Hello I'm expecting my 1st baby in 3 weeks and my dog Boris will be 11 months by then just wondering if there are any tips on introducing them, hes great with children but has never met a tiny tiny baby. I'm buyng a playpen so I have somewhere safe to put the baby as boris is on the large side & I've never met a clumbsier dog! Is it best for him to be in the house 1st or after the baby? Thanks for any advice Dani :)

we bought the baby in to the front room in her car seat and popped her on the floor. We then bought freya in holding her coller and let her sniff the baby. told her she was a good girl and gave her a chew to take her mind off the baby. she did get nervous when the baby cried but just keep your eye on them. if your dog is a bit clumbsy then maybe have her off the floor, but if in her car seat then at least you can move it quickly. Obviously never leave the 2 of them in the room together, just pop the baby in the play pen so she is in sight but can't be got at!! i have been tolds to have the baby's things around now, like the pram, bouncy seat ect.. so the dog gets used to having strange stuff around!! Good Luck with the new addition!!
HTH's
Aly xx

Hi Dani,

Congratulations on your new baby (when it comes). There are actually quite a few things you need to do before baby arives and you need to get started now. The best thing to do is to buy a book called 'You and Your Baby' which explains all the ins and outs. Here's the link in Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1873483228/202-1831022-6759845?v=glance&n=266239&s=books&v=glance

All the best with the new addition!

Cheers,
Patty

Thanks for the advice. I'll have a look for the book

After you've had the baby, get your OH to bring home a blanket or similar that has been used to wrap the baby so that your dog can get used to the smell.  It may also be a good idea for you to come into the house first when you return from hospital, on your own, to greet the dog and get someone else to bring the baby in to meet Boris after you've both said your hellos.
Helen