getting ready for baby!

Try putting a baby doll in the baby's crib, so that Rosey can get used to seeing that. Then after the baby's arrival, make sure that you give Rosey her fair share of attention too.

My friend Sarah got a CD - i think it was called "Getting ready with Fido" or something like that that was a CD of baby noises - crying etc.. They played it for their dog to get him acclimated. They also had their parents bring home a baby blanket for their dog to smell so it wasn't a weird new smell.

Here's a link from the Humane Society of the United States on babies and pets...Good luck!

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/introducing_your_pet_and_new_baby.html

My friend Sarah got a CD - i think it was called "Getting ready with Fido" or something like that that was a CD of baby noises - crying etc.. They played it for their dog to get him acclimated. They also had their parents bring home a baby blanket for their dog to smell so it wasn't a weird new smell.

I haven't crossed that bridge yet, but you can definitely search certain category discussion on Indy Paws and find out what other members are saying. Congrats and best of luck!

I second the baby doll. That's what my parents did before they had me. They even carried it around so the dogs got used to seeing the baby that way.

Also, just like with a new dog, I think it might be better to introduce dog and baby off your property, so there's less of a territorial behavior from the dogs. I don't know how much that would help, but it can't hurt.

First, I'd just like say how thrilled I am to know that you're not going to give Rosie away just because you're having a baby. I'm so glad that you're wanting to work with Rosie and help her adjust to the baby. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Also, I've heard that carrying a baby doll around is a good idea too. I also remember hearing (Cesar Millan, I think?) that you should make sure Rosie knows that the baby is a dominant authority in your family's "pack," but I don't remember how they said to go about that. You might be able to find out more about that online.

Good luck!

Congratulations!

I have four children and I didn't use the cd but I think that is a very good idea. My husband brought home the baby blanket so Z could get used to the smell of the newbie.

When we came home we were sure to let her smell and see the new little one and didn't discourage or push her away.

If Rosey knows she is still a part of the family even though you have a new addition she will adjust rather quickly.
Also I think it's great you're concerned about Rosey's feelings too.

Good Luck!

Thanks for your advice all.

I got on youtube and found some videos of screaming and crying babies. Rosey tilted her head with interests a lot and sat next to me and listened. I figured i'll keep doing that a little more everyday til she's completely used to it.

I'm going to try walking her with the stroller too :)

I really need to find the baby doll that i let my 6 year old have.

Some of the area dog trainers have classes just for getting dogs ready for a baby. You might look into some of those.

I don't have any advice, but a big congratulations on your upcoming arrival!