Pup and Babe Intro

As mentioned in my previous post, bringing Olive into our lives turned our house into a home. She has brought a ton of love and joy. Even though we rescued her, we definitely feel that she rescued us.

When my husband and I decided to have a baby, we were a little unsure of how Olive would react. Don't get me wrong - she's awesome with kids! We love to host get-togethers and parties with dozens of our friends in our house; therefore, Olive has been exposed to kids and dogs of all ages; however, circumstances can change that. Dogs, or any pet for that matter, can feel threatened. They can become territorial over their belongings or of their parents. Dogs or cats can take extra time to adjust to changes from being an only child to sharing their parent's love and attention.

Because I was a little hesitant about our new change, we decided to take a class. We enrolled in the Old Pet, New Baby class that the Humane Society hosts. A co-worker of mine recommended. It was an awesome class and I highly suggest taking it. We learned a ton of tips.

Below is a list of tips I can remember:

• Introduce dog to a stroller and go for walks around your regular route to get her used to the new item

• Bring baby's scent home from the hospital before baby arrives to allow your pet to get used to the new smell

• Allow pets to smell baby

• Never leave pet and baby alone, ever

• Teach baby how to be gentle with pet

• Teach pet boundaries with baby

• Try and spend time with pet without baby so she does not feel neglected

• Everything is new and a huge adjustment to all, but eventually there will be a routine in place and everyone will be happy.

For those of you thinking about getting a dog and having kids one day, I highly recommend it. Kids learn to love and appreciate animals. Kids become exposed to a ton of fur, dust and germs but it'll help them strengthen their immune system. They also do not grow up in fear of animals either. I also recommend taking your dog to classes so they learn basic commands such as sit, lay down, drop it and leave it. These commands not only help you teach the dog who is in charge but will also save its life one day (ie. from eating toxic foods). As dogs get older, they slow down too. I do not recommend getting a puppy within a month of having a baby! The puppy may be unable to hold it's bladder through the night. You'll never sleep!

Watching Baby L and Olive interact puts a smile on our faces. At first, Olive had a huge mama-bear instinct. She was protective when I was pregnant. She started to walk in front of me, instead of beside me, when other people or dogs would approach us on our daily walks. She became extra cuddly with me as well. Once Baby L arrived, she became protective of him. Dogs can usually  sense innocence. She would be worried when he cried. Olive would immediately run to his bassinet or bedroom and whine when Baby L cried. She would want to rescue him. If I burped him, she thought I was hurting him and would not be happy with me. Instead, she would attempt to come between baby and I. Olive thought I was hurting him but I had to convince her a few times that he was okay. After a few weeks of her hearing him cry and whine, she became used to all of the coos and sounds Baby L made.

Fast forward to now, they are besties! She honestly lets him do whatever he wants to her. Baby L pulls her ears, tugs at her fur and tail and chews on her toys too. Baby L absolutely adores Olive. He uses her as a pillow and cuddles her. We do not leave them alone, ever, as accidents can happen. Both of them learned to share their toys and food very fast. Olive loves meal times with Baby L as he is notorious for throwing his food on to the floor when he is done eating. 

Young puppies - under 3 years of age are very much like toddlers. They do not have an "off-button", until they are asleep. They need hour long walks, cuddles, fur brushed, teeth cleaned, fed and mental stimulation EVERY SINGLE DAY! Otherwise, they become frustrated and misbehave, or worse and destroy your house by digging or chewing up things they are not supposed to. We are lucky to have amazing neighbours who bring their lovable pup over so Olive can play and let out some energy, especially when we are unable to walk her.

It can be chaotic in our home some days. Both babies may want my attention at the same time. There are days when Baby L is playing by himself, and Olive will bring me a toy, or follow me around like a shadow, for my attention. But, we do have days when Baby L is napping and Olive will get into her favorite chair and snooze as well. Olive has been wonderful on her leash and walking beside the stroller. I wish had I more time to take her out.

Watching my two babies grow has made me very happy. The bond between our child and our canine makes my heart-melt! Perhaps next summer, and when Baby L can walk on his own, he can take Olive out for walks. They can practice leash walking in the backyard for fun.