I am super excited to tell you, we are adding a baby to our pack…

I am now the proud “Lola” (Filipino word for grandmother) to my grandson who entered this world on February 10th…

When I received the call that Melanie went to the hospital – I sat on the side of my bed and fantasized about all the new and wonderful times that lay ahead as we watch this little fella vacation with us, spend weekends and summer months hanging out with me and his “Lolo” (Grandfather).

In the midst of my thoughts, I envisioned him resting right there beside me –  in the middle of my bed.

Smack in the middle of my daydream, Jaxson jumps up on the bed and sprawls out like he owns it. With no regards to me, he stretches long and sideways, exhales out-loud and settles in for an afternoon nap…

What if the baby was on the bed?

DOGS AND BABIES – 

Not too long ago I wrote a post about Harley and Jaxson’s first encounter around small children in our home. They were both exceptional house hosts but I would imagine an infant brings on a different set of challenges.

Goldendoodles are typically very gentle and easy going. They have excellent reputations around babies. A dear friend is raising two precious daughters around her two Goldendoodles… 

Even though I have no fear of either Boys purposely hurting Jamison (nick name for Lee James Bennett IV). I do believe they need to understand that this little bundle of joy requires special care and slow approaches. 

ADDING A BABY TO OUR PACK – 

I have a few months to work on what I call basic baby training before my grandson travels to Charleston. I want to make sure they have a solid recall and respond immediately to obedience commands like –

• sit
• stay 
• down

There will be a lot of “baby-holding” when they come to visit, so periodically I’ve been walking around the house with a porcelain baby doll.

I cradle it – as if it was a real baby and sit on the couch with it.

I’ve placed it on the bed, and used the word “easy” to associate a slow approach when they get close…

There’s a great deal of information out there. From what I read, my take away (things I never thought much of) were – 

• allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight, and sound of the new baby for a few days BEFORE having them in close proximity.
• have your dog sniff the baby (on leash) slowly. Pet, give praise and always take precautions. 
• let your dog approach you and the baby. Allow him/her to choose when he/she wants to interact with the baby. Never force the invitation.
• never scold your dog for picking up the baby’s toys. You don’t want the smell of the baby being associated with something negative. 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES – 

There are mixed emotions from experts about dogs and babies. Many people believe that “man’s best friend” can be an enormous risk to young children. 

As much as I love and trust my Boys – I always tell people – 

They’re incredibly gentle, but they are also dogs!

No matter how much you trust your dogs, never – 

• put an infant or toddler on the floor with a dog
• make sure your dog cannot reach a sleeping baby

It is my intention to take every precaution possible to ensure this very special introduction is done slowly and correctly. It will be such a blessing to watch the Boys fall in love with the baby of our family…

• Helpful Hints When Introducing Babies and Dogs
• Dogs and Babies Don’t Mix

Some things just fill your heart without trying ❤️