Introduction to babies (1yo)

[webangel2b]

Dixie's now had her first introduction to a baby, it's my GF's grandson so you know he's going to be in our lives as well.

The baby is fearless, he's not fearfull at all with Dixie until she barked at him! So the baby's crying, dixie is made to down by me and Dixie will not stop talking/whinning/crying with the baby.

When we pick up the child dixie appears to want to help or wants to monitor our activity. She had to stick her nose right in there.

What do you think of her activity? Is it a problem. How do you handle babies and dogs? Dixie is 4yo, while I think she did pretty well; not sure I can anticipate/read the interaction well enough to judge how well she really did do.

Please help, thanks!

[KarenSasha]

Most Rott's are good with babies. You have to know your dog. She is curious of the baby and the crying and it sounds like she wants to figure things out. My dog was barking like crazy when my friend put a newborn on a pillow on my floor. she would not stop barking. we were nervous and picked the baby up. she stopped barking. seems she did not want the baby on the floor and decided to tell us. every time we put the baby on the floor, she barked. you need to figure out your dog and keep your dog involved so she is not jealous and knows she is included and so is the baby. always use caution until you are sure.

[jlhnokc]

Originally Posted by webangel2b

Dixie's now had her first introduction to a baby, it's my GF's grandson so you know he's going to be in our lives as well.

The baby is fearless, he's not fearfull at all with Dixie until she barked at him! So the baby's crying, dixie is made to down by me and Dixie will not stop talking/whinning/crying with the baby.

When we pick up the child dixie appears to want to help or wants to monitor our activity. She had to stick her nose right in there.

What do you think of her activity? Is it a problem. How do you handle babies and dogs? Dixie is 4yo, while I think she did pretty well; not sure I can anticipate/read the interaction well enough to judge how well she really did do.

Please help, thanks!

Jaycee is obcessed with babies. She wants to sniff and lick and crowd. I don't allow her to. I put her in a down as soon as my company walks in the door and she has to stay there. When everyone is settled I will either bring her to the baby, or bring the baby to her. If for one second she gets too pushy, she is back in a down postition in her spot. I would not allow any barking or whining and if that occurs, I would remove your dog from the situation. IMO that will only cause stress for both your dog and the baby, which in turn associating your dog to understand Baby=Stress.

[webangel2b]

Thanks for the comments. I think "crowd" IS the word to describe Dixie's actions as well. It was an obcession for her.

I totally agree with your opinion jl, I'm thinking about our stress (the auntie and grannie) but I still agree, I don't want Dixie or the baby to have a "stressful" event together.

Like I said, he's going to around, as he grows I when them both to have healthy interaction. Don't want to start off on the wrong footing for either one of them.

Thanks so much!