New baby anyday and overprotective boxer

[Bustern'Macy]

We are expecting a baby anyday now and have 2 boxer babies. Buster is 3 and Macy is 1. Macy is a big lover and I think our biggest problem with her is going to be she likes to cuddle with us on the furniture. My main worry is Buster I know he is good with kids because he has been around all of our friends kids but he has already become very protective of me since I've been pregnant. People tell me he senses the hormone changes. I am worried about him being to overprotective of the baby and not letting people get close to him. Any tips or ideas you have would be great.

 

[Elyse]

First, congratulations and good luck. We just had our first skin baby 6 weeks ago and I have to say that the Introduction to Nestle (female fawn 1 1/2 yrs old) was just wonderful. Make sure you video tape it!!

Nestle has been amazing with Cole (her new little brother) and, yes, she is
very protective. She has to know where he is at all times and we must bend down with him so she can give him kisses often and take a look at him. What we have done is give everyone who is holding him a treat to give her.
This way she associates our friends and family holding Cole as a good thing.
It has worked wonderfully thus far. If anyone goes into Cole's room, we also give them a treat to give her.

It is so exciting to introduce them to each other. I wish you a quick and easy delivery!!

Elyse & Nestle

 

[RoxyRockets]

Skinkids and Furbabies

I now have a 18month skin baby-boy and a 3 year old boxer, Roxy. She was overprotective with me during my pregnancy...I am her mommy afterall. I thought she would smother my son with kissess and slobbers during the first few weeks home though. She was a very proud Boxer when we went for our walks and wanted to pull on the leash more than ever. I learned to have her walk behind the stroller. It seemed to help calm her on her walks so she doesn't pull on the leash. It does get a little tricky trying to push the stroller and manage a dog under your feet.

I think the biggest problem was barking. Anytime someone knocks on the door Roxy enters the WARNING BARK FRENZY. Who needs a doorbell with a boxer? Anyhow, the barking only wakes my son up while he is either falling asleep or hasn't entered deep sleep yet. Either way, it sure is annoying because once he wakes up, he will not go back to sleep....I have learned that Roxy doesn't bark if she is in my bedroom with my door shut even if the doorbell rings several times. SO I have learned to put Roxy in my room before I put my son to sleep and then snuggle with Roxy for a bit in my room until that sleep transition period ends (about 15 to 20 min) and my son is in a deep sleep. At the very least, roxy and I get snuggles and I actually get a little rest. I am sure I could probably train her to reduce the warning bark frenzy, but I really like our quiet time together and she does too...she now goes into the bedroom on her very own and waits for me when I say its naptime

 

[Ronin1]

We had an overprotective/possesive male Boxer when our daughter was born. We also had a little female boxer. We were a little worried about the male - he was pretty overboard with me being pregnant. He ended up being the better of the two dogs (and he weighed 80 lbs). I always thought maybe the female was a little jealous of our baby. The male was so gentle and careful around her. She would pull on his jowels, sit on him - he could have cared less.

The one thing we did was bring home a blanket that smelled like our new little girl - before we actually brought her home. This way - the dogs could get a scent first. It worked really great - they were both curious, but not over bearing at all.

 

[bigears]

Wow. I think all of your stories are so heartwarming. My husband and I are just starting to work on having a child, and I have several questions and reservations regarding our boys, Mugsy and Shadow. The thing I think that concerns me most is making sure I have the time to snuggle with them like
I always have, and keeping up with Mugsy's therapeutic activities. RoxyRockets, I just love how you've worked that out! Warmest wishes to all of you; your ideas are just great.

Allison