There are so many things to consider and prepare for when expecting a baby: the birth, the nursery, clothes, equipment, feeding and sleep schedules… The list is daunting. Getting your dog ready for the big change often gets forgotten or put to the bottom of your to-do list. You may have visions of your dog absolutely loving your baby, protecting her, shadowing her, and being her best friend as she grows up. However, making such a noble vision a reality doesn’t just happen, it usually takes planning, preparation and a great deal of proactivity. For everyone’s happiness and safety, it’s important to get things right when managing a dog and a baby in the same household.
BEFORE BABY ARRIVES
Consider the many new smells, sights, sounds, and changes to the routine that a baby brings into our lives: crying, cradles, toys, diapers, naps, and activity in the middle of the night to name just a few. It’s a lot of adjustment for all family members of both the furry and non-furry persuasion. The more you can prepare yourself and your dog in advance for some of these changes, the better your chances of making a smooth transition to life with a baby.
Habituation
Habituation is basically getting used to something to the point that you are no longer bothered by it or hardly even notice it anymore. For instance, when I moved to the city from the country, I found the traffic and city noise quite bothersome and they disturbed my sleep. After a couple of months, the sirens and horns no longer caused me concern and I was able to sleep through the city noises outside my window as if they were the chirps of crickets that lulled me to sleep before the move. You want your dog to habituate to your baby’s cries and squeals, the sounds and movements of mobiles, swings and toys, and the smell of baby lotion or other baby products.
Sights/Sounds
Find baby noises on the Internet (legacycanine.com has an MP3 download of baby sounds) and play them occasionally during the day. Start off softly and gradually increase the volume to more realistic levels as your dog gets comfortable with the new noises. If you have a mobile that plays music or a baby swing, turn it on from time to time to allow your dog to get accustomed to the sounds and the movements. Watch your dog closely for any signs of stress in reaction to these sounds and objects. You may have to proceed more gently and use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques with the guidance of a professional dog trainer to help ease your dog’s fears.
Smells
For a while, there has been the suggestion of bringing home the baby’s blanket or article of clothing containing the baby’s smell home to the dog for him to sniff before you bring the baby home. This really doesn’t accomplish much in terms of preparing your dog for life with a baby. The smell of the baby alone has no significance to the dog. They might take in the baby’s smell then think, “So what?” A smell can certainly be a powerful conduit of association, however. For me, the smell of mothballs always conjures a pleasant memory of my Godmother. For others, it reminds them of men’s urinals. It’s all in the association. If you want your baby’s smell to have a positive meaning to your dog, pair it with something your dog likes, such as cheese, hotdogs, or his favourite treat. Usually, there is not enough time between the birth of the baby and its arrival at home to train much of an association. However, you could pair another scent associated with the baby, such as baby lotion, with something your dog likes. Allow your dog to smell the chosen substance then give him a treat. Repeat this often enough and he’ll develop pleasant thoughts whenever he smells that baby-related scent and can thereby feel good about the baby that shares that scent.
Training
Having your dog be proficient at some basic commands will make life much easier once the baby arrives. Make sure your dog is able to perform these behaviours reliably:
- sit
- down
- recall
- leave a distraction
- drop something from his mouth
- go to a mat
Consider how you give commands. You may not be able to use hand signals if you’re carrying a baby. Can you give your dog a command in a whisper if the baby is sleeping? Will your dog perform a command if you’re not looking at him? Train your dog take direction under these new circumstances.
You’ll also want to make sure your dog has a good level of impulse control. He’ll need to learn to not take food from the baby’s hands, not chase after a squealing toddler, and resist going after baby’s things dropped on the floor.
How does your dog get your attention? If your dog barks, jumps up or paws at you, that might need to change to keep you and baby safe and avoid the baby’s sleep being disturbed. What could be an alternative, safer behaviour for your dog to use? My dog finds that a gentle nudge or resting her chin on my knee does the trick to tune me into her needs.
Of course, walking both baby and dog at the same time makes a lot of sense. Walking your dog while pushing a stroller might look pretty easy, but it does take some training and practice by both dog and owner. This is best done well BEFORE your first outing together. Your dog must become accustomed to the noise and movement of the stroller and learn the best place to walk in relation to the stroller so that he doesn’t get himself or the leash interfering with the wheels. The owner needs to learn the mechanics of handling the leash while pushing and steering the stroller. NEVER attach your dog’s leash to the stroller. You never know what might startle your dog or cause him to lunge or bolt and take the stroller with him, scaring and possibly injuring himself and the baby.
