Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby

Bringing your new baby home is an exciting and happy occasion. But if you have a dog it may be a very confusing and stressful time for them since they are no longer “the only child” who gets all the love and attention. As a result, your dog may act out through bad behaviors such as barking, chewing, digging or even worse. However, following a few guidelines will help ease the transition, minimize stress levels in your dog and greatly reduce any bad behavior that may result from the arrival of the newest member of the “pack”.

Set new rules for the dog before the baby arrives.

For example, if you decide to keep your dog out of a new baby’s room, start a few months before you bring the baby home from the hospital. By keeping your pet out of the baby’s room months prior to the baby’s arrival your dog will not associate the baby with exclusion from the room.

Prepare your dog for baby’s arrival.

Begin getting your dog used to the new sights and smells it will soon be encountering by doing things such as buying an inexpensive doll, wrapping it in baby clothes or a blanket and holding it in your arms as you walk throughout the house.

Additionally, begin using products that you will use on the baby such powder, shampoo and lotion so your dog gets used to the smells and is not as curious about them when the baby arrives. You may consider putting some products on the doll so your dog can associate it with sight and smell.

You should also consider buying a CD with common baby sounds such as crying and play it randomly throughout the day and evening hours. This is particularly helpful if you have a nervous or excitable dog. Getting your dog used to these sounds will help keep them calm when the baby arrives.

Make introductions the day the baby arrives home.

Dogs are pack animals and typically look to the man in the house as the “alpha”. When you bring the baby home the new mother should enter the house and greet the dog first – without the baby. Within five minutes (or when your dog has calmed down) the “alpha” should enter with the new baby. By having the “alpha” introduce the “new pack member” your dog will see that the baby is in a higher position within the pack.

Your dog will be curious and will want to smell the baby. When your dog has calmed down, have them sit near the “alpha” who is still holding the baby. Allow them to gently smell the baby’s feet and body – not their face.

Allow frequent, supervised visits by your dog.

It is very common for new parents to keep their dog away during feedings and other time spent with the new baby. However, by doing this your dog will associate the baby with not getting the attention it used to get. This can lead to behavioral problems since your dog will feel it now must compete for your attention, so it is best to include your dog as much as possible. For example, if you are rocking your baby in the family room, invite your dog to come lay next to you and pet them. The more your dog and baby are together, the better and less stressed your dog will be. However, neither newborn nor toddler should ever be left unattended in the same room with your dog.

Food & Toys

Your dog will not know the difference between its toys and your child’s toys until you teach it. If you catch your dog chewing on something unsuitable, interrupt the behavior with a “BAH.” Then give it an acceptable chew toy and praise it lavishly when it takes the toy in is mouth.

Dogs can be possessive about their food, toys and space. Although it is normal for a dog to be possessive, it is NOT acceptable for it to growl or snap at you or your child. At the same time, children need to learn to respect their dog as a living creature that is not to be teased or purposefully hurt. If your dog is growling or snapping at your child for any reason, the situation needs immediate attention and you should seek a professional trainer to assist you.


Safety Tips for Parents to Teach their Children as They Grow-up

While you may only be “expecting” right now, it won’t be long until your little one is running around playing and chasing your dog. The following tips will help avoid keep both your child and pet safe.

• Never leave a child or baby alone with a dog. When visiting friends or relatives who have a dog, do not allow your child to play in the yard unsupervised. If that is not possible, ask the owners to put the dog away.
• Do not allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised, as some dogs can be very protective of food.
• Do not allow your child to pull on the dog’s collar to lead it outside the house, as it could bite them.
• Never pull a dog’s tails or ears; dogs feel pain, too.
• Never pet a strange dog, even if his owner is present.
• Mothers are protective of their young so keep away from a dog that has puppies. If you know the dog you should still be cautious when approaching them and handling their puppies.
• Stay away from a dog that is tied up.
• Never tease a dog or make it angry.
• Stand totally still if a dog runs at you barking. Cover your face with your hands. If knocked to the ground by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your face with your arms and stay as still as you possibly can. Do not try to get up.

Liam Crow is a master trainer and the COO of Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in the area of correcting dog behavior. Bark Busters’ training is the only service of its kind that is guaranteed for the life of the dog. For more information, call 1-877-280-7100 or visit www.barkbusters.com.