I’m not going to lie, having kids has changed the relationship we have with our dogs.
Before babies, they were our babies and would be allowed to come into the front room to sit and snuggle with us. Sure the place was covered in dog hair but hey ho that’s life with a dog.
Post babies they’re not allowed through to the front room. Main reason for this is because of the dog hair issue. Our babies are rolling around in the floor and we don’t want them to be permanently inhaling dog hair.
Unfortunately this means the dogs don’t spend as much time with us as previously. As soon as Miss Mostyn starts settling upstairs they can start coming back through again in the evenings but that’s not going to be for another month at least.
We still love the dogs as much as ever and maybe we’re being too cautious with separating them and the girls. But like I say, it’s only because Miss Mostyn is still so small.
If I could go back, would I change anything? No I don’t think I would. The dogs are safe and warm and have plenty of food at least. Even though they don’t get the attention they deserve, it’s a temporary setback.
What do you think? Any tips?
It’s a hard choice. I would keep all of them in the same room, but I would impose strict rules for the dogs, to stay in their spot (a blanket or dog bed). I wouldn’t let the kids pester the dogs either. But it can be hard and stressful if the dogs are used to stay on the sofa and if they keep pushing for it.
If you feel you don’t give them the same attention, try to add other things in the their life, like a bong toy or longer walks and some training that will stimulate their mind and it’s fun too.
It’s the dirt thing for me at the moment – our dogs are so mucky! And because the girls are on the floor. I think i’m going to try and phase them in over the next couple of months.
Thanks for the tips! x
Aw gorgeous pooches! It’s only temporary and when little Miss is older they’ll be best friends and more than make up for it š
Stevie x
Your dogs are gorgeous! I can definitely understand wanting to keep your dogs and kids separate, my uncle had a dog that was usually super sweet so when he had his first son he’d leave them to play together but it meant the dog was constantly being poked and prodded and pulled around and my cousin was always covered in dog hair!
No tips but I definitely understand you wanting to keep the dogs separate to the baby to some degree right now. I would absolutely be the same way.
I love that you’ve found a way to integrate them, I know some people worry about managing children and pets. I basically ignored my cat for the first six months after my son was born and now I’m slowly teaching him how to be respectful of her, the cat is already benefitting from his dinner time scraps falling off the table and parks herself underneath him as soon as meals are served! I figure in the long run she will receive even more affection when my son is old enough fo them to interact. #justanotherlinky
We don’t have a dog at home but spend lots of time at my parents where they do. Their old dog, Eb, died when my daughter was a couple of weeks old, then they got a puppy when she was about 4 months. Initially we all did our best to keep them apart but eventually gave it up as useless. She’s a year now and the pair of them just spend the whole time crawling around together, lol. #justanotherlinky
I would love a dog but I wouldn’t have the time or confidence at the moment. Its lovely seeing families with pets too.
Thank you for linking up with #justanotherlinky
Great post. I don’t think dogs are the only animals this happens to after children but as we create a new life the pets come fit in too. Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx