having a human baby

Question
We have two poodles- a 13 year old miniature, Chester, and a 2 year old standard, Murphy (two in July).  They have always been treated like little Kings- completley babied, but also discliplined and trained.  Because Chester has always had an aggressive nature, we chose Murphy from a litter that personality tested it's pups.  He was described as laid back and non-dominant, which he's proven to be.  But every now and then when we're out walking and people reach out a hand to him, he snaps at them.  We are expecting our first baby in June and are a little worried about how both dogs will react.  Chester is a bit of a marker when he feels his space has been invaded, and we think he may try to mark the baby.  But we're not sure how Murphy will react.  Part of me thinks he's young and laid back enough he'll just take a new family member in stride... but this snapping at people here and there has me worried.  I've seen him be great around kids- he loves to play ball- but I've also seen him snap at them.  Do you have any feel for how our babies will react to a human baby?  Thank you so much.

Answer
Murphy will probably be okay, and the reaching out of the hands is sometimes considered threatening to animals. The best way to approach an animal you don't know is to put your hand out a little, don't look the dog directly in the eyes, and wait for him to snif it, and make the first move.

My sister has three daughters - Abby (a schnauzer) the oldest, then Jillian, now 4 and Jaclyn, 1 1/2.  They all get on great, but my sis (Julie) included Abby from the start in everything. She talked about the new sister or brother Abby was going to have and when the baby was born, as soon as they got home, Abby came and sniffed the new baby and Julie held them both and just cooed and told Abby how special her new sister was and how she had to protect the new baby.  I think because she included Abby in the new addition and kept giving her attention and, when possible, one on one time, Abby was fine with it.  To this day, my sis says her three daughters are her pride and joy.  Abby is a little needier since the new kids, but she is also very protective and loving to her 'sisters'.  

I truly believe if you treat Murphy and Chester as your new baby's protectors and siblings, you'll do well toward easing most negative reactions on their part.  If they feel included they are less likely to feel threatened. Keeping a spray bottle handy is also helpful for corrective behavior. It isn't necessarily that they don't like water, but the fact that you are doing it because they're bad is humiliating and they'll try and avoid displeasing you.

I do wish you luck with your new baby and your current babies.

Warmly,

Kathryn