I'm personally shocked that just because 'your' possibly pregnant that you would consider getting rid of your dog!

Admitted I don't have kids but my nephews were brought up around 4 Leonbergers ..... the midwife/health visitor was a right b***h and wanted the dogs kept well away from baby .... Errrr Don't think so ..... Go F**k Yourself would have been my answer to her but my sister was slightly more diplomatic but even so, dogs and babies socialised ....

I'm totally gob smacked that its even a consideration

If you were planning on kids and were 'iffy' about babies/kids & dogs together you should never have got a dog to begin with ~ poor dog

Err just to back westi up .... you do say 'personally I would like to keep the dog' ......

Im sorry but being 7mths pregnant myself, i couldnt and haven't even thought of parting with Koda!! and hes a BIG 90 odd pound malamute x!! but hes a gentle giant, but even if he wasnt, thats what us as parents are there for to WATCH that everythings ok....Koda was my first baby and hes never going anywhere...ever xx

I think people are being a bit harsh - no-one has said they are getting rid of the dog, thats why they have asked for advice. Nobody can possibly predict how a dog will react with a new baby and even with the best of intentions and efforts sometimes things do not work out, then of course i think most reasonable people would say the childs welfare should be considered

The OP is obviously keeping her dog and thats why she is asking for advice and is going to put in the extra effort it will take to safely integrate dog and child.

Are you pregnant?

If so, I'm sure all will be fine, especially if handled sensibly although I can understand if you have a measure of worry or concern and 'what if?'.

When I had my first child, my main concern was that my dog is so enthusiastic and bouncy, he might hurt her by accident - trying to say hello, that sort of thing, not on purpose. I didn't leave them alone but supervised interactions. I felt it was important for him to sniff her, get close to her and get to know her. I also had/have safety gates up around the house, that kind of thing although we tried not to exclude him when we were all together in a room. He was already used to them though because they'd been up for a while anyway. I tried to make sure that I continued giving Loki attention too. He was fascinated by the baby and we never had any problems. Even now, she is the only person who can take the post from him without it turning into a tug-of-war. I agree, it is lovely for a child to grow up with a dog/dogs.

I'm due to have a second baby in three weeks and again, have no concerns that there will be any problems.

post 7 continued..

Can I also mention that people often adopt the same high pitched tone of voice when speaking to a baby that they use for a puppy/dog. I am sure this must be very confusing for any dog with a new baby in the house and it may think it is being spoken to or called when it isn't. So if your dog is within hearing distance when you are speaking to a baby it is worth bearing this in mind .

But Koda doesn't live with you..(I only just read your other thread)

I think some members are being too harsh and holier than thou! Keeping a dog and baby is hard work, although I still am one of those people who hate when a dog gets rehomed coz a baby comes along (it wont be happening to jake). But none of you know mark or oscar. Oscar is gorgeous, but he is also a big young bouncy lab. I think he would be a superb dog for a kid to grow up with but its natural for people to feel cautious, but surely its better to offer mark ways in which to help things go smoothly. It also isnt just his decision, but also his OH's!

I was absolutely delighted when I found myself pregnant with my first baby because...


it meant I could have a dog.
Back then, bringing up babies and dogs seemed a natural thing.
It`s sad that times have changed so.

Hay Lauren,

Thank you for the support...I dont think a few reply's took the time to understand the tread...There is a big diffrence in reading and understanding...That said all I was trying to put across was my concerns regarding what other people have told us - Like it's not a good idea to have a new born and a puppy!

I may be rehoming another lab for a friend who is pregnant and has believed the "dogs are bad" hype. Even though I ve tried to tell them that with the right steps it can be an excellent experience!

The only reason I didnt mention it is I didnt want it to become a "bashing" thread where people only talked about how bad it was to rehome a dog when pregnant.

Still not confirmed yet. All the signs still there though!

Doc's is booked!

Thank's to everyone who is so supportive!

I can't believe I asked, "are YOU pregnant?" Mark Sorry about that, it's my hormones!

Oscar is around 8 months, I think? So would be around 17 months if you have a baby? Sounds like he'd be as bouncy as Loki. I had to have an emergency c-section and when I came home I had to greet Loki from behind a child gate to avoid him throwing himself all over me with joy, bless him. He was around 21 months then.