Introducing Family Dog to Your Baby

After welcoming a baby in to the world you are probably concerned about how your dog is going to react to your new addition to the family. Because of jealousy from their dog toward the new baby, people often surrender their pets to shelters. Parents fear the infant might be harmed by the dog. Other families have been successful in introducing their dogs to the new baby.

Getting your dog to your new baby is a process that needs time. and the utmost of care to ensure a happy and safe welcoming process! There are two steps to ensure your dog acts appropriately around the baby when he or she is finally home. The steps are preparing your dog for the infants arrival, and introducing your dog to your infant.

Introducing Family Dog to Your Baby: Preparing

Taking some precautions, a few minutes of quality time and some extra treats can go a long way! Be sure to take your dog to your local Veterinarian for a complete checkup a few months before the baby arrives.

Worms and parasites can be harmful to your baby. Make sure to worm your dog before the baby comes home. Get your dog checked out at normal intervals to insure he stays worm free. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this is might be the time to get it done.

Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.

• When introducing the dog to your new baby allow your dog to explore the baby’s sleeping and diaper changing areas. He should become familiar with smells from related items such as baby powder, lotions, and diapers to become familiar. Apply baby lotion or powder to your hands, and allow your dog to sniff the new smell. Dogs rely the sense of smell. The familiarity with the new baby smells will help him recognize the baby as a part of the family. If possible, allow your dog to smell clothing that your baby has used before you bring the baby home.

• Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. Play recordings of a baby crying. There are CDs available for this exact training purpose. (see www.soundtherapy4pets.com/ for CDs with baby noises) Turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.

Preparing the Room

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• Do not allow your dog to sleep on the baby’s furniture or play with the baby’s toys. Your dog should know that the furniture is not for him and should treat it as such. Provide toys for the dog that do not resemble baby toys. A dog may take the toy from the baby’s hand and unintentionally injure the infant.

• If the baby’s room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate. These barriers are available at pet or baby supply store. For jumpers, screen door could be an option. Because these barriers allow your dog to see and hear what’s happening in the room, he will feel less isolated from the family. Perhaps then he will be more comfortable with the new baby noises.

• Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll. Take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog. Use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.

• Finally and very importantly, be sure that your dog knows that you and your family are alpha over him or her – this is crucial to ensure you can reprimand your dog should any jealous signs show when the baby is brought home.

Introducing your dog to your Baby

The actual introduction of your dog to your newborn baby is of utmost importance and the first few meetings can often dictate how your dog responds to your baby on an ongoing basis. For this reason, it is crucial to undertake the introduction process slowly and properly.

Tips for the first meeting include:

• When the baby comes home, while introducing the family dog to your baby, another person should hold the baby while you greet your dog. Your dog has missed you and it is important to pay attention to him or her when you first get home.

• Greet your dog happily and bring him or her a new toy as a gift to associate the baby with something positive. After your dog’s excitement about your homecoming has dissipated you should start introducing your baby to the dog.

• If you are unsure of you dog’s behavior, leash or restrain him or her during the introduction. Talk to your dog, pet and encourage him or her to get a good look and sniff the baby’s hands and feet. Do not force a reluctant dog by pushing the infant in front of the pet. Allow the pet to explore the new smells at their own pace. Never leave your baby unsupervised with your pet. An infant is incapable of pushing the animal away and your dog may inadvertently smother the child. The actions of a baby may scare your dog and cause it to bite in self-defense. If your dog reacts aggressively, put him or her in another room until it is calm and try the introduction again.

Introducing Family dog to your Baby

• After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. Again, to prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.
• Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day—it may help relax you, too.

With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.

Further information

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like accustoming your dog to children), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning.

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