I've never had to use this advice, but remember hearing/reading it somehwere in the past. Take one of the blankets or a piece of clothing the baby has worn (obviously from the hospital!) home and place it in your dog's bed. This will get it used to the smell as that is the most important sense to a dog.
At some point, when you feel comfortable, hold the dog and let it smell the baby's feet while petting the dog. You want the dog to know you still love it. Try not to be in a rush to let the dog play around the baby. Just take it slow and remember to give the pup a lot of attention too. If the dog feels like it's being ignored because of the baby, you could have a problem.
My son is 14 now and I had a Beagle when he was born. I never had a problem and have pictures of the two of them sleeping on the floor together when he was an infant. Bozo was probably 3 or 4 years old at the time.
Best of luck to you! |