Dogs and Babies
Helping a Dog Adjust to a New Baby
In all the excitement of a new baby, it can be easy to forget that the family pet may not be as thrilled with the new arrival as others in the family. Let's face it, he is probably competing for his loved one's lap, and as for attention, something that is small, noisy and rather smelly at times, seems to demand it all. So how can you help your dog adjust during a period when you are busy adjusting yourself?
Be Consistent with Your Behaviour
Try to give your dog the same type of attention as before the baby. It may not be in the same quantity but it can be of the same type. Sometimes pet owners try to compensate a lack of time spent with their pet by making more of a fuss when they do. Dogs are very aware of this change in behaviour from their master and can react badly. For warning signs of bad behaviour see Dog Behaviour around a Baby.
Preparing Yourself, Your Dog, and Your Home
Prepare your dog before baby arrives. Keep the nursery room out of bounds beforehand and then your dog won't associate not being allowed in there, with the baby. Likewise for other areas of the house. If your dog is likely to have less freedom to roam around the house, then start many months before baby does arrive, with setting the new boundaries. This allows your dog time to adjust to new expected behaviours.
If there are to be changes in routine, such as different walking patterns introduce these over time before the new arrival comes home. Likewise if your dog is likely to be sleeping in a different place. If your dog has obedience problems then it would be wise to attend obedience training months before baby arrives.
Baby Safety with Dogs
Regardless of how docile, placid or old your dog may be, no one can anticipate how an animal will react around a baby. Under no circumstances should a baby be left alone with any pet (dog, cat or any pet), no matter for how short a period. There have been cases of babies and small children being injured by pets that previously demonstrated no aggressive behaviour.
Always ensure that the family pet cannot reach baby. It isn't always aggression that can harm a small child. Pets can be drawn to baby's warm breath and can sit on their faces.
There may be changes to be made once baby starts to get mobile, such as leaving dog food dishes in a place where baby can't get to them.
Part of the Family
While safety is of utmost importance that doesn't mean that the family dog has to be shut away. He or she can be included around baby so long as it is safe and with adults close-by.
Where the family dog can be included in activities, this will quickly help him or her understand that there is a new member to the pack (and although the new member is smaller and younger, the dog needs to understand that baby is higher in the pecking order). There are many activities that can involve dog and baby - such as going for walks or a visit to the park.
A new baby can be a big shock to the family dog, particularly if he or she was previously the centre of attention. A little preparation months before baby arrives can help your dog understand that there are changes, but not associate these with the baby. Safety is paramount. Always ensure that baby is safely out of reach from any pet.
For Tips see helping a Dog adjust to a new Baby
For further information see the UK Dog Club
Safely introducing dog to baby
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