3 dogs + new baby coming: what do I really need?

[Sharon, RN]

So, we have 3 dogs (a husky/lab/border collie/etc mix, a cardigan corgi, and a "God knows what" mix, ages 1-2.5). I have researched alot about introducing the dogs and the baby who is cooking, but I'm wondering what baby (or dog) things I may need because of the dogs.

I bought 2 Pack-N-Plays, 1 for each floor, to have somewhere safe to put the baby if the dogs start acting up, need to be crated, they need to be fed, or they need to go out right now. We have lots of baby gates around the house already, and the dogs understand what the gates mean. I was thinking I'll need a diaper pail as well, as I'm sure the dogs will be "attracted" to the "treats" the baby will make for them.

I'm not sure what else? Feel free to hit me with any ideas or BTDT. THANKS!!! :

[gini1313]

Well, you probably will need a diaper pail, but my dogs have never been interested in cloth diapers, only disposibles. So, that helps some

[gingerstar]

Brian Kilcommons has a book called Childproofing your Dog which you may find very helpful - I read it for help with my puppy and my children, but he also addresses your situation - bringing the baby into the dog's home.

[Ola_]

Walking well on a leash for when you've got little one in a stroller or sling/wrap, since you don't want to get pulled over. I would also say to take away furniture priviledges if they currently have them, or work on training them to be invitation-only, for obvious baby safety reasons.

A new addition to the family may cause them some stress, and normally they will get less attention/exercise when you are busy with the baby. Finding someone to walk/play with them (neighbour/dog walker/helpful family members) may be a good idea, especially since exercise is known to help relieve stress.

I'll come back and post if I think of anything else.

[yukookoo]

well any bad habbits the dogs have now that may bother you will bother you much much more with no sleep and screaming baby

My dogs bark at EVErythING, this was a problem before DD but now with DD napping and being a light sleeper it is really a problem so training "quiet" or to stop barking when you say is important.

Also i have heard people that played a lot of crying baby sounds to te dogs to get them used to it. It ca stress them out, or they will bark, cry etc. That does not help when trying to get baby to sleep either

My dd was a very fussy baby, still is. So that was my biggest concern, getting her to sleep and not cry.

My 2 chihuahuas did great though, they are both very attached, protective etc.

Decide now, if you want to clean up messes under the high chair yourself or let the dogs do it haha,

I guess just decide on boundaries in general and start setting those boundaries now, even before baby comes.

Can they go in babies room?
Can they go in the bedroom?
do they sleep on the bed?

One thing I was really worried about is the dogs getting dd's toys, thats never been a problem, they just know which toys are hers and dont touch them.

can they eat dd's food in general? If she hands it to them, throws to them? I wish i would've tuaght the dogs to ignore any food in dd's hands. She feeds them all her snacks haha and they will snatch from her. That is something we are working on right now...

[Sharon, RN]

These all are great ideas, and I'll def check out the book. Thanks so much for the advice!

They are generally well behaved dogs, although they do have their moments. So, we'll see.

[emc03]

try and carve out some time for just you and the dogs. after my 6 weeks recoup was up, i really looked forward to dh coming home and taking ds for an hour so i could take zocha outside. she got her attention and i got some time to myself. plus the exercise was fabulous. oh, and if you are getting way behind on grooming as your little one becomes more active, do yourself a favor and budget in grooming. we're suffering through the hotspots from hell right now and it's a huge, stinky, unhygenic mess. i'm not a germ freak, but this is gross. avoid at all costs.