| Thus, when a new baby is introduced into a | | | | |
| family, it can be a challenging time for our | | | | Keep the introduction slow and well |
| beloved four legged creatures. Whether you | | | | supervised. Give your pet lots of praise for |
| have a dog, cat, bird, or something more | | | | good behaviour. |
| exotic, its important to ease this transition | | | | |
| as much as possible and provide them the | | | | Advice about your dog and your new baby (Take |
| guidance that will ensure that you as | | | | from gurney.co.uk) |
| parents, your pets, and your new baby can | | | | |
| live together in harmony. | | | | 1. Gradually introduce changes in your dog's |
| | | | routine as soon as you know a baby is on the |
| The time to begin introducing your pet to the | | | | way - if he does not connect them with the |
| fact that a change is coming is as soon as | | | | baby's arrival he has less reason to be |
| possible. Dont wait until the day that you | | | | jealous. |
| bring your baby home from the hospital. | | | | |
| Rather, start the process early on so that | | | | (a) Your dog should not be the centre of |
| your pet will be comfortable with the changes | | | | attention at all times, and should sit on |
| when that big day arrives. Here are some | | | | your lap (if at all) only when invited by |
| things you can do before the baby arrives: | | | | you. |
| | | | |
| Take your pet to the veterinarian for any | | | | (b) Get him used to being away from you |
| needed shots and a parasite check. | | | | sometimes in another room, or indoor kennel |
| | | | ("crate"), and ban him from the nursery. |
| Practice cuddling or holding a baby doll | | | | |
| around your pet. Watch for any signs of | | | | (c) Take a refresher course at a training |
| aggression or jealousy. These are behaviours | | | | school, and think about practice walks with |
| that you can work on during the next few | | | | the pram - it can be trickier than it sounds! |
| months. | | | | |
| | | | (d) Check with your vet about canine hygiene |
| Introduce your pet to the babys nursery. | | | | and worming. |
| Expose him to common smells such as nappy | | | | |
| cream and baby powder. | | | | 2. When your baby is born your dog may be |
| | | | left for hours while you are in hospital, or |
| Allow your pet opportunities to be around | | | | upset by the excitement if you are at home. |
| other children and babies. | | | | Arrange for someone he knows to look after |
| | | | walk him. |
| Play taped sounds of babies crying for your | | | | |
| pet to become accustomed to the sounds that | | | | 3. Old wives tales (letting your dog drink |
| will soon be filling your home. | | | | breast milk or play with dirty nappies) don't |
| | | | help your dog and baby to become friends, but |
| If bad behaviours are apparent, such as | | | | sending home a blanket that the baby has |
| jumping, biting, or sleeping on the bed, | | | | slept on may help your dog to get used to her |
| start correcting these issues as soon as | | | | scent. |
| possible. | | | | |
| | | | 4. When you come home let someone else hold |
| Seek obedience training if necessary. | | | | your baby while you greet your dog; introduce |
| | | | them later when he is calm. |
| Once the baby has arrived, the key will be | | | | |
| consistency and patience. The following tips | | | | 5. Don't try to keep your dog and baby |
| will help ease the transition: | | | | completely apart - you won't be able to keep |
| | | | it up! Teach them both to interact calmly and |
| Designate a family member or neighbor to give | | | | gently, no licking by the dog or grabbing by |
| your pet some extra attention during the | | | | the child. |
| first few days. | | | | |
| | | | 6. NEVER EVER leave dogs alone with babies or |
| Before you bring the baby home, bring home a | | | | young children; shut your dog out of the room |
| piece of clothing or a blanket that has been | | | | or pop the baby in a secure play-pen. This |
| used by the baby in the hospital for your pet | | | | applies every time you use the bathroom, |
| to sniff. | | | | answer the door/phone or get a meal. It is |
| | | | NOT a matter of "trust". Toddlers can |
| If you are the person most closely bonded | | | | accidentally injure or alarm dogs (e.g. by |
| with the pet, have someone else carry the | | | | falling on them) and startled dogs may react |
| baby into the house. | | | | impulsively, lashing out or biting. |