Question:I have 2 bichon dogs 1 is 9 years old and the other is 3 years old. We are expecting our first baby in September. Any tips on what I can do to help the transition? I am trying to get them off the bed at night but nothing seems to work? Any tips?
Answers:
Bichons are very gentile dogs. They are known for an even temperament, so you can probably easily integrate them into the baby's life. As far as the bed problem, buy a crate.
Do everything you can to not upset the dogs' regular routine. When the baby arrives, let them be introduced slowly, and don't ignore the dogs. If they learn that you love them AND the baby, then they will be much more likely to bond with the baby. Bichons are sweet dogs, so you shouldn't have a problem.
When you have the baby have your husband bring a piece of clothing with the baby's scent on it home for the dogs to smell. When you are holding the baby call the dog over and give the dog attention and maybe a treat so the dog associates the baby with good things. Why do you feel the need to get the dogs off the bed? Do you intend to have the baby actually sleep with you? If not, I would just work on training the dogs that the baby means fun and rewards for them.
you can get them there own room. leave the door open and get a gate to put in the door way during the night.
Get them use to the smell of baby things. Ointment, wipes, etc. Also, there is a CD available with about 30 minutes of baby sounds - crying, laughing, etc. I don't remember what it is called.
Thank you for not getting rid of the dogs. Dogs will accept babies as new family members.
Start the baby routine ASAP with all stuff set up.I would go so far as to get up at 2 a.m etc to "feed" a fake baby. Try baby gating your dogs in a different room or crating them to keep them off the bed. The dogs will prob cry over new sleeping arrangements for a night or 2 but persevere. Get crying baby recordings so they hear the noises babies make. If your dogs were obed trained that would help esp the place command. Make sure the dogs get attention when the baby is present so they associate it with good things. For the dogs sake have crates set up in an out of the way spot and teach the kid if the dog is in the crate the kid can not bother him. That gives the dogs a private spot.
wait do u mean UR having a baby or the dog? i thinku are rite? well since ur getting a baby, and ur dogs wont get off the bed, buy them little dog beds and put them in a different room. they will sleep in theyre beds in a different room and they wont bother u at night!
** also if u have other problems with ur dogs, there is a dog training show on animal planet. It's called : It's me or the dog
the dog trainer is sooooo amazing and she trains dogs like u have never seen before!! so watch that show its a really good way to learn how to train ur dog. I'm getting a dog and all i know from training i learned from the trainer on TV. so yea*** good luck!
One of the best things you can do to introduce them all is to place the baby on the floor as soon as you walk in the door with the new arrival. This gives the dogs to smell, taste (lick), & figure out what this new thing is.
I used to train dog in aggression & that is what is advised for a fully trained Police dogs when a new family member is brought in.
You & your hubby & the baby & the two Bichons all sitting on the floor. It is best to get the introductions done as soon as you walk in the door.
Many people think that the dogs will harm the new baby but by introducing them to the new baby on the floor you are basically giving the baby to the dogs & they will show lots of interest. This is the first tie that binds & the dogs will be very protective of something that is theirs. They will let you know when the baby needs you.
Just don't put the babie out of sight where they show so much curiosity that in trying to see what it is they can harm by accident. The baby is theirs as well as yours.
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