Bringing Up Baby

Dear Dog Lady,

My wife is pregnant with our first child and I am wondering what the best way to get our dogs, a Weimaraner and wire-haired terrier, accustomed to the baby before the baby actually comes home so it is not a huge shock. I don't want to have the dogs hurt the baby on accident. At the same time I want the dogs to keep the same level of freedom they are accustomed to. How should we handle this?

David, Salt Lake City, UT

David, you must be Dr. Spock and Mr. Spock. Look out for your baby first and wisely communicate to your doggy Dubyas – the Weimaraner and wire-haired terrier -- their secondary status in the new family order.

You and your wife know your pets’ strengths and weaknesses. You’ve all formed your pack. The dogs will need a period of adjustment. You should supervise them carefully whenever they are around the baby and understand their “level of freedom” does not mean unbridled sniffing, licking, or stepping on whatever they want.

You and your wife can furnish the nursery and pretend to diaper a doll, but there’s little you can do to prepare the dogs for an infant in the house except bring the kid home and tune in to your animals’ instincts. Already, they must sense changes afoot. Because you can’t explain it all to them (although you can try), there’s no way to predict how quickly they will cozy up to the newcomer.

Rest assured that dogs and babies have lived together in harmony for eons, although at first, you should telegraph your acceptance of the newborn with high-pitched cooing and lots of pats – the same as you would welcome a new dog on the block. Also, firm commands, clear boundaries, and a loving hand will help guide your dogs into this brave new world of baby on board.

Posted by Dog Lady at June 1, 2005 08:49 PM