Don’t Forget About Fido

I have several friends that have just had or are expecting a new baby.  A lot of them have asked me, ‘what is the best way to introduce the baby to the dog?’  A lot of them are also concerned with the baby taking up all their time and not having time for the dog.  I heard of a study earlier this year by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna showing many people have the same relationship with their dog as parents do with children. Well…Duh!!!  I often compare my rescue dogs to having a house full of toddlers that never grow up.

 

The thing to remember is your dog is still a part of your family.  Of course your human child comes first, but you still need to make time with Fido.  Make sure to include him in your daily family life.  When you take the baby for a walk in the park, take the dog with you.  Have the dog in the room with you when you change the baby’s diaper, and talk to the dog as well as the baby.  Include the dog in family portraits. 

 

 

Of course we all know there are dogs that won’t tolerate children.  Sometimes you do have to make the hard choice to give up your dog.  If you know your dog does not like children and you become pregnant, you have 9 months to find the dog a new home.  Don’t wait till a month before the baby is born to start looking.  If you find out after the baby is born or they become toddlers, then never have them in the same room and take care of the dog till you find him a good home.  And never ever leave baby and dog in a room together unattended. 

Toddlers are rambunctious.  They will be attracted to the dog.  They are going to fall on the dog, step on the dog, pull the dogs ears, pull the dog’s tail, and sometimes even bite the dog.  It’s just what toddlers do.  If you have any doubt…any doubt at all…do not let this happen.  You are the parent and are responsible for knowing how your dog is going to react to your toddler.

 

That said, most of the time the dog is going to do just fine with the baby.  Start early by sharing the excitement of your pregnancy with the dog.  Make the dog a part of your nursery decorating.  Show the dogs everything you buy for baby and talk to the dog about what to expect.  Start carrying a baby doll around to get the pup used to you carrying something.  After you have the baby take a blanket that has been used on the baby home and let the dog smell the blanket.  Put the blanket in the crib to show the dog where the baby will go.  After you get home and all the excited visitors have left, take the time to introduce the baby to the dog. 

 

 

This article on SheKnows.com has some great examples of how to prepare.  As I said before once you find out you are pregnant, you have nine months to prepare Fido for the addition to your family. 

 

 

 

Here is a list from this article:

·         Address any potentially problematic behaviors (like jumping or taking things) before the baby comes — not only is it easier before you have added responsibilities, but it prevents your pooch from associating the child with sudden restrictions.

·         If your dog is sleeping with you, teach him or her to sleep in another room or at the foot of the bed so you aren't restricted during constant late-night baby duty.

·         If your dog is a barker, teach him or her to stay quiet now by rewarding quiet behavior and closing blinds to reduce the temptation.

·         If you plan to have children in the future, socialize dogs with children early on; if it's too late, you may need to hire a behaviorist to work with them on things before the baby comes.

·         Set up the baby's room early and let the dog check it out, but keep a dog gate in front of the door so he or she understands early that they have to wait until they're invited in.

·         Start leaving baby stuff (diapers, pacifiers, toys, etc.) around the house now and teach the dog to leave it alone — with any luck, they won't be as curious about the new items when the baby comes, and if they are, they know to drop it on command.

·         If your dog is still a bit mischievous once the baby comes, consider hiring someone to walk him or her or taking the pooch to doggy day care (it's hard to get into things when you're exhausted).

The biggest thing to stress is that Fido is still a part of your family.  Don’t forget about him just because you have a baby.  Include him and he will be one happy pup.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri