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Post by AmyJo27 on Sept 30, 2008 15:08:06 GMT -5
I found out I am 17 weeks pregnant (Due March 7). I am concerned about Boomer (my 1 yr. old APBT). It's not that I think he is aggressive or any thing but he is still a "puppy" I've been stressing out about how to introduce him to the baby once I have it. I don't want him to become jealous but I don't want him to get to excited and hurt my baby either! I've heard of having someone bring a blanket you have had the baby in home after the birth but before you bring the actually baby home. He just loves kids so much he gets so excited, that worries me. I just need some advice!!! ??? Thanks!
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Post by Courtney on Sept 30, 2008 16:01:26 GMT -5
Congratulations! I don't have any advice for you, but congratulations!
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Post by RealPitBull on Sept 30, 2008 16:22:56 GMT -5
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 3, 2008 7:50:44 GMT -5
Thank You!!!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 3, 2008 7:54:52 GMT -5
I was also wondering if there was any way to teach him to be calm around the baby. He loves to play and some times he gets really crazy. We walk him every day but he still has quite a bit of energy! Another thing, he LOVES kids and always licks them...and doesnt stop. He would follow the kids around licking them for hours if you would let him, is there a way to break that?
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 8, 2008 7:44:33 GMT -5
LOTS of hardcore exercise is going to be really important (is there a way you can let him run, on a long line, or safe enclosed area on a daily basis?). I'd also teach him a really solid 'go to your place'. You'll have plenty of time to practice this.
As far as him licking kids, teach 'leave it'. I don't have the files here, but I will post steps to training these exericses when I'm home later. For now, I'd also get him around as many kids as possible and work on basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and come. Make sure he's real good at 'four on the floor', as well.
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 9, 2008 12:46:01 GMT -5
Ok, I posted some training info on the Training & Behavior board. Check the sticky threads for Clicker Training and Basic & Must-Have Exercises.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 13, 2008 8:52:04 GMT -5
Thanks again Mary!!!
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 13, 2008 9:11:07 GMT -5
You're welcome, keep us posted! Let me know if you need anything else.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 16, 2008 12:50:34 GMT -5
Well... I had a ultrasound Tuesday and I am going to have a girl! Time to buy pink!
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 16, 2008 13:04:02 GMT -5
Ooo yay!!! A girl! Congratulations.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 16, 2008 17:24:53 GMT -5
Thanks!!! We are VERY excited!!! Im 20 weeks now so half way there!!! We have been working on training Boomer to "Go Lay Down" (Go to your place). It's going good so far!
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Post by DiamondTiger on Oct 17, 2008 9:08:01 GMT -5
How's it going now? If you don't mind my asking, what all have you done to prepare him for the new arrival?
The reason I ask is because I have a lot of experience in this and can give you some pointers as well if you need. I'll wait for your reply before I post anything because I may end up telling you something you already know if I don't. lol
Congrats on your impending arrival! ;D
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Post by AmyJo27 on Oct 23, 2008 15:25:06 GMT -5
Well, I have been working on "Go Lay Down" and "Sit, Stay" My boyfriend Gustavo, has also started jogging with him 3 times a day instead of 2 ( to burn off extra energy). The baby room (which was previously a entertainment room) is now off limits. Other than that nothing has really changed.
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Post by pitpupmom on Oct 29, 2008 8:00:52 GMT -5
Something I've always done is when you buy something for the new arrival let your dog sniff it. Any item, like creams, lotions and all the baby furniture. That way he's not afraid of it. I did that with my dog when my daughter was coming. Had no problems with the dogs. They loved her and watched over her.Also you might want to buy a baby doll and start carrying around the house. It's silly and we all know it but that way he's used to you carrying your bundle around with you.
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 29, 2008 8:09:01 GMT -5
Good advice ^
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Post by DiamondTiger on Oct 29, 2008 8:42:20 GMT -5
It is! And I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't even see that you had replied. Something else that goes along with letting the dog sniff lotions and such is preparing the dog by setting up furniture and other items your baby will be using like strollers, swing, high chair, car seat... and teaching your dog that these things are "off limits" but not a threat. Start pushing the stroller gradually before baby is actually in it, then take your dog for a walk with the empty stroller. One thing I do too, even tho I don't put the dogs in the car with my kids in car seats.... if there's ever an emergency and you just HAVE to do this... it's a good idea to teach the dog that this is off limits in the car too and not to climb in the seat. As far as baby's room goes, I've always taught the dogs to sit t the door, but not cross the threshold. This way they can see what's going on but not feel anxious about the noise that's coming from behind closed doors. Also, if you can find sound wavs on line (there are a ton of sites that offer free wavs for download) or buy a cd with different cries, giggles, gurgles and other baby noises... this REALLY helps in getting a dog accustom to the different noises it'll be hearing. One more thing I need to add here is that it's really important not to change your dogs routine too much as baby's arrival draws near or after the baby comes. I always include my kids (even as newborns) in training. Once a dog understands basic commands, I hold my kids as I run through exercises and this helps the dogs associate the kids with me... and being above them in the "order of things". I don't ever put my kids in a position where they are lower than a dog, so if baby is on the floor playing the dog is crated or in another room. I don't send the dogs away when I'm changing a diaper, I put them in a sit or down stay right by my side.
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 29, 2008 9:41:11 GMT -5
Awesome info, Kat! Can I add this to the sticky on preparing a dog for baby, on this board? Your stuff too, PitPupMom!
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Post by DiamondTiger on Oct 29, 2008 10:17:08 GMT -5
Of course! I've actually been meaning to put together an article for our web site but with having kids, dogs and a hubby to look after and all the rescue stuff going on... I need more hours in my day to do everything I need and want to do. lol
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Post by RealPitBull on Oct 29, 2008 10:31:15 GMT -5
Actually, I think what I'll do is sticky this thread on the behavior board.
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