ramsey03

What are some things to do? Bring home nursing blankets from hospital? And what should I do for the first meeting?

Ramsey has been around my 4yo since we got him at 13 weeks and has never had a problem with her and loves her very much. I just want this to go well for both baby and doberman.

dobedream

Have you done obedience training with Ramsey?
It will certainly help if you know how to channel his focus.

Toby'shuman

At the time I didnt have a Doberman, but I did have a girlie Retriever.

Before my baby was born I let the dog see the baby's things. Sudden appearance of cots etc I felt might phase her so she was allowed to see the cot, pram and clothes and was allowed to sniff them if she wanted.

When baby came home, I made a point of making a fuss of the dog before I introduced the baby. I felt it important that we re-establish our bond before I did so. When hello's were over I introduced the baby to her. I knelt down and everyone stayed quiet, (trust me that was not easy with my hubby he was panicking). I let her sniff him all over. Of course she got excited but I simply kept calm and after a few boisterous yaps she sat down and looked at him in fascination.

From that moment on she was his gaurdian, when he cried she came and got me. When I changed or fed him she was beside me, watching, I used to laugh she was making sure I did everything right.

Wishing you all the best with the new arrival and Dobe.

Shell81

When my son was born I had my lab (who was also an intact male). We set up everything well in advance, and let him check it all out. My (then) hubby brought home blankets, and clothes from the hospital to let Quin sniff when he came home to let him out/feed him etc.

The day we came home (I had a c-section with my son so we were there for 4 days), I came in and greeted Quin, then had my husband hold him while I held our son and let Quin sniff. We stayed very calm, and praised Quin for the correct reactions. He got a little excited but mostly just really wanted to lick him. From then on wherever my son was Quin was also. EVERY baby picture (I'm really not exaggerating) has Quin in it in some way (even if just part of him), he was that much of a shadow to my son. He loved him more than anything. If my son cried for more than a few seconds before I got to him, Quin would come running like a mad man, and start barking at me like "hey, hurry up, he needs you". My son (who has autism, and is now almost 8), still calls Quin his "big brother", and remembers how much of a shadow and protector Quin was to him when he was smaller.

When my daughter came along, almost 4 yrs later, Quin was an old pro with babies. He came over and sniffed her once, wagged his whole bum like he always did when he really liked someone, and then laid down next to her car seat.

Good luck, and Congrats

Beaumont67

^^^^ Widsom, clearly spoken from a great & loving Mama....Toby'shuman, I wouldn't expect any less family dedication, from you !!
- just like reading, about your life-long experiences / nice share

1982:
When I picked up my wife & 2 day old newborn baby (in front of city hospital)....while our 4 year ol Tanya (treated like our full time baby) was standing in the backseat of our family coupe [967 Beaumont car, 6 cylinder with 2 door hardtop, muscle car look].

RN nurse wheeled new proud MOM and son Andrew out to the vehicle and then she STOPPED, when I opened the side door...Tanya's nose peering out.
- she said, I am not putting the baby in there...LOL...I said, she is fine / and fully OB trained
So home we drove (as a new family), and because the new baby takes up so much of new parents time and fills the entire day, baby had its diapers changed on the end of the sofa...but not until Tanya was invited up, on the couch end and fully included in all day-2-day activities.
(to even lightly nose poke and lick human babies face, when & if she wanted)...thus limit much dober jealousy, which was key #1...to canine balance.

__________________
------------Kelly & (Amy - RIP @ 11.7 y/o)

Beaumont67

Shell81 - Another most perfect dober owner with a baby or two.
- while Quin made sure the little family members were always safe & well....your post should be framed, with the child photos

ramsey03 - If your dobe is family included fully, when baby arrives...potential problems solved, if reasonably behaved & in control prior.

__________________
------------Kelly & (Amy - RIP @ 11.7 y/o)

Shell81

Aw, thank you My son is 7 now, so all my baby pics of him (and Quin) are actual photos not on my computer. I will dig some out, along with my scanner and post a few (if I can figure out the scanner lol). I tear up (good tears of course) every time I look at them and see my tiny baby and handsome old boy together.

Quin was included in everything baby too, just like your Tanya was. Every pic of me feeding my son has Quins head on the other side of my lap lol. He was always glued to him , and so proud of him when people came to see him. He would prance around with a big "grin" almost as if to say "look what we have! Isn't he cool" lol.

I miss that dog so much, he was so incredible with my babies. I had worried before my son was born as Quin was around 5 yrs and had been my (spoiled) "firstborn", but I had nothing to worry about.

ramsey03

Yes he is currently in classes and is doing very well in them!

Patches Mom

Get this months Dog Fancy magazine they were talking of a class people can take for dogs and babies even have a CD of baby crying,gurgling,all baby noises. Was a interesting article the Dog Fancy has a Collie and a Collie pup on the front.