than it does to pets. When your daughter is born, have someone take one of her baby hats or blankets home from the hospital so that Copley can smell them and become accustomed to her scent. Once she comes home, obviously supervise all interaction between Copley and your daughter. Try to keep Copley's routine as normal as possible and provide him with extra attention and walks whenever you can. Issues tend to arise more when a dog is bored or receiving significantly less attention and exercise. Congratulations!

It would be a very simailar introduction process yes. I have two young children and two dogs as well and the best advice I have is slow and steady. As much as you trust and live your dogs also, do not leave them in the room unattended with the baby. The most difficult time will actually be once your baby is mobile. Please post another question then and I will guide you through the issues of that time. Make sure your dogs don't feel pushed out when baby arrives. Offer them chews and toys in the same room as you while you feed the new baby. Take them for walks while you push the stroller. Make them feel secure and included as mcuha s you can. I find this book very useful; https://books.google.com/books/about/Living_with_Kids_and_Dogs_Without_Losing.html?id=TvizDEJ8yYUC

With proper supervision and enough energy, a new dog can certainly be a welcome addition to a family with a baby. However, this decision varies widely from family to family since a new dog will require a lot of training, attention, exercise, and supervision. There is never a guarantee that it is safe having a dog around a baby. Dogs and babies or children should never be left alone together without direct adult supervision. That said, many dogs and babies live together safely and successfully. Babies and young children must be taught not to pull on dogs’ fur or tails, take toys or bones from them, or interfere with their food or treats. This could result in pain or resource guarding, which can lead to aggression in even the most tolerant of dogs. If you are rescuing an adult dog, be sure that the dog’s temperament has been evaluated around babies and children. Should you choose to adopt a puppy, be aware that the puppy will have more energy and a bit less awareness than an adult dog and could accidentally jump on a baby or cause accidental injuries. Essentially, this is not a straightforward decision and you must consider your entire family dynamic and ability to factor in this additional responsibility.

Whether or not it is safe to leave your dog at your sisters will depend on your dog. If he has never been around children before or has shown any aggression towards children, then it is less safe. No dog should be left unattended around children, so it is best if your dog hasn't been around the baby to keep it in an area separated from where the baby will be- either a separate area of the house or outdoors. Some dogs are fine with babies, others may be made anxious by the presence of a baby or they may view the baby as a prey due to small size and the funny noises the baby makes. Since your dog is so small, perhaps putting it in a pen inside your sister's house would work. He shouldn't be hard to contain due to his size. Whether you should bring him with you is going to depend on where you area going- do they allow dogs? will it be very hot outside? will you have to leave the dog in a car? It can get hot VERY quickly in a car in warm weather even with windows rolled down, so it is not recommended to leave a dog in a car in the summer with warm weather, so unless the places you are traveling allow pets it may be best to leave him behind. Keeping him cool will involve providing access to fresh water, shade, and not leaving him in a car or outdoors for extended periods of time in the warm weather. I am not sure what type of products you are looking for recommendations for? More information is needed from you for that type of recommendation.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My suggestion is to have a friend or neighbor stop by a at least a couple times during the day while you are gone just to make sure Soska is doing okay and has enough food and water, is let outside to potty, and to watch Soska in case she goes into labor a few days early and should any problems arise. If a friend, family member, or neighbor can't be available, I would hire a sitter to stop by 2-3 times during the day while you are traveling. I hope this helps and thanks again for your post!

Oh goodness. This is a big question. You may want to consider a visit with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. As a veterinarian and a mom I can tell you that is pretty easy to keep them separated the first year of baby’s life, but as they become more mobile the next several years are hard. If you have a dog who as a low bite inhibition, meaning he has already proven he will bite, then the likelihood that he will bite a child is high. Other options are to keep them separated 100% of the time (near impossible in my experience), or to keep a basket muzzle on him any time he has access to the children. I also encourage you to consider the size of the dog - and how powerful and destructive a bite will be to a small child. I have been in your shoes and it is a very hard decision to make. I have also been the mom of the child who was bitten. I encourage you to always put your child’s safety above all else. If you want to discuss this further I would be happy to consult with you. Take care.

He may be good with the baby, but it does not sound like he is happy about it! I would get him started on supplements for anxiety like Zylkene and Comfort Zone Adaptil Collar or Diffuser. He may need prescription anti-anxiety medications also during this period of transition. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise - try taking him and the baby on walks or spend extra time playing fetch outside. Try your hardest to keep his routines on a normal schedule - easier said than done with a newborn! It may also help to start some basic obedience commands to help him calm down. Here is an article on things that can be done before baby is born, but you may get a few more tips from it: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1409