How do I introduce my dog to our new baby coming home from hospital?

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

Hello. Actually, this is an excellent idea. If Mayzee has stayed with your in-laws before, this would be perfect. You will need time to rest & caring for a curious dog wondering about all the new fuss may be a bit much right now. Congratulations on your new baby & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

It is very, very important that you stop treating Zeus like a baby RIGHT NOW, so he does not associate any change in your behavior towards him with your new daughter. It is not a good idea to treat him like a baby anyway, as he is not a baby. He is a dog. If he is accustomed to a certain amount of attention from you, he is going to expect it to continue once the baby is here, so you need to get him used to less attention from you right away. Remember that your baby will take up a lot of your time, and he can become resentful and start to act out . As soon as you bring the baby home, sit on a chair with her, cover her with a light blanket, and have someone bring her slowly towards you. Praise him if he is good along the way, and give him a sharp "NO!" if he starts to act aggresive. If he makes it to your chair, give him a treat and praise and "introduce" her to him. He will not understand your words, but he will get from your tone of voice that this is a good thing. If he is calm, you can start to remove the blanket from her feet and let her sniff and lick them. Be sure to keep praising and treating. Gradually lift more of the blanket from her upward as long as he behaves. Continue to praise and treat. Let him lick any part of her except her face, and give her a baath immediately after the exercise. Should he start to misbehave, simply have the other person remove him from the site. Do not scold, or he will make a negative association with the baby, and you holding her. Try again later. This may take several attempts, but if they are introduced in the right way, you may find that he becomes her greatest friend and protector. As she grows, watch for signs of possessiveness when other family members or friends are around. Good luck with this!

Use a pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser. Either may decrease any anxiety. If your daughter is old enough, have her feed Bambi and offer treats and toys to him. She can play or interact with him for very short periods of time initially. This time can be increased as he acclimates. Always use praise and reward as he progresses. Be patient and be consistent. Do not force him to play or interact. If your daughter is an infant, show her to Bambi for ever increasing periods of time. If she is crying or moving, go slow as this could be scary to him, especially if he's never seen a baby.

Keeping the room the baby's stuff is in off-limits can help limit your cat's access to the room so that Snuggle doesn't get in. If you want Snuggle to help get used to sounds, sights, etc. Starting a routine before baby comes can help your cat settle in. Letting your cat sniff objects such as baby wipes, powder, clothing, etc that smells like "baby' can also help her get adjusted to the new sights and sounds and smells. A pheromone diffuser can also be beneficial in the main areas Snuggle hangs out in, and making sure she can easily get to her food, water, bedding, etc so she has her own place to rest and relax is also useful.

I would plan on taking things very slowly when introducing the cats to your new puppy. Since the puppy is so young he should adjust very well and learn easily how to live with cats. The cats will most likely avoid him a lot and that’s OK. Just let them come around to him in their own time. It is important in these early days to make sure that they are not left alone together until you know how they will act with each other. Congratulations on your new puppy. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.