Well, the baby is now three months old, and our Bichon couldn’t be a better “big brother”.
In the months leading up to the birth of our daughter, we introduced many of her personal baby items into the home. Our dog was allowed to sniff her blankets, clothing, toys, soaps, lotions, etc. I also brought one of our daughter’s used hospital blankets home for our dog to sniff, so that he’s get used to her scent.
Ever since we have brought our daughter home, our Bichon has been interested in her. Initially, he’d nose on in for a closer look if we were seated on the sofa with the baby. He’d want to stay close by, and he’d try to lick and nuzzle any available part of the baby. I’d let him lick a little on the top of her head or her feet, but I’d limit his licking and made sure he understood that the baby was not a play toy for him.
Very occasionally in the early going, our dog would seem to mope a little if one of us was holding the baby for an extended period of time. He never acted out or anything, though.
Nowadays, the baby is getting old enough to respond to the dog … and so far, he amuses her to no end. She gets a big smile on her face most of the time when the dog comes up to her. He is very gentle with her, and usually takes it easy with the licking (but he’ll lick with more gusto if he thinks we’re not watching). A few times, our Bichon has tried to get our daughter to play fetch with him – he brings her his tennis ball, then drops it at the foot of her bouncy seat with an expectant look on his face.
Well, the baby is now three months old, and our Bichon couldn’t be a better “big brother”.
In the months leading up to the birth of our daughter, we introduced many of her personal baby items into the home. Our dog was allowed to sniff her blankets, clothing, toys, soaps, lotions, etc. I also brought one of our daughter’s used hospital blankets home for our dog to sniff, so that he’s get used to her scent.
Ever since we have brought our daughter home, our Bichon has been interested in her. Initially, he’d nose on in for a closer look if we were seated on the sofa with the baby. He’d want to stay close by, and he’d try to lick and nuzzle any available part of the baby. I’d let him lick a little on the top of her head or her feet, but I’d limit his licking and made sure he understood that the baby was not a play toy for him.
Very occasionally in the early going, our dog would seem to mope a little if one of us was holding the baby for an extended period of time. He never acted out or anything, though.
Nowadays, the baby is getting old enough to respond to the dog … and so far, he amuses her to no end. She gets a big smile on her face most of the time when the dog comes up to her. He is very gentle with her, and usually takes it easy with the licking (but he’ll lick with more gusto if he thinks we’re not watching). A few times, our Bichon has tried to get our daughter to play fetch with him – he brings her his tennis ball, then drops it at the foot of her bouncy seat with an expectant look on his face.
