Sadie meets Isabella

[rhoward]

Background story: What was to be a normal deliver turned into a nightmare of epic proportions. We spent 4 days in the hospital trying to induce before having the baby. We finally came home after day 7. Unfortunately, Rosa had to have a C Section. Isabella was never in danger. Rosa, on the other hand nearly died from an unsuspected allergic reaction to Benadryl, which ironically, was used to keep her from becoming allergic to the blood transfusion she needed on day 5.

On two occasions I brought Sadie blankets to smell from Isabella. When we arrived home with the baby I had Rosa go in with me to see Sadie. We then brought the baby in. Sadie, who has never gotten in the trash finally did one night as we returned for a quick bite out. I say diapers and the small wipes all over the floor. I thought this was strange but then came to an idea that maybe she was trying to get rid of any scent that a predator might pick up on for baby Isabella. Perhaps she was being a mother.

Since we have been home Sadie whines when we are in the other room with Isabella. We have a child gage that keeps Sadie in one part of the home. She has lots of room. I have let her in a few times to spend with us to hang out closer to the baby. Of course Rosa and her mother both get nervous because of Sadie's size and strength. So do I. One night as Isabella was in her playpen Sadie jumped up to it, rested her paws on the edge and gently leaned in for a smooch. It was not the normal lick we get but more of a subtle kiss. Nonetheless, we are not comfortable with Sadie getting too close because I don't think she knows her own strength as a puppy. I know she would never intentionally hurt anyone but caution is nothing be played with around a newborn.

Any thoughts on Sadie's behaviour?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Rowstymitt]

First off, congratulations on the arrival of Isabella!:allg069: So glad to hear Rosa is all right now.

It sounds to me like Sadie is acting like a slightly jealous older sister. She's used to having all your attention and now she isn't getting it so she is acting out a bit. I think you are right to keep them separated unless you are right there to supervise. I suspect in time she will be an awesome nanny.

 

[NZNEWF]

congrats on the new arrival.....pics please....

 

[rhoward]

First off, congratulations on the arrival of Isabella!:allg069: So glad to hear Rosa is all right now.

It sounds to me like Sadie is acting like a slightly jealous older sister. She's used to having all your attention and now she isn't getting it so she is acting out a bit. I think you are right to keep them separated unless you are right there to supervise. I suspect in time she will be an awesome nanny.

You certainly may be right. Unfortnately, there is not a simple test to measure it. I am spending a lot of time with Sadie to keep our regiment going. However, during the 7 days she spent 4 of those at the Barkely Pet Hotel and Spa. I only anticipated 2 days. I felt like an abusive father having her stay there like that. After all she hadn't been there in many months. On the up side she did get to have play days with other friends and got a nice cleaning. I think patience is the key here. Thanks

 

[Summer]

Personally, I think she's feeling a bit ostracized from the group as well. she curious of the new addition but also feeling isolated a bit. When possible, I'd put her on a leash and have her in the same room as long as you can control her so she gets used to the new smells and see you interacting with the baby but not having her isolated or feeling excluded. She needs to learn how you want her to interact with the new baby but I feel it's important to include her as much as possible and keep her schedule as close to what it was as you can. Take her on walks or rides in the car so she feels her place is secure but with rules as far as how you want her to interact with the new baby. She'll learn to respect the babies status as long as she feels safe and secure too.

Congratulations and I'm happy for you and that the mother and baby are well.

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

Personally, I think she's feeling a bit ostracized from the group as well. she curious of the new addition but also feeling isolated a bit. When possible, I'd put her on a leash and have her in the same room as long as you can control her so she gets used to the new smells and see you interacting with the baby but not having her isolated or feeling excluded. She needs to learn how you want her to interact with the new baby but I feel it's important to include her as much as possible and keep her schedule as close to what it was as you can. Take her on walks or rides in the car so she feels her place is secure but with rules as far as how you want her to interact with the new baby. She'll learn to respect the babies status as long as she feels safe and secure too.

Congratulations and I'm happy for you and that the mother and baby are well.

First off, congratulations and we demand pics. Demand. Well, I do anyhow And sooo glad to hear that everyone came out okay in the end.

That said, I have to agree with every word that Summer just said. Mila was 5 months old when I brought Rowan home from the hospital, and she was still very much a work in progress at that point...hell, she was practically an out-of-control maniac. And I was worried, but I knew that if there was going to be a problem I would only exacerbate it by not encouraging lots of supervised interaction right from day one. They were together almost all of the time. And I (obviously) had to supervise constantly. I was never further than an arm's length from the baby when Mila was around at the beginning, if I wasn't holding him in my arms.

