I have 2 cats...one is an absolute marshmallow, so sweet and gentle.
The other is opposite!! When FH and I have kids, I wonder how they will react.
Junebride
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Re: Parents...how did your pets adjust to the baby?
We were so worried about this - We have had a Peke for 4 years and b/c we didn't have any kids we treated Doll as if she was one... Therefore, when I found out I was pregnant we worried the whole time. I read what I could find and tried our best to get her used to the idea while I was pregnant. As soon as we put up the crib we put a stuffed animal in it and started to pay a lot of attention to it. Anyway, so far so good... I'm sure Doll is not thrilled with sharing her affection and attention with someone else - but she dealing with it. We still make a big deal about her - she used to sleep with us but we stopped that as soon as I got pregnant - we put a nice bed next to ours - that took some adjusting... I have heard a lot of stories of people having to get rid of their pets (I would just die) if I had to do that. However, I am not out of the woods just yet. We still have to see how she does when the baby starts using her floor space - It takes some work - Doll is a sweet dog but I could easily see her not likiing to share anything with anyone else (you know one of those dogs who rule the house) sad but true... Good luck to you - take a book out on it...
jenny11.9
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Re: Parents...how did your pets adjust to the baby?
GREAT IDEA JUNEBRIDE!
our trainer told us to start using a doll in command situations. like put steak on a dish on the floor and practice 'Leave It', and then a doll on the floor and practice with that as well. And hold the doll and talk to it. It's a good idea the crib thing though!
Misha
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Re: Parents...how did your pets adjust to the baby?
My OB gave me this advice and we followed it and to this day have had no problems. He told us that on the day we bring the baby home, come into the house and get down on the floor with baby (we kept him in car seat) and let your dog come sniff, lick, and investigate the baby for 15 minutes or so. He said if you do this they will bond for life. So we did this and our dog loves Joseph, follows him everywhere...
HeatherandNick
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Re: Parents...how did your pets adjust to the baby?
Misha that is exactly what we did! I also le me dog smell Justin's hat fromt he hospital and we NEVER had any problems!
michele31
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Re: Parents...how did your pets adjust to the baby?
My kitty Beemer is my first baby. She is the center of our home, as silly as that sounds. But my cat is not a normal cat. She is like a toddler. She needs a lot of attention, wakes up at 4:30 in the morning for breakfast and even has a 'witching' hour around 3pm where she cries and sit next to me looking for total attention and a possible treat. When I first got her the Vet told me that her schedule probably comes from the shelter (she was placed there at 3 weeks, we got her at 5 months) and that there is pretty much no way to change it Now that the baby is coming I worry all the time. I plan on putting up the bassinet eary and putting a piece of cardboard covered with backwards duct tape (so it is super sticky). That will help her learn not to jump into it and that it isn't a comfty place to sleep. I will also have Scott bring home a piece of the baby's clothing before we come with the baby so she can get familiar with the scent. But honestly, we will also wing some of this. I worry, but I think in time she will grow to love the baby too.
