I think I'm just not being patient enough. The baby has only been home for 6 days, so he's really doing well considering.

I'm heading over there now!

has a ton of good books to help you out.

Good luck

Lynn King CPDT

we will be getting a new grandbaby to our house in a few months, I'll save those books.

Cathy
when she first came home

just take it slow. Sometimes it takes a little longer for them to adjust. I like the idea of taking it slow with them together that Tammy suggested.

I think the hardest thing for me was to find time for the dogs "play time" when she was born. They were so use to having all MY attention. Now it's more focused on her. I try to get down and play with them at night when she's asleep or take them on walks with her in the stroller or carrier.

Take care

Thanks! We are loving her to pieces, for sure

Blakely is doing pretty well -just beginning to act like the little ol' lady that she is. I don't take many pictures of her because the flash scares her to death. Maybe I can get some on a sunny day soon.

I'm glad Lola is doing well after her surgery.

We have that same play mat & I'm scared to lay her on it if he's out.

The other two adapted so fast, I guess I was shocked when he didn't. I'll just patiently keep doing what I'm doing. He's a good dog - he just doesn't like change EVER. So I guess this is a biggie for him.

Thanks!
And your little one is Adorable!!!!

Bless her Lil heart, she's a doll, I'm thrilled for you, I have two grandsons and have been pining away for a grand daughter, she is precious! I hope Blakely is well, I haven't seen a picture of her in a long time, Lola is doing really well, she walks so much better now, take care

That is pretty much what I've been doing - I just needed some reassurance, I think, that it shouldn't already be perfect little buddies already.

I had a little girl, Leah, just over 5 months ago and was very worried how the dogs would do with her. I talked to a few people, one in particular who had delt with lots of rescues, and I did decide to "practice" having the baby around before she was born, with carrying a doll around wrapped in a blanket. Weird I know, but I think it kind of helped. At first the dogs were very egger to see what I was holding. But after a few times would just look at it and that was it.

After having her, I did let them interact with me while she was around. They would sit in her room while I fed her, also while I changed her diapers. I think the most important part is to let them be a part of it, but maintain their boundaries as well. The know what are HER toys and what they can and can't touch. Like for example, her play mat. I drew a line around it with my hand and told them no a couple times. Now I can lay her in the living room and they will go near it, but no paws are allowed on the mat. I don't know if I got lucky or if maybe after all the articles I read, I did something right. I am curious to see how they interact with her once she starts crawling.

I also find it important that they know she is above them in the pecking order. Dogs are pack animals and you must establish that you and your husband are #1, then baby, then them. We have three and they know their orders as well in the dog line up. Stella, then Kaiser then Toro.





Books/articles that were suggested are:
Childproofing your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson

http://ezinearticles.com/?Introducing-a-Baby-to-Your-Dog&id=2389871

http://www.siriusdog.com/dog-new-baby.htm

I hope that it works out for you and that the bullies and baby will be happy together shortly.

is making him very nervous. I would keep him at a distance for a week, maybe more... letting him get use to all the sounds, movements, and new routine in the house. Let him watch everything from afar... carry her to his crate while she is quiet and give him a treat while he is in his safe calm place. After a week or two let him come closer as you are holding the baby and she is sleeping, not crying or moving... and give him treats if he acts apprpriately, paising him. I would do this for a week or two... take things VERY slowly. My opinion is that he has nervous energy and doesn't konw how to release it. Make sure (as I know you will) to take special time with just you and him during the few weeks that he watches from afar and adapts. These are just my thoughts.. that baby is so darn beautiful in time he will just love her :O)

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here is a link to a bunch of books about "dogs and children."

http://www.dogwise.com/Browse/SubCatList.cfm?SubCat=Children%20and%20Dogs


maybe check them out on Amazon too.



I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

they are so very special, good luck, but I know he will come around and they will be the best of friends

But I've been trying to expose him just a little more every day. I'm just not sure I'm doing it in the right ways. My poor fella is spending a whole lot of time "in his room". He can see us through the baby gates, so he is not completely secluded.

AND I absolutely LOVE having a baby in the house again. She is sleeping in my lap as I surf

I would think that he needs to have boundaries, untill he is more familiar with her sounds & scents, it may take awhile but he will get it, how much do you love having a baby in the house again GiGi??? please post some more pics