Remember that video I posted here of Mila (when she was 10 months old) and Rowan when he was 5 months old and just crawling? You really liked that video, but if you remember, there was a point when Mila rolled over and almost slapped him in the face with her paw in that same video...when Rowan was around that age, Mila almost sat on him and most recently Mila ran through the living room and for the first time ever, laid him out. He was unhurt, but cried because he was spooked by the experience. But in general, we've had a very smooth first 14 months with these two and I give credit almost entirely to the fact that I over-exposed them to one another from the first day home from the hospital and on. For Sadie to learn how to behave around the baby, she will need to be given every opportunity to learn just that. I think she's curious and confused. Hold Isabella and let her sniff, snuffle and lick. Keep a leash on Sadie and use common sense and in no time at all, all of your fear and Sadie's stress will be gone

 

[mrs big dogs]

Congratulations, glad every one is doing well,pics please

 

[rhoward]

Personally, I think she's feeling a bit ostracized from the group as well. she curious of the new addition but also feeling isolated a bit. When possible, I'd put her on a leash and have her in the same room as long as you can control her so she gets used to the new smells and see you interacting with the baby but not having her isolated or feeling excluded. She needs to learn how you want her to interact with the new baby but I feel it's important to include her as much as possible and keep her schedule as close to what it was as you can. Take her on walks or rides in the car so she feels her place is secure but with rules as far as how you want her to interact with the new baby. She'll learn to respect the babies status as long as she feels safe and secure too.

Congratulations and I'm happy for you and that the mother and baby are well.

Summer,

Funny you say that. We just finished playing Phase 10, which is a card game that takes forever. Sadie sat at the table next to us for hours. For a little while we put Isabella in the next room in her playpen. Sadie heard her squirming and alerted us. Sure enough it was Isabella wide awake.
I have used the leash with Sadie in the livingroom so she can roam a bit but be controlled. Good suggestion.

 

[rhoward]

First off, congratulations and we demand pics. Demand. Well, I do anyhow And sooo glad to hear that everyone came out okay in the end.

That said, I have to agree with every word that Summer just said. Mila was 5 months old when I brought Rowan home from the hospital, and she was still very much a work in progress at that point...hell, she was practically an out-of-control maniac. And I was worried, but I knew that if there was going to be a problem I would only exacerbate it by not encouraging lots of supervised interaction right from day one. They were together almost all of the time. And I (obviously) had to supervise constantly. I was never further than an arm's length from the baby when Mila was around at the beginning, if I wasn't holding him in my arms.

Remember that video I posted here of Mila (when she was 10 months old) and Rowan when he was 5 months old and just crawling? You really liked that video, but if you remember, there was a point when Mila rolled over and almost slapped him in the face with her paw in that same video...when Rowan was around that age, Mila almost sat on him and most recently Mila ran through the living room and for the first time ever, laid him out. He was unhurt, but cried because he was spooked by the experience. But in general, we've had a very smooth first 14 months with these two and I give credit almost entirely to the fact that I over-exposed them to one another from the first day home from the hospital and on. For Sadie to learn how to behave around the baby, she will need to be given every opportunity to learn just that. I think she's curious and confused. Hold Isabella and let her sniff, snuffle and lick. Keep a leash on Sadie and use common sense and in no time at all, all of your fear and Sadie's stress will be gone

Kristen,

I agree with you. I can sense the apprehension from Rosa and her mother but I know that it is crucial to integrate the two, but with caution. We will not let Sadie become the red headed step child. She is still family. It's not easy but in time we will see that it was worth it. I let Sadie get very close to Isabella as long as I am there to supervise. Sadie is always stepping on my toes accidentally and it hurts like hell sometimes so that is why I am so cautious. It's her not knowing the difference in gentle vs normal touch.

I do remember the video. As a matter of fact it often plays through my mind. I am glad you shared it because of its educational as well as so cute value. We look forward to the two of them playing together like peas and carrots. ;-)

 

[skoorka]

I've got no advice, but CONGRATULATIONS you guys!!!!!

 

[BeauTux]

Congratulations this must be very exciting for you guys

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

No kids here yet, but maybe Sadie needs some alone time with Rosa too? Were they super close before the baby? I know she's recovering and taking care of a newborn, but maybe just 5 minutes here and there or something.

 

[Ivoryudx]

Congratulations on the new baby. Now you have to teach EVERYONE, including Rosa and her mother, right along with Sadie on how the two should interact. Make it a pleasure for Sadie to be calm and near the baby. If she steps on your toes, teach her not to, by stepping on top of her's while its on your foot. YOU, Rosa and her mother, have to show Sadie how to behave and what is acceptable. Great chew bones are a wonderful way to keep a young dog occupied while a baby is being held. Sadie will need her wild and crazy moments outside of the house, but can learn to bring you towels, baby things, when someone is in another room. GIVE HER A SPECIFIC JOB!!! She needs to be included somehow. Maybe she gets to carry the diaper bag, or the baby wipes package, so she can go get it when you ask her to. Make it a game for her to 'help' and she will be a very happy girl as will everyone else.

 

[rhoward]

No kids here yet, but maybe Sadie needs some alone time with Rosa too? Were they super close before the baby? I know she's recovering and taking care of a newborn, but maybe just 5 minutes here and there or something.

Sadie is a Papa's girl. When I am not her she hangs out with Rosa. As soon as Rosa gets her strength back we will do that. Thanks

 

[Tula]

Congratulations! Kim

 

[Newfs Forever]

Congrats! Welcome to the world, Isabella!

 

[Brainwashed by Newfs]

Congratulations :allg069:

 

[dumainedogs]

Congratulations on your new addition. No advice, but it sounds like you've gotten some very good suggestions from people who've successfully raised newfs and babies side by side!