Pets & New Baby

[sportsmom]

I have a 9 year old Rottweiler who has been around my children since he was a pup. My children are now teenagers, however, I have a new baby on the way in August. He's very attached to me and I'm afraid that he may get angry with me giving my attention to the baby. Does anyone else have a large dog and a new baby? If so, how did the dog adjust?

[teddybon]

Is it worth the risk? Can you have your dog adopted locally?

[spudqueen]

I've known two people (one with a small dog and one with a medium size dog) get rid of their dogs when they had their babies - honestly it's just not worth the risk.

[tiny e.a]

Try asking in Animals and Nature, you may get more detailed replys. The people that go on there know alot more about dog behaviour andso will probably be able to give you more well-rounded advice.

[sportsmom]

Thanks Tiny e.a. It would be hard to imagine just getting rid of my dog that I've had for 9 years and who has grown up with my other two children and is just a gentle giant. He's part of the family - but of course my newborn baby would take priority over him if we ultimately had to choose.

[missrandom]

i would have thought if he had grown up with your other children he would be fine. has he ever displayed any aggression to the kids, or possesiveness towards you? we just to have a rottie, we rescued from battersea, he was always possesive of me, then i got pregnant and i KNEW there was no way i could have had a baby and him. battersea re-tested and had to put him to sleep as too aggressive, it was heartbreaking.

[Budlet]

I have an 8 year old rottweiler who is absolutely fine with my three kids. We got her when my youngest was four and she is a huge part of our family. It's common sense really - it doesn't matter how big or small the dog is you never leave them alone with the baby. If it was me I would find it heartbreaking to have to get rid of my dog - there must be a way of keeping the dog in another room when the baby is in the house. Despite all the bad press,Rottweilers really are lovely family pets. Good luck!