behavior with babies
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| Hi,
Lots of regular posters have recently had babies or are pregnant at the moment and I'm sure they'll offer lots of advice too. The only thing to watch for with OES and kids is due to their sizes an enthusiastic sheepie can accidently knock over a small tot. From my own experience - they are loving, gentle and seem to know to be gentle around the little ones. I've had 8 dogs in total, 4 sheepies, each dog was wonderful around my sons when they were small. I think it makes a difference if the dogs were in the home first and have developed a bond with you. I am only quessing on this part ,but I swear they know when one is pregnant and that the child is your offspring and is now part of the family. I would let the dogs sniff some of the newborn clothing you've chosen and when you are in the hospital if possible have someone bring home an item of the baby's and let them smell it. Lots of praise...this is a good thing..a new baby (pack member). Good luck and best wishes on your upcoming new baby. |
| I just want to add that no dog, not matter how beloved should be trusted around and infant. ALWAYS supervise closely, never leave an infant on the floor with a dog in the room unsupervised or even with your back turned for just a moment. As much as we love our animals they are, animals and they have a very different thought process than humans. They may do something which to an animal is "natural and normal" but could have disasterous consequences to a infant. it is so sad to see a dog blamed for acting like a dog!!
Best of luck and good wishes |
| I raised three kids around Sheepies and Goldens.
I used to sit on the sofa to feed the human babies. I loved that time - looking into the eyes of my baby. I also let the 4-foots lay on the sofa next to me (one at a time - they are huge after all). I didn't mind that they would put their head on my legs, right next to the baby, or even when they would lay their head on the baby's legs or body. Gently, of course. I do remember how much interest they had in the diapers. 
When I would put the baby down on a blanket on the floor, I was always next to the baby. No doggy olympics, chase games or throwing toys allowed at that time. I called it quiet time. At first the 4-foots would lay next to me, watching the baby and wondering what kind of puppy we brought home. Eventually they got brave enough to lay next to the baby. Lots of praise for appropriate behavior. |
Congratulations and good luck - I have no advice to offer but I agree with what has already been posted!  |
| Here is a previous post on the subject
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=4216&start=0 There are quite a few if you do a search for OES & Children |
| Our first sheepie, Sheba, was about 4 years old when our first was born. The first thing we did was introduce them. We never shooed him away. Wanted him to learn that a baby was a good thing. He became the best babysitter. If Justin would cry he was right there to see what was wrong. If he was sick, he would lay by his bed till he was better. They were great buddies.
Like the others said though, don't leave the baby alone with your dog. They just don't know how big they are. Also, be careful with bassinettes, swings and high chairs, they can tip so easily. |
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