Routines
Everyone’s routine is going to be a bit topsy turvy with a newborn in the home. In general, dogs appreciate and depend on having a regular, dependable routine, and if you’ve done a good job with this, now you’ll have to help your dog be a bit more flexible in their daily schedule. Before the baby arrives, add some variations to their routine by feeding and walking them at different times or maybe changing the order that some rituals are done. Mixing up their routine a bit now will help them cope with irregularities that are sure to come when caring for a new baby.
AT HOME WITH BABY
Coming home and first introductions
Bringing the baby home for the first time is an exciting time for everyone. Your dog will certainly be excited to see you after your absence and deserves a bit of your personal attention when you get home. If your dog tends to jump up during greetings, have your dog tied or crated or have another adult hold the baby as you come in. Greet your dog as calmly as possible.
When introducing your dog to the new baby, do NOT all allow the dog to get in the baby’s face to sniff and investigate and do NOT put the baby carrier on the floor. Your dog may be excited or apprehensive at this time and your baby is vulnerable and has no say in the matter. It simply isn’t safe nor is it necessary. Don’t force an introduction if your dog shows that he is not that keen. There is no need or pressure to have the introduction happen on the first day. Wait until all is calm and you feel that you and your dog are both ready. Don’t bring the baby down to the dog. You might get knocked over or lose your balance. A safer way is to be sitting down on a chair or couch with someone holding the dog on a loose leash (a tight leash will add unwanted stress and tension to the situation). If the dog is curious, allow him to sniff the baby’s feet. Never let the dog invade the baby’s space by crowding her or getting into her face. Be sure to reward any and all positive behaviour from your dog.
Safe Routines and Practices
You can decide whether or not you’ll allow your dog access to the baby’s room, however, under no circumstances should your dog be in the room alone with the baby. If the baby is in any room alone, close off your dog’s access with a door and use a baby monitor. Using a baby gate is not enough.
Your dog should never be left unattended with the baby. Have a plan for what to do when someone comes to the door or you leave to answer the phone or take a shower or trip to the toilet. You must ensure that your dog and baby are never left alone together, even for a minute. For a minute or less is all it takes for a tragedy to strike. When the baby is on the floor, secure your dog somewhere else. The erratic, jolty movements and squeals babies make can set off dogs’ hunting instincts in an instant. Even if you are in the same room with your dog and baby, you may not be fast enough to prevent a mishap.
Time and Space for Fido
You’re surely going to be busy with meeting your baby’s needs and making sure your dog’s needs are adequately met will help lessen stress and problem behaviours from creeping in.
Alone Time – Your dog will need a quiet, safe place just for him where no one, especially children, will disturb him. It can be a dog bed or crate placed in an easily accessible area for the dog, somewhere that isn’t too isolated that he gets lonely, but also not in a high-traffic area so that it restful. Get your dog accustomed to this “Fortress of Solitude” so that it becomes an enjoyable place for him to hang out. If your dog is not yet trained to go to a designated place and settle, seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer. During the day, your dog will need some to be by himself with an activity such as a chew toy. This gives you opportunities to do things with the baby away from the dog.
Downtime – Your dog will also need to have another form of downtime in his routine. This is a time where he cannot have your attention but doesn’t need to be isolated, such as when feeding the baby. The dog can lie at your feet or on his bed. Settling on a mat is a great behaviour to have in your dog’s training repertoire.
Mealtime – Provide your dog with an area free from intrusions, especially from curious babies, where he can eat in peace.
Walk time – Make sure that your dog gets out for daily walks. Allow him to sniff as much as he likes as this is excellent mental stimulation. Getting sufficient physical and mental exercise can minimize many behaviour problems. You yourself will also benefit from getting a bit of fresh air and exercise.
Playtime – Play is a great way to relieve stress and get in more exercise and bond with your dog. Playing fetch, tug or a good game of chase are some favourite ways to “shake the sillies out”. Inside, you can also play a little hide and seek or get down on the floor with your dog and do some personal, social play.
All this information may seem rather daunting in addition to all the other things occupying your time and attention with preparing for a new baby. Just remember that this is a big change for your dog as well, and the better you can prepare him, the easier it will be for him to be the good family dog you want him to be. Always look for opportunities to reinforce the behaviours you want. Guide and encourage him towards these goals and manage your dog’s environment and behaviour carefully to keep everyone safe and happy. Your time and effort will help baby and dog become best buds.
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