Sorry I have not been on here for soooo long, but now I am in need of some help.

I am expecting a baby in July which is highly exciting but we are a little worried about Buffy our 2 yr old parsons terrier.

I think she will be ok with the baby but we still have issues with barking at the door and getting over excited and jumping on everyone which is a little concerning if i'm going to be holding a baby. Also she is no longer going to get all the attention she has been getting which we are already making a pointed effort to cut down. Buffy suffers terrible seperation anxiety though this is gradually getting better over time.

Does anyone have or know where we can find information on how we can get her ready for a new baby I want to make the transisiton as easy as possible for her as I know it will upset her as she hates change. our behaviourist has just moved a long way away and is now not as easy to get hold of. Other than that buffy is really sweet and will settle into it all eventually but we are going to have to put some work in but all bits of info really welcome.

Many thanks

Chloe
xx
ps. hope everyone had a good christmas.

Congratulations on your baby! Don't worry, taken carefully and thoughtfully there's no reason why Buffy shouldn't accept the new changes to all your lives! There is good information on the net, such as here and here, for example; type Introducing Dog to Baby into Google and loads of sites come up. Good luck!

Good sites JG :)

What on earth is the breed of dog on the second link :D

Looks like a clipped off Pomeranian!  It happens. :(

Thanks JeanGenie, very useful... I just want to get it right as buffy has not been the easiest addition with a variety of issues, though I am sure I might change my mind and think she was a saint after weeks of sleepless nights, buffy only managed a week!!!  and having a printed list will hopefull mean we dont forget anything.

The neighbours already think i am mad having spent many days walking backwards up the road and opening and closing the front door  about a thousand times doing lead work and wandering about with a plastic bottle full of stones!!! so  i am sure they wont even notice me carrying round a baby doll!!!

Any other useful personal tips greatly appreciated!!

Chloe

Hi Chloe and congrates!
If you think you have greeting problems, think again. We have a very enthusiastic, greet and check out strangers, Dobermann. When she jumps up in greeting, you have a tongue forced into your ear or up your nose! The only thing we do now is tie her to a hook in the fireplace to let vistors through the door unscathed and on their feet. If she settles, she can then be let off to meet and greet. If she then starts climbing all over them on the sofa, it's back onto the lead. She is learning and she still gets to be included and not excluded.

Hi Congrats to you!
It is a very exciting time. One of the best pieces of advice that I was given is to (if possible) get your OH to bring home a babygrow or blanket that your new baby has worn so that Buffy can get used to the new smell. My dogs were intrigued by it and I think it helped when we brought our little boy home (7 months ago now...the time wizzes by so fast so try and remember every minute!)
There is only 1 of our dogs who would jump up for a fuss but since the baby came home he rarely does this anymore and if he does he is very gentle. They have been wonderful but I make sure they all get their regular fuss and cuddles! Will you be going to the JR?

Yes we will be going to the JR, thought about chippy maternity hosp but nearly 50 mins away from JR if any problems and a long way from banbury which is miles from witney where I live.

Thanks for the advice, need all we can. Sorry its taken a while to reply as still having really bad sickness and have been a bit poorly, so much for it all going at 12 weeks!! Buffys been great and she follows me to the bathroom and sits outside till i'm all finshed then comes back and cuddles me in bed very gently ... bless, she doesnt know whats happening.

xxxx
Chloe

When our son was born I carried him in as the dogs had only just seen me and I knew they would be excited to see my wife.

This way she was able to greet the dogs and say hello and then we introduced the baby to them and to be honest apart from wanting sniff and lick him they seemed to know to act calmly

Also no reason your dog has to get less attention than before as you can still take her out for walks - and if my wife is anything to go by they'll end up with even more as you will want to get out of the house!

By the way congratulations

I'm sure all will be fine I just want to get it right and as buffy isnt the quiet well behaved dog we would have tried to train we just need some more tips!!

Thanks for the tips!

Chloe
x

Congratulations :) - I had my first baby in October and was worried how my dogs would react to a baby, they are great with kids but have never really seen a new born so I was apprehensive.  I gave a worn baby grow to the dogs to smell but they took little interest, they were very keen to see Tegan and as they are large dogs (rotts) had to be carefully monitored as they were excited but also quite clumsy so I used to command back when they got too OTT but never ushered them away as I don't want them to feel put out by her, just be careful - this seemed to work and my boy is great with her and is very gentle, my bitch pays little interest to her and I think she is a bit put out by her but still gets all the same attention she used to however they do have to be shut outside or in the conservatory more now as my house is small and obviously I cant leave them in the room with my daughter when I am not there which would mean she could not have a kick about on her mat etc so they dogs spend some time in and some out but they are in 99% of the time at night when my OH is home so we can both watch them.  All is well so far and I would deff recommend using the command back (try to crack it now) so that Buffy knows when she is to leave the baby alone.

I hope the pregnancy and birth go well, motherhood is the best thing ever ;)