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Introducing Your Dog to Your New Child
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Photo by Melissa Ricquier
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When you find out that you are pregnant you should sit down and write a list of behaviors that your dog does that may be dangerous when there is a new baby in the house. For example, jumping on your legs while you are walking, jumping on the sofa, etc. After you've written the list you should begin with the easiest behavior to modify. For example, jumping on your legs. (There are a number of articles in the training section under dogs to help guide you on how to proceed.
- Make your dogs training fun and rewarding - a special time for the two of you to bond. Enlist your spouse or partner to partake in the training. After all you want your dog to be obedient with everyone - not just you.
- As you are making progress with training begin introducing your dog to children. Ask a family member, friend or neighbor that might have a young baby if it would be ok for you to come over with your dog for a visit. Show your dog the baby, let your dog smell the baby. At first your dog will be very curious particularly if he/she has never been near a baby. Once the curiosity begins to wane, you should invite people with children over to your house, to see how your dog reacts to a baby on his "territory." Remember to always use caution, particularly if you have a large or giant breed dog - in his her curiosity it could be very easy for your dog to knock a child down unintentionally.
- Make all visits with children low-key. Don't make a big fuss, and act as normally as possible. You don't want to excite your dog, or make your dog anxious around children.
- Begin walking your dogs near schools when they let out, or walk your dog in a park that has children playing. The point is to get your dog used to the different sounds a child makes. Children tend to be a lot louder than adults, and the noises can be confusing to your dog. Some dogs can even perceive loud sudden noises such as crying, or screaming a threat. So it is important that your dog be exposed to all these sounds in a calm way so that he/she is not anxious, or on alert when you bring your new baby home.
- Buy some inexpensive baby toys and lay them around your house. Teach your dog that those are not his to play with.
- Introduce baby smells to your home by asking a friend, family member or neighbor to let you have an old piece of their child's clothing (unlaundered) and let your dog smell it gently. Reward your dog for good behavior with treats and praise.
- When you do give birth have your spouse or partner bring home one of your new baby's blankets or a worn article of clothing. Let your dog sniff this, and again reward him/her for polite and gentle behavior.
- I know becoming a new parent introduces a whole new set of responsibilities. Late night feedings, and changings, etc. However, remember your dog was your first "child" and remember to take some time out of each day to pay attention to your dog. A perfect time is when your new baby is napping, or being watched by someone else. Don't skip walks or change your dog's normal routine too much, and as your child gets older you can incorporate bonding time with the two of them. For example, daily walks for Fido can now include your child in a stroller along for the ride.
Tips on How to Introduce Your New Child to Your Dog
Introducing a new child to your family, or as your dog sees it, "your pack" can be a challenge. Canine behaviorist and author of the book "Dog-Friendly Dog Training", Andrea Arden offers some tips on ways to allow your pet to adjust to life with a new child in the family in the below video.
A little patience, and a little extra effort on your part will go a very long way. If properly trained there is no reason why your new baby and dog can not live harmoniously together. In fact, usually your child and dog will become the very best of friends.
The PetAmore team wishes you the best of luck and congratulates you on your new addition!
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