What are some suggestions for ways to introduce my Dobie/American Bulldog mix to my now 3 month old. She has seen him as we walk in and out the house and we have low winows that she likes to jump up and look in, but we have yet to actually let her near the baby. At what age is a good time to start introducing? She's an outdoor dog now but within the year we'll be moving and she'll have to be an indoor dog. So i wanted to go ahead introduce her to him.
Most dogs need to be able to greet the new baby early. Then they learn he/she is here to stay and then they start to protect the young one. They can smell the baby's clothes, blankets, hair, hand or walk around as you walk around and let the interaction start between the dog and baby, with you in charge all the time. If you use soft tones and slow movement, the intro should go well. Let us know.
A.
As long as your dog isn't hyper aggressive, I'd go ahead and introduce them under very close supervision. Actually, I would have done this before the baby even came home (we took a cap Alex was wearing, handled it so everyone's scent was on it, and the husband took it home for our pug to smell and get used to).
Be sure to play and talk to the dog while you're holding the baby. Let her sniff him and even lick him if she's inclined. Dogs are pack animals, and you want her to see him as part of the pack. Don't ever leave them in the room alone together, though! You'd rather err on the side of caution!
To me you know your child and your dog best. I had 2 outside dogs when my kids were babies and we instantly introduced them by letting the dogs sniff them and we never had any problems. Just alot of licking. I think the sooner the better :).
How well trained is this bulldog? I do not think that it would be a good idea to let that dog have access to your child at such a young age. I think maybe you could alloe the 2 of them to play. But, only under close supervision. I not trying to say your dog will be mean, I don't even know the animal. I do know, however, that young children will innocently provoke the dog. They grab tails, pull hair, tug ears. You do not know how tolerant your dog will be. Please be careful!!!!!!!!!
As the previous poster said, let the dog have one of the baby's blankets - one that you haven't washed that has the baby's scent on it. We sent one home from the hospital with my parents and they let her sleep on it. When we brought my son home from the hospital, she (our dog) was already used to his scent so she was somewhat already familiar with him. We would sit in the floor with the baby and let her smell his feet and even lick them (but only his feet) while we loved on her. It worked beautifully and they are big buddies now. I don't think you'll have any problems.
I have two kids ( five and seven months ) and five large dogs. When you have the dog near the baby have a calm presence. If your nervous, the dog will be nervous and on alert. When you present your baby to the dog let them smell her butt first. Thats how dogs get to know each other, they smell each others butts.
As long as you have dominance over your dog and you keep a calm assertive presence ( NO Nervousness )your dog will be perfectly fine.
Good luck J.
I think that now is as good a time as any. First, I would put one of the baby's blankets into the Dog's sleeping area (I know it's a waste of a blanket). This will get the dog used to smelling the baby. 2nd, allow the dog to smell the baby while you guys are sitting on the couch and stuff. Love the dog while you are loving the baby. The dog will see the she hasn't been replaced by the baby.
