[Geemay]

Hello,

Can anyone advise on how to introduce and manage an 8 week old baby and a 15 month old boxer dog in the home? I have read lots of the other threads which are great, I hope im not repeating others questions too much.

My dog was unwell (campylobacter) so has had to stay with my parents until she gets a clean bill of health (due this week) as there was a potential healthrisk to our newborn. I have visited/walked her several times a week while she has been away and she has met the baby but always with the help of my parents/husband.

However when she comes home it will be me, the dog and the baby on our own during the day and I am a little nervous! In preperation I have put up babygates so can seperate them and a playpen so the baby can be safe in his seat/playmat.

Is it realistic to expect to get to the stage when i can have the baby in the room, in his seat (not in the playpen) or on my lap and the dog to be calm and not overly interested, or should I expect to always have to keep them seperated? Obviously i would never leave them alone together!

What is the best way to introduce them to the point where she will be calm/sleep/relax when we are all together?

I realise a lot depends on the dog. She is great, but still very bouncy, interested in everything, and can also be very persistant. I guess I am looking for a little reassurance that all will be ok and that eventually she will just accept him as usual.

Before the baby arrived she was with me all the time (i work from home) so I am expecting her to cry a lot if she is restricted in another room away from me. She even had a phantom pregnancy along with my pregnancy!

Anyone have any experience or insight for me?

Many Thanks
G