Bringing on New Members to the Family

[pmavrich]

My husband and I are adopting two children from the US; A 3 yr old little girl and a 6 yr old little boy from the same family. I was wondering if anyone has experience of introducing children into the family and how would be the best way to integrate them with Molsen & Miller with the least amount of issues or injuries.

I know that I will need to be present and pay attention to the dogs while they play with the children, but other than that ... Any pointers?

[MyPemCharlie]

Sorry, I have experience with owning animals but none with having children...so no advice.

But let me be the first here to congratulate you on the adoption! That's a real blessing.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by pmavrich

My husband and I are adopting two children from the US; A 3 yr old little girl and a 6 yr old little boy from the same family. I was wondering if anyone has experience of introducing children into the family and how would be the best way to integrate them with Molsen & Miller with the least amount of issues or injuries.

I know that I will need to be present and pay attention to the dogs while they play with the children, but other than that ... Any pointers?

Do you know if the kids have been around dogs at all? Is there any chance the dogs and kids can meet before the kids move in with you? Or at least have the kids play with, or rub their scent on a dog toy or blanket (Or old tee shirt, etc.) that you can bring home to the dogs. That way the dogs will know thier scent at least.

Other than that, have the kids and dogs meet. Maybe the kids can give the dogs a treat, if they take things gently.

Go slow, use baby gates for when you can't watch them together. Until you know for sure that they'll be ok together do not ever leave the dogs and kids without adult supervision. That'll be awhile down the road.

And if you have more questions, just ask. I raised 3 sons and a herd of corgis over the years. Dogs can be great companions to kids if they both like each other.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

Wow wee. My congratulations to mum and dad. And isn't it great that they are brother and sister. My, will you suddenly be BUSY. In comparison, two Corgis are a piece of cake. I bet the Corgis will be thrilled with a huge increase in THEIR family. More to look out for and herd .... and play.
Without doubt, the first things your children must learn is to respect the dogs and exactly where they(the Corgis) fit in to the scheme of things. They (the children) should only 'deal' with them under adult supervision until there is complete trust with your six year old. And that may take a year. When I got Taylor my youngest son was six. And at seven, one morning (just before a conformation show) he clipped some hairs from Taylor head - which stopped me from taking Taylor to the show and took three months to grow back.

[pmavrich]

Peggy to answer some of your questions ...

We will start with visitation by the end of this month for a day at a time. Eventually leading into weekend visits and then permenent custody.

The T-shirt idea is a great idea ... I will ask the foster parent if we could have an old worn T-shirt from each child to place in the house where the dogs sleep. It is kind of what we do when we go out of town. Jon and I will leave a worn t-shirt with the dog sitter, so they are not as sad.

I understand the supervision part with the dogs and kids. Our friends have 4 kids(8,6, & 3yr old twins) that come over to visit with us. We have been friends for the past 5yrs. Molsen wants to be involved with everything the kids do, so he has to be watched, because he can become snippy when kids mess with his paws or fall on him. Miller likes to hide in our room while the kids are in the house. I think he might be the harder one to get socialized with them. And the funny thing is that kids are always attracked to him.

We actually have kid gates (2) from sectioning off the house when Miller was little. I will definitely use them.

Thanks so much for your advice!

[kassie]

Congratulations! That is wonderful. I have added Aine to the family (now 5 1/2 months) since I was last on here. I second the supervision and teaching! Our 2 have now spent several days with our grandsons who are just turned 4 and 8. It has been mostly great for both of them and shy Maeve is loosening up even. Kids are qiick though, the little guy almost let Aine out of her crate at a difficult time (lots of doors opening, so we'd put her away) which could have been disastrous! Congratulations again!! I'm sure you'll be great parents.

[pmavrich]

The kids are moving in next week ... It is funny how much Molsen & Miller have bonded with the kids.

We are having issues with Molsen nipping at the kids and Miller's non stop barking. I am hoping things will settle once the kids are in our house perminently.

It is very cute though to watch Molsen sit with and kiss Nancy who is 3 and Miller lay beside Homberto who is 6. Miller's B-Day is this weekend, so I though I would have the kids help me make cupcakes and we can all sing happy birthday to him ... He will enjoy it and maybe sing along!

[MyPemCharlie]

That party sounds like a lot of fun for everyone! Congratulations again on the adoption. What a double blessing!

[Michael Romanos]

I hope the whole birthday thing goes very well. Nipping the kids. A pretty usual kind of thing when a Corgi treats the kids at no more than his/her equal - or less. This act will die a natural death given a little time.

[pmavrich]

I am happy to report that the birthday party went well ... Molsen & Miller enjoyed their cupcakes along with the kids.

Miller's barking is starting to slow down, but Molsen's biting is still the same. The kids are moving in for good on the 1st of Feb. I hope we all learn to like together nicely.

[pmavrich]

So, It has been two weeks with the kids full time. Nancy has become attached to Molsen and spends as much time with him as possible. Molsen even sleeps with her at night now and doesnot come back into our room. Miller is not barking as much, but still barks like crazy when the kids play. Molsen is still biting, but we watch the kids interactions with the dogs closely to make sure that we know what is going.

Miller still likes to sleep in bed with me as much as possible. It is his quiet time and keeps him from being over stimulated. It is turning out to be a good transition for the dogs. My husband and I are another story. It is hard to go from no kids to two ... I hope for one day soon to get a full night of sleep.

[Michael Romanos]

Your news is all good - normal parents, normal kids, normal sleep as per kids age and normal (or near normal) Corgis. I have a Pem named Alice with us at the moment and she likes to sleep at night in my son's room on his bed.