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