Puppy and baby

Question
I have a lab mix puppy who is about 1 year old.  He is fairly well behaved.  Especially when wearing his shock collar.  He has been an 'only child' in my home since he was tiny.  I am due to have a baby any time now.  What is the best way to introduce my two children when the baby comes home from the hospital?

Answer
If you have the right relationship with the dog, you need to do little more than come in the door in a happy mood and proudly present the baby for the dog's inspection.  You are overjoyed with the baby, and so should the dog be too.  Share your joy with him.  Procreation is a right of the top dogs.  Other pack members are expected to welcome the new member and share in its care.  You do need to make sure the dog continues to have the attention it needs.  No matter how well the dog seems to be taking things, it will be some time before you can leave them alone unsupervised.  Some people I respect say never.  As the baby eventually becomes mobile, keep a close eye on things. At least a Lab mix should be sturdy enough to enjoy, rather than be injured by a toddlers mishaps.

I am concerned the shock collar may be a substitute for proper training.  They have their uses, but do not replace a well trained dog owner.  The dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  The obedience training, and going out to a class to go out to regularly, would ensure that the dog gets the attention it needs to have in what will be a busy time.