new baby

ORIGINAL: mrv

Time for classical conditioning and positioning during reinforcement.  Get some REALLY REALLY high powered food items cut up in sizes of a woman's pinky nail.  I would use chicken boiled in water full of garlic powder;  lunchmeat sliced about 3/8 thick;  swiss cheese, cooked liver or liver brownies.  Prepare small treat bags (I like the snack size ziplocks)  Place up to 20 treats in a bag,  mass freeze them in a gallon zip lock.  Take them out to thaw (put them in your pocket for a fast thaw).

Set up some situations where you have the baby and food in one place and the dogs are in another.  As soon as you walk into the dogs area, pitch a treat AWAY from you.  The dogs will learn that baby means food but at a distance.

Next method.  Now during specific times of day (before baby is fed but baby is quiet; after diapering, while holding baby and sitting,  times when you are not frazzled and child is quiet)  move the dog some distance way from the child by walking slowing into the dog's area.  Praise and give a treat. 

If you provide the reinforcer at a distance, initially, that will set the occassion for the dogs to stay farther away in the hope of a treat. 

While baby is sleeping work on some basic obedience commands sit, down, stand, a come command with a sit in front, a byme/with me command with dog at your side, tricks etc.  This will help increase the speed at which the dog's follow directions.

If the dogs have any inappropriate behavior, calmly stand and using your body block them from the area and push them into another room (with the space bubble).  When they return, let them come back and only stay when appropriate.  Throw out a treat or two when appropriate and the basic behaviors of staying a bit of distance, being calm and under control will become habitual.

I would probably start NILF  very rigidly so that the behaviors are well established in your habits and the dogs behaviors prior to the baby shifting into toddler mode.

Also an excellent suggestion. 

Everyone...thanks for the input. We're trying to find some books that were mentioned...

So what does everyone think on the following:

1) Letting dogs sleep in same room as baby (baby is in bassinet), dogs would almost assuredly jump on bed at some point
2) The baby sometimes is in a co-sleeper (on bed) due to some medical issues; Should dogs ever be allowed on bed or in room when baby is there? (Even if we're there too!).
3) Letting dogs freely get as close to baby as possible....what is the rule here?
4) The dog in question sometimes stares at baby for extended periods of time (several minutes); is this dangerous?
5) Mouthing - good or bad?
6) What are some good behaviors to watch for?
7) What are some bad behaviors to watch for (which may be a pretext)?
Allowed to be in baby's room? Under what circumstances?

Of course, any ideas on good/bad stuff to do and watch for would be appreciated....we both want to better understand and create the best environment for all family members.
Any "bonding" rituals would be welcome.

Thanks (REALLY!),
k

Well I am also expecting and will answer on the basis of what I think I will be doing when we have a baby in the house.

1&2. Bedrooms & furniture are already off limits to our dogs.  Even if that weren't the case I wouldn't let the dog sleep in the same room as the baby unless we are in the same room and awake and available to proactively supervise.  I would draw the line at allowing the dog and the baby on the bed at the same time.... just in case.
3.  Not sure what you mean by "freely" and "as close as possible".  For the most part our dogs and baby will be segregated and when they are together it will be carefully controlled and monitored.... people often think of dogs as being dangerous because of the terrible news stories of dogs attacking but they can be dangerous in other ways.  Too-sharp claws from an over enthusiastic or inquisitive dog for instance.  I'm being told by all and sundry not to even put a pillow or duvet in my babys crib because of the danger of suffocation.  Most toys that shed fibres are not suitable for very young babies.
4.  I have no idea.  It could just be fascination and part of the adjustment process.  It could be protectiveness.  It could be an obssession with this "weird new thing mums brought home".  Could be any number of things.  I would ask a trainer or behaviourist for advice on that one - preferably the latter.  If you are uncomfortable about it, trying interupting or distracting the dog, or popping him out of the room with a chew or something. 
5.  BAD!!!!!
6&7.  Not sure what you mean?
8.  I'd say no.  Having the baby's room offlimits by keeping the door shut or using a gate means you have somewhere safe to put the baby where the dog can't get to him and also somewhere safe to put the baby's things so they can't be chewed.  Even if we allowed the dogs in bdrms and on furniture, I'd still go with this one.  It's an essential boundary IMO.  Some people think it helps to elevate the babies "status", I really don't know how true that is but it's practical anyhow and does no harm.

Bonding rituals....  going for a walk with dog and pram and feeding the dog treats and giving attention while the baby is around (as long as dog is calm).

1) Letting dogs sleep in same room as baby (baby is in bassinet), dogs would almost assuredly jump on bed at some point
I think you just answered that one!  No to sleeping with the baby!
2) The baby sometimes is in a co-sleeper (on bed) due to some medical issues; Should dogs ever be allowed on bed or in room when baby is there? (Even if we're there too!).
Think I would train dogs to stay off the bed and not be in that same sitch as question #1!  Encourage dogs to settle in another area, with a special toy or some treat so as not to be seen as a punishment to the dogs.

3) Letting dogs freely get as close to baby as possible....what is the rule here?

No such thing as setting boundaries and letting the dogs choose freely! Train the dogs when it is ok to sniff or nuzzle a little.  They want to know what this little thing is, but only on a limited term should they be allowed. Think of it this way, how much do you feel safe when strangers want to get in your babies space?  Usually, we choose those circumstances.

4) The dog in question sometimes stares at baby for extended periods of time (several minutes); is this dangerous?

Staring isn't dangerous, but what the dog is thinking/if dog feels disturbed- might be a bit of a problem.  I would be guarded in a gentle but very alert way.  Perhaps distracting the dog with other activity. I talk to my dogs, and they listen.  Key words, ..."ya wanna ____?"  And do something to get them out of that trance.

5) Mouthing - good or bad?
 Depends on if they are taste testing or just touching with the mouth, less teeth.  Do they do this with you?  Or just with the baby?

6) What are some good behaviors to watch for?
Wagging tail, happy puppy talk, eyes and movement.  Relaxed, laying beside you as you feed the baby.  Praise your dog and reinforce as you see it! Have you seen any good behaviors yet? 

7) What are some bad behaviors to watch for (which may be a pretext)?
Any kind of prey type appearances, prowling, low growl.  Overt bad behaviors toward the baby, think you would know if they did it.

Allowed to be in baby's room? Under what circumstances?
Only with you there.  And when you are not in a rush or feeling stressed out with dogs.  If you yell at em, while you are caring for the babe, they will suspect the change is attributed to the sitch - baby + you + dogs= not good. 

I never had to deal with baby and dogs together, but hope others will have more advice.  Think the biggest obstacle would be that it is extensive taking care of baby and keeping dogs content and following rules at the same time.

Really believe the reading can help you a lot, by the behavioral mentors...That kind of training won't create a dog that is angry and or scared. But helps to create a more trusting bond between the family.