We're yet to see if anything we've done works.. but so far we've spent the last month setting clear boundaries in the house where they are allowed and not allowed to go. It was easier given that we moved house so they've never been allowed on the carpeted areas from day 1. We've got the outside access as well - works out fantastic, they can use the laundry, side of the property and part of the backyard freely, and still see into the living area from the laundry (gated) or part of the backyard we are in from the high fenced area adjoining the side. Does that make sense? LOL
We'll be trying suggestions of letting dogs sniff the babies clothes/blankets etc before introducing.
Am interested to see what has worked for everyone else too
ETA - we also bought new inside beds when we found out I was pregnant and trained them to only sleep there when they are inside, or go to it when they're a bit over-excited and need to calm down.
Make sure that the dogs have a spot they can go to that is just for them. My girl was 8 when DS was born. She wasn't allowed in the baby's room but no where else was off limits. She had her dog bed in our room and when DS got mobile and started bugging her she would just remove herself and go to her space.
We let her sniff DS when he came home from hospital. She looked all bug eyed and confused for a couple of days but she still went for walks so she was happy. She accepted him (and later DD1) as part of the family. She loved it when they started eating solids and left bits around for her to eat. We had an unspoken agreement that she wasn't allowed to scrounge around for food, but if she slyly cleaned up under the high chair I could turn a blind eye lol. She was really great with the kids - had numerous cars parked on her head, full body cuddles/squashes and if they got too much for her she would get up, sigh and go to her bed.
I think the only thing that we altered was that the babies never spent much time lying on the floor. She had a big heart but OMG she was the clumsiest dog to roam the plant.
My dog wasn't allowed in bedrooms or on beds or couches prior to Miss A being born so nothing really changed for him in that respect. We let him snuffle her really well - just short of slobbering on her basically - and generally just tried to let things continue as they always have. At the beginning he was very concerned when Miss A cried and raced over to her but now he opens an eye and that's about it. He ignores her pretty well when she's on the floor on her mat or in her swing.
So far things have been good. Not sure if that will take a backwards step once Miss A is moving around .
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