Book Recommendations? New Baby?

[Cessena]

I have some friends, they have two dogs, one border collie mix (very smart, shy) and one pit mix (a big face licker), both about 2 years old. I'm concerned because they havent' done a lot of obedience with their dogs and they have a new baby on the way in 7 months. Their dogs are alloweed on the couch on the back of the couch on laps and to jump up and pretty much do whatevert hey want. They can sit, and are crate and potty trained though.

I'm really wanting to give my friends a good book to help them get their puppy children ready for the human child that is on its way. (I can just see these poor pups ending up confined to the basement or something all the time because they are too rambuncious for baby.)

So yeah. I want to get them a good book as a baby gift, can anyone recommend one?

 

[lizzybeth727]

So yeah. I want to get them a good book as a baby gift, can anyone recommend one?

I know there are some books about how to help dogs and babies get along, but I haven't read them because I don't have a baby.

But, I'd suggest "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell (Sp?). It's a great book about how dogs think and learn. It's got some great training advice, but that's not the focus. For example, there's a chapter about toys and why they're important for dogs; in side notes she describes how to get dogs to only chew on their toys, and how to teach fetch. I think it's very practical advice, for the owner who just wants a good pet, not win any obedience competitions (though if that's the case you should still read this book in conjunction with your obedience books!).

I just wonder if they'll actually read the books.

 

[MMan07]

I'm not aware of any books specifically related to dogs and babies but my friend bought this when his girlfriend was pregnant and their dog Sammy was a right little hellraiser! But it seemed to work alright and the dog and baby got along pretty well and still do.