Hi everyone, I'm new to this site and still learning to navigate my way around. I have been looking at some of your posts and Q&A to try and gather some advice, so forgive me if I'm addressing something someone else has already asked. I have a two and a half year old rat terrier I got as a puppy. He is spoiled rotten and I'm sad to say I have not really done much obedience training with him. I got married in October 07 and am now seven months pregnant. I have a 15yr old stepdaughter. My rattie does bark consistently at everyone who comes to our door, even my stepdaughter, who he has lived with now for almost two years. Recently when she came home from school, the hair actually stood up on his back as he was barking at her. I have NEVER seen him do this and it makes me and my husband concerned for how he will behave when our baby is born in June. He is generally a sweet dog, and once he gets used to the person who is visiting, he is fine. My husband and I have two other dogs, and they all get along great - but my husband has said that if Copper hurts the baby even once, he's gone. Obviously this is not an option for me, but my husband is not as attached to Copper as I am, of course. Unfortunately Copper has not been exposed to children much, and the last time he was he snapped at both of them. I have been reading about water bottles, crating, treating, etc., but I am not really sure where to begin. How do I head off a problem before it begins? I attempted to crate train Copper when he was a puppy and he absolutely HATES the crate. I feel as if he thinks I am punishing him when he is in there, so I dont think that would be a good route for us. He hasn't been in a crate in over a year. Sorry this was so long - I love my dog and I want to do everything I can to make sure everyone is happy.

ahhh! he was a cute babe! don't fret!!! it's ok! it normal! RATS Are PERFECT W/kids and babys! it doesn't take them long to know there pak,and they will remenmber them for life!! my duaghter had not seen her pup for 3 months till last week and Cash remembered her on site!!!they love kids!!! not like a lot of small dogs!!! these are family dogs!!! down threw history they have been there!!! don't give up on the pup or the kids! they will be perfect together!! and don't let HIM give up on your pup either!!!

It's NOT always true that all dogs, regardless of their breed, get along well with kids or new babies.  So you are wise to address this situation now...especially if the dog hasn't been exposed to children or newborns and has been the center of attention for several years.  It can be a HUGE transition and some dogs don't make the transition very well.

First things first. Obedience classes are a must. Yes, I do tend to stress this a lot, but that is because it is so important. Obedience classes are as much for the owner as they are for the dog. Teaching you how to correctly handle your dog and teach your dog what is expected is a necessity in any relationship, and having a baby on the way makes this doubly important.  Obedience classes not only ensure that your dog is well behaved, but also build a strong foundation of socialization experience. A dog that learns to handle himself in a crowded room filled with other dogs and owners wandering about, will also handle himself well when baby starts to crawl.

You've got a couple of months left before the new baby arrives, and your faithful companion is still secure in the knowledge that he's Number One. It's time to get him used to sharing your affection. As with all important desensitization processes, and yes, that is what this is too... you'll need to start slowly.

If you don't want your rattie in the newly appointed "nursery", it's time to start prohibiting access. Start by closing the door at night, or when you aren't home, or put a baby gate up. If he ceases to see that room as his territory, he won't be as put out by being "put out".  Then after a while, usually a couple of weeks, start keeping him out when you are in there as well. Once it is firmly established that the nursery is a "no dog" zone, you won't need to worry about  Copper hopping in there to play, and you won't have an incensed furball on your hands when you need to put the baby down, or change diapers.

Play recordings of a baby crying, and other various noises that little ones tend to make.  By playing these for a little while every day, not only will your dog get used to the sounds and start to take them for granted, but so will you. Crying at the volume a baby can wail at can be distressing for a dog who's never heard it before. I recommend starting them at a low volume, then gradually increasing it to a normal level.

When the time is drawing near and you have about four or five weeks left, start to sprinkle baby powder around the house to help Copper get used to this new smell. You might also want to start "borrowing" babies from friends, so the abrupt (to him) arrival of this little being that won't leave is not such a big change.  Remember... you've had 9 months to prepare, but the arrival of a newborn into a home IS an abrupt change for resident dog.  Borrow baby blankets (unwashed) from the afore-mentioned friends as well, and let him get used to having them lying around. This is also a good way to get him used to not lying on a baby blanket draped along the sofa or chair as well. If she looks like he's about to get comfortable on a baby blanket on the floor, a firm "Off" and re-directing him to an appropriate place to lay down will set a pattern, and soon he'll be avoiding blankets that may hide a baby in the near future.

I would HIGHLY recommend that you begin crate-training immediately.  There will be tiems when the crate will be your best ally and do it now before the baby arrives.  In the beginning stages of crate training... NO dog likes  his/her crate and we all have to endure a period of whining, yelps, cries and barks.  It will pass... trust me it will pass.  Stay diligent in your efforts (wear ear plugs if you have to, or leave the house for short intervals). 

Nora - great post!

Carol - thank you for thinking and planning ahead and seeking advice rather than waiting for a problem to occur!  And welcome!!!

Ahhh! People who understand! You guys bring tears to my eyes. I will look for an obedience class this weekend. I like the idea of leaving blankets and baby powder around... I would not have thought of that. I am so glad I found this site. Thanks so much for your support and suggestions; most folks dont really understand how much a part of your family your pet can be, and I just feel it's my resonsibility to prepare Copper just as I would another child. HE didnt ask for a new baby, afterall. I have to admit I'm still a little apprehensive about the crate but I will take another look at it. I just HATE that pitifull face I get and the crying and whimpering. OH the guilt! (If I hadnt mentioned already he is spoiled ROTTEN.) What do you guys think about (and this may sound crazy) getting a sound bite of a baby crying and playing it now and again to familiarize him with that noise. I dont really have any friends with babes as I am thirty seven myself, and most of my friend's kids are in school.

Ahhh! People who understand! You guys bring tears to my eyes. I will look for an obedience class this weekend. I like the idea of leaving blankets and baby powder around... I would not have thought of that. I am so glad I found this site. Thanks so much for your support and suggestions; most folks dont really understand how much a part of your family your pet can be, and I just feel it's my resonsibility to prepare Copper just as I would another child. HE didnt ask for a new baby, afterall. I have to admit I'm still a little apprehensive about the crate but I will take another look at it. I just HATE that pitifull face I get and the crying and whimpering. OH the guilt! (If I hadnt mentioned already he is spoiled ROTTEN.) What do you guys think about (and this may sound crazy) getting a sound bite of a baby crying and playing it now and again to familiarize him with that noise. I dont really have any friends with babes as I am thirty seven myself, and most of my friend's kids are in school.

Play recordings of a baby crying, and other various noises that little ones tend to make.  By playing these for a little while every day, not only will your dog get used to the sounds and start to take them for granted, but so will you. Crying at the volume a baby can wail at can be distressing for a dog who's never heard it before. I recommend starting them at a low volume, then gradually increasing it to a normal level.

I think getting a tape of a baby crying, etc. is a grand idea (read what I wrote in red in a prior post). 

Again... good for you for seeking advice while you've got the time to prepare!