1. I knew what I wanted from my dogs and made it clear to everyone. I pictured what I wanted the relationship to be between the dogs and the baby from Day 1 and what I wanted it to be in 5 years. I didn't want dog hair on the baby or on his stuff. I didn't want to worry about the baby accidentally getting hurt. My dogs are big, I have scrapes and bruises from them stepping on my toe or playing with them and I will not tolerate anyone, even my fur babies, hurting my real baby. I did not want the dogs to touch Nico. I did not want them licking him, nothing. In 5 years, I can imagine them running around and playing in the yard. Here is my plan.
2. Establish boundaries. The dogs always slept next to our bed. About a month before Nico came they got kicked out. boo hoo hoo. No one, human or dog, liked it at first but when the baby came everyone understood and was ok with it. First, we moved them to their crates in the kitchen to sleep. Now, they are allow to be loose in the house while the nursery and our bedroom door are closed. 90% of the time they will not go in either room even with the doors open but I don't take chances. I also put a piece of painter's tape on the floor into the kitchen when we moved in. The dogs are not allowed to cross the line. The nursery (and guest room) is on the other side of the kitchen so they know to stay away.
3. Start training before the baby comes and think about what you will need from the dog. I knew I didn't want the dogs to touch the baby so I practiced "leave it" command as often as i could. I use "leave it" so they turn from the baby and/or his toys. I taught them "back up" and "go" so that I could walk into a room and they won't crowd me or if I'm sitting they can give me some space. This is important when I come home with Nico in my arms and the dogs come to greet me. I can tell them to give me space to get in without having them sniffing or rubbing on me or Nico. If I'm sitting with Nico on my lap I tell them to "back up" so they won't get too close to him. I use "in your crate" about 100 times a day! This just gets them out of my hair whenever I need them contained and they always go in their crate when food is out. Basically, all the commands to leave me the @&#%^ alone. Also, keeping up with sit, stay, down, all the basics are important in reminding your dog that you're in control and making sure they learn the baby is "above them" in the "pack order".
4. Teach them that baby is not a toy or something to be scared of. Everything I read said to bring home a baby blanket for the dogs to smell before you come home. I had my mom do that. She said they smelled it, didn't seem too interested and didn't try to take the blanket. That is actually the reaction I wanted. When I walked in the door, I greeted them for a minute or two until they calmed down then my hubby came in with the baby (in the car seat). We let the dogs smell the car seat but did not put it down or let them touch it. I kept the baby and dogs separate most of the day for the first week. It wasn't hard. I spent most of my time in the bedroom with baby anyway. Don't feel like you have to rush this issue. You are establishing something that will last for years. If you don't feel up to it then just keep them separate until you're ready. You don't want to rush and have things not go the way you want. I slowly introduced them by having my mom sit on the sofa with baby and I brought the dogs in one at a time on leash to come in the room and lay down near my mom. They could smell and see the baby while laying down. If they got excited I pulled them back and made them lay down again. I did this a few days. Then I had my hubby sit next to me and allowed the dogs to come in the room without a leash. Still made them keep their distance and lay down. Eventually, I felt comfortable to let them both loose while I was alone with Nico. The dogs understand that they are not allowed to touch Nico but they can get close and we go about our daily lives without worrying. Now, that Nico is 6 months old, he has started reaching out for them and I allow him to touch the dogs but they are not allowed to come to him to be petted. Nico is the one in control of when he touches them.
5. Teach "leave it" with all of babies toys, high chair, bouncers, clothes.... It takes constant attention but my dogs leave all the toys that Nico throws off his high chair and they don't touch clothes left on the floor. I found one toy ring chewed to pieces when I came home from spending the day at grandma's. I figured that's not a bad record.
6. Spend time with the dogs. They still need excerise and attention. You can't expect them to behave if they have tons of pent up energy. If you have to have your friend come to walk them or play fetch or your hubby watch the baby while you take the dog for a walk then do it. I wasn't putting the time in that I thought they deserved so I actually bought Bark Boxes. I figured having new toys would not only occupy their time and attention but it would force me to spend time with them. It was something we could all be excited about and enjoy together. I've only gotten two so far but it works for us so far.
The cat was easy. I let him in the room. The cat ignored Nico the first 3 times they were together. The 4th time, he came over, smelled him and walked away. The cat is not allowed to lick Nico or in Nico's crib. Nico loves to watch the cat's tail as he walks around the room. He has tried reaching out to touch the cat but usually the cat walks away or stays just out of reach.
There are a ton of training videos online. Buy lots of treats and get training! Have fun. If you are scared and nervous your pets will be too and that's not going to be good for anyone.
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