[Rob at foryourcause.com]

My wife and I are having our first child very soon and would like advice on how to acclimate him/her with our 40 lb. beagle mix. Our dog is a little excitable and will be very interested in our baby. "Buddy" is a licker of small children but is generally good around them. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks....

[03saints]

I used to breed chow chows which are kown to be naturally aggressive and we also had a saint bernard. I found that by bringing home blankets from the hospital to your dog before bringing home the baby from the hospital is a great way to give them something safe to sniff before your new baby comes home. Then we just made sure to give the dog plenty of loving after the baby came home...it helps to let them know they aren't being replaced or threatend. . The hospital is usually very helpful and will let you take home one of their blankets or let you use one of yours too. Good Luck and congrats!

[Rob at foryourcause.com]

thanks for the response. That's a good idea, will do.

[wishbone]

Very nice idea Saint, that was what also my friend's parent did on their 35 lb beagle, bringing something for their dog to sniff before bringing their new one home, and my friend was always there for their dog to play and give attention.

Congratulations Rob to your coming blessings, and good luck!