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New Baby and the Family Dog
By David the Dogman
I always advise that as soon as you are aware that there will
be a new baby in the house, begin to prepare your family dog.
Do not leave it until the new baby arrives. It is important
that your dog associates the new baby with as few disruptions
as possible.
It is essential to ensure that your dog has a basic
understanding of good behaviour. The dog should be able to lie
quietly for short periods, not jumping up, walking on a lead
without pulling and coming when called are all essential.
Most dogs are used to being the "baby" in the family and may
find it difficult losing this position. Get your dog used to
being ignored and left alone for short periods of time every
day. If it is your intention to exclude your dog from certain
areas of the house after the baby arrives, establish these rules
well in advance to the baby's arrival. Ideally, the dog should
be excluded from the baby's bedroom.
It is a good idea to teach your dog to walk gently next to the
pram, but never tying the leash to the pram, and never when
unattended. The dog should also be accustomed to new items of
furniture such as playpens, carry cots and high chairs before
baby arrives. If possible get a tape recording of baby noises
and play it in a tape recorder placed where the baby will
normally be so the dog becomes socialized to these sounds. Also
teach the dog the difference between his/her toys and the baby's
toys.
Make sure that you develop a routine and stick to it when the
baby arrives. It is important that the dog receives sufficient
mental and physical stimulation. Try not to make a big deal with
the dog about the arrival of the baby. Teach the dog how to
approach the baby properly and gently. Allow the dog to make
initial investigations and approaches.
Associate the baby's presence with positive things. Give the
dog titbits and lavish praise for desired behaviour around the
baby. Do not place the baby on the floor with the dog and never
shout at or hit your dog for approaching the baby incorrectly.
Gently show the dog what you wish him/her to do and offer a
reward for responding.
Due to the fact that a baby's immune system is not strong,
ensure that your dog is healthy and is up to date with worming
and vaccinations before baby arrives.
If your dog has any behavioral problems, make sure that you
resolve these before baby arrives or if you are in doubt about
your dogs behaviour after your baby arrives, consult your vet
who can refer you to a local animal behaviour counselor.
NEVER leave any baby or child unattended with any dog.
Of course all the above rules must also apply when
Grandchildren