I gave birth this morning to my baby boy, and I'm staying at the hospital for 3 more days. But when I go home I want to introduce my furr baby to my human baby. I know they shouldn't have direct contact, but how do I introduce them?

When you get home, this intro between your pet and dog need not take place immediately, so you will have a chance for observations. You may consider, first thing, letting your pet get the baby scent from a blanket you have been using for your newborn. It will help if your pet is well behaved and knows all basic commands as well.

I had two dogs at the time my son was born, and I never had to give a second thought, both dogs had it all figured out anyway and would come and sniff around the crib, so intro was already done by then with no preplanning.

Don't sweat this, you know your dog better then anyone. You will be too busy with new baby anyway. Good luck mom !

Great question! When I was pregnant with my first child, Sara I used a book called Tell Your Dog You're Pregnant: An essential guide for dog owners who are expecting a baby. It was really helpful and came with a CD of sounds. Max (my fur child!) took some time to get used to the sounds but the book helped on how to do it. It gave me advice on what changes will occur and how to prepare my Max for them. It also talked about the causes for aggression and why it might occur and how to avoid it. It is written by a vet behaviorist too so it cover health issues as well. It also had a whole chapter on bringing a baby home and how to first introduce them. Maybe that will help someone you too.

I remember being so nervous when we brought our first child home. I was afraid the dog would feel like he was being replaced, or be jealous.

We came home from the hospital, and I left my son in his car seat. My husband went in first, to let the dog out, greet him, calm him down a bit. Then I came in with my son. Indy (or lab cross) was very curious about the bundle I had in the seat. I took my cues from the dog. I put the car seat on the floor, and with me sitting beside him, I introduced the dog to baby. After some sniffing, it became licking, and after that they were instant friends.

For months Indy slept under the babies crib, and every time my son would make a peep Indy would come running to tell me "hey, that furless dog you brought home is whining again". When my son started to pull himself up, he would grab onto the dog. No matter how many hands of fur he got, Indy never even growled. When Jared learned to walk, he learned to walk holding on to his best friend. They grew up together. :)

You know your dog. Above all remain calm. Your dog can sense how you're feeling. If you're anxious, the dog will be anxious, if you're scared, the dog will be scared. Take your cues from the dog.

Congrats. :)

Remembering Indy and smiling -

Remembering Indy and smiling -

Thank you Judy. Just that one post brought a smile to my face, and memories, and a few tears. Happy tears. How could they not be happy tears, we had 16 years with that wonderful dog, that's more than most people get. I have wonderful friends, like you, that, even though you never met him, have memories of him as well, because you allowed me to share him with you in my posts.

What more can a person ask for? What more can a dog ask for?

Now don't get me started, otherwise we both know I'll turn this thread into posts commemorating our lost pets. ;)