Introducing a baby to the dog?

[bumbleybee]

I am almost 39 weeks pregnant and have started to worry about how to introduce the dog to the baby.

We have a 5 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier that has always been 'The baby' of the house. He gets lots of attention off everyone. He is abit clumsy and can sometimes be a little boisterous when playing. I worried how he is going to react with a baby around as he has never been around infants or small children before. I don't want him to be shut out of the room or restricted to where he is allowed as I think this will upset him as he usually has the run of the house. I also don't want to have to put him on his lead as I know this will also upset him.I am going to put a sign on the front door to make sure visiting guest don't ignore him when they come in.

What advice can you give on introducing him to the new baby??
I have moved back home until I can find a new place which is why we didnt think to look into all this months ago. So me and the baby will be living here until I find a new house.
Also, I would NEVER leave the dog and the baby alone together so tha wouldnt be an issue. No matter how much you think you can trust an animal you can never trust them 100%.

 

[Dexter Marlena]

It's a DOG. Treat it as such. Do not put human feelings on the dog. His main goal is to become the pack leader. If he can't do that he'll protect his space and whomever he feels is the pack leader.

Small steps and do NOT leave baby alone with the dog.

I think it is perfectly ok to start changing the dogs boundaries. And, the sign is a bit much. If I'm coming to see your baby, I'll greet the dog and then direct my attention where my interests are-- the new human baby.

 

[Megan Riley]

With any breed of dog it can be dangerous introducing a new born you are bringing your baby into a possibly harmful/deadly situation because you own a dog that has not been properly socialized with babies or children. Your dog should of never been "babied" as he is a dog not a human. He probaly thinks hes pack leader. You should have enrolled him in behavorial classes as soon as you found out you were pregnant.

 

[Pollycallin]

One never introduces a baby to a dog. The etiquette is to introduce the dog to the baby.
'Rover, I'd like you to meet baby Tracey.'

 

[PitGirl]

First off, always include the dog in anything regarding the baby to ensure the dog has a good association with the baby. Don't scold the dog for being interested, but control the boisterous activity. Anytime you bring something new into the house for the baby, show the dog, and say "ohhh, look (insert dog's name), this is for the baby!" then take it to the designated baby room. Let the dog in the baby room to sniff all the new baby things.
I also advise getting a fake but realistic enough baby doll to practice with. This will also give you an idea of how your dog will react to the new baby. Pretend you're coming home with the new baby, sit on the couch, and allow your dog to interact with the baby doll in the same manner you'd expect him to act around your real baby. Praise the dog, and give treats for being calm, and gentle with the fake baby so he will already know what to do when the real baby comes into the house. It might take a few tries for the dog to understand that he has to be calm and gentle, but I don't doubt he can do it.
As you already know, Staffies and Pits are nick named "the nanny dog" because of their love for childnen, and you already know not to trust ANY animal regardless of size alone with any child because anything can happen. So, I think you're well on your way to a proper introduction, just take it slow, practice what I've mentioned, and go from there.