new baby and bassett hound

[diamondklp]

I am due to have my first child in earily June. Yes, it does seem like awhile, but it will be here before I know it! I am concerned about my basset hound, Ozzy and how he will react. He is my baby and is the sweetest and cuddliest pet I have ever had. But he is a BIG baby and sometimes even gets jelous when I cuddle with my husband. He isn't agressive, but he whines and barks when he isn't the one that is the center of attention. I am not really concerned about any kind of aggression, just how to make the BIG change easier for Ozzy. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance.

[k9Karen]

I hate to say this, but I think my Leah never forgave me for bringing home my daughter (who is now 24). Leah had been my one and only, and I always took the time to be with only her. That all changed when Kimberly was born. Leah became second, but I always found ways to include her. When I was feeding Kimberly, Leah was beside me on the couch (yes, my critters are allowed on the couch) and I played with her while the baby was asleep. Leah quickly realized how important that baby was to us, and after she began to crawl and then walk, she was always checking the see where she was. My mom remarked one time, when Kimberly was about 18 months old, that every picture we had of Kimberly had Leah right beside her, or VERY nearby. After that, I really began to notice how true that was.

Apparently what I did worked. I let Leah check out the baby as soon as I brought her home. Leah slept with me, and the baby was in a different room - I think that helped some. I made sure to pet her and talk to her. She loved to play ball and tug, and I could often do those while I was doing someting else (feeding the baby, reading her a story when she was older, etc.). I lost Leah when Kimberly was 9, but they were good friends and Leah was always checking up on her until the very end when she was so old and ill. Talk to your dog and play with him when you can. Include him in activities when possible, and let him adjust. It may be a bit trying at first, but it should all work out, and the new kid and Ozzy will eventually be the best of friends.

[Marty]

I have Bassets, and know some of them can be velcro dogs. I don't have much to offer, as my kids are grown, but one thing I have heard mention is to send home a blanket that the baby has used and let him smell the baby for a day before it comes home.