new baby meeting my rottie

[pa cop]

Can you all give me advice to ease the transition?

[LoveMyRott]

I am by no means a dog expert, but I can tell you what I did. Pretty much just all stuff I read in books and help I got from people here.

My dog Chewbacca was about 3 years old when I had my son. I got him when he was about 7 months. He was my baby. Spoiled rotten and all.

I played tapes of my friend’s baby crying from time to time, to introduce him to the noise ( I don't think it really helped, but it can't hurt). I started getting him to sleep on the floor (because I knew my son would sleep in bed with us). I had my husband bring home the little cap that they put on his head right after he was born to let Chewie smell it. Not play with it! Just smell it. I also went in the house first so I could greet Chewie by myself. My husband came in afterwards with the baby. We put the baby in the carrier on the sofa and let Chewie sniff him. For the next couple of days I tried to make sure I gave him plenty of attention too when the baby was around. If I was feeding the baby I was feeing the baby and talking to Chewie or petting him.

Chewie was always kid friendly. I just didn’t know if he would take to kindly to moving down a rung on the ladder for a kid in his house. He’s done great. My son is now 2 years old and the only problem I did have was him knocking my son over when he was learning to walk. Now the kid can take any kind of Rottie bump and stays up LOL:D

With Chewie I did notice him become protective of the baby around strangers. We had a photographer come in to take pictures of the baby, when he went over to the swing to talk to him I saw Chewie jump up and run over . I didn’t let it get past that I just put him in the other room. Ever since then I just make myself aware when my son is around strangers and Chewie is there.

[pandora's daddy]

I just went through this 8 months ago. You can try all the advise on crying noises and using dolls, but I found this didn't help much. Especially since the dogs don't see you giving near the amount of time and attention to a tape recorder or baby doll.

Bringing home a the cap is a good idea. We had the nurse save us a couple of the blankets they used to clean my daughter off with. Getting them used to the smell helps out a bit too.

When you come, definitely go inside and greet your dog first, and then have your hubby or SO come in with the baby. Try to keep you dog calm as possible and use the baby's name alot when the dog is first seeing the little bundle.

We have 2 female rotts. They were in a kennel when we went to the hospital. It was a good thing too since my wife was induced and labor took over 54 hours!!! Most of the time was wait and see, but being first time parents, I didn't want to miss a thing.
If you don't have someone who can stay with the dog, I would recommend using a kennel, if you can afford it. It takes the worry about the dogs off your mind. Trust me, you will have enough concerns even if things go smoothly.

Our dogs were very curious when we first brought Savannah home. I was amazed by their behavior. Usually they are a clumsy pair of clowns. But around her they were perfect angels, very calm when they were near her and moving around as if they were in a house made of crystal. I could tell they knew she was someone special, and have always been great around her.

No matter what your intentions, the dog will probably feel a bit left out at times. Don't feel too bad for ignoring your dog at times. Your first and foremost job is keeping the new baby happy and healthy, especially in the beginning before they form any sleep patterns. After the initial curiosity subsided with our dogs, they were kind of stand-offish. We would sit down with the abby and they would go lay in another room. This phase went away once our little girl started eating solid foods, now they're best friends, lol.

Sorry to ramble on (I already miss those first few stressful but exciting days). My main point is, when the new baby comes home, the baby is your first priority. Don't feel bad if your dog doesn't get enough attention. Once things calm down and patterns are establish, you, your hubby or SO, your baby and your dog will all settle into routines and get used to the new family member and pack order.

That is until they start crawling...should be any day now for me (God help us all!!! LOL)

Good Luck,
Kevin

[ILoveRotts]

My best advise is make sure that you don't ignore the dog.

I brought my baby girl home last year to a house of 3 Rotts. We had no problems because we made a huge effort to include the Rotts. (and it is an effort when your exhausted from the delivery and round the clock feedings etc)

1st let me say my dogs were very very well trained prior to my pregnancy - I don't know how much time you have but use it wisely!

Introduce the dog to the baby. Let the dog see the baby - don't keep it a big mystery. Don't move the dog outside or keep it in another room or crated too much. Try to keep your dog's schedule as much as possible.

Mine did get a little worried at first with the crying but within a few days and plenty of "don't worry guys, she's ok" they got used to it.