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Dog And New Baby - Use A Careful ApproachTo a dog, a new baby is just a new member joining the pack. Most are very tolerant of infants, be they human babies or puppies. Just keep in mind that dogs are very routine oriented. If your pet has been the center of attention for several years and all of a sudden he's playing second fiddle, the dog will experience stress. Your actions will go a long way to alleviating his anxiety. The best way to handle this is to try and continue any routines you already have with your pet. If you walk your dog after breafast, continue to do so. The same thing applies if you always play ball in the yard with your dog after work. Yes your household routines will change dramatically when the new baby arrives, but you should try to preserve as many old routines for your dog as you can. This gives him security when his world seems turned upside-down. If you don't have any routines already, establish one before the baby joins the household and stay with it. You should also socialize your dog with children before a new baby arrives. Visit your friends who have children and bring your pet. Always supervise closely, and pay attention to your dog's reactions and attitudes. Make sure the visit is pleasant so your dog will have positive associations with children. Play with a ball or go for a walk together. Make sure the children do not play rough with the dog. No games such as tug-of-war or wrestling. When the new baby arrives, again make sure that the dog makes positive associations with the youngster. You can sit the baby on your lap and give the dog a few treats. Take a walk with your dog and new baby in the stroller. Pet your dog while you feed the infant. All of this is assuming your pet is not going wild and you already have some control mechanisms over him. That's why obedience training is so important before you have your hands full with a newborn. As the baby grows, the dog may become more assertive with him or her. Watch for any signs that the dog is trying to maintain his position in the pecking order of the pack by growling or snapping at the youngster. A typical adult dog will begin this assertive behavior when a child is about 1 1/2 to 2 years old. Many people thing their dog is jealous of the child. I'm not sure if a dog feels jealousy, but I am sure that he will compete for attention. For example, if the dog is sitting by your leg craving attention and your 2-year-old climbs into your lap, the dog may growl or even snap at the child. Again, I'm not sure this is jealousy, but it is behavior that cannot be tolerated. Correct your dog immediately with a firm "No", and make him sit and stay. When you are ready, give him his release and give him attention and praise. The dog and new baby can have a great relationship, but a lot of that depends on you. Prepare the dog ahead of time, keep your routines, and correct or praise your dog when the situation calls for it. And never leave the baby and dog together unsupervised. Dogs are not always predictable, and for that matter, neither are toddlers. A dog and new baby is a situation that can work, but must always be watched closely.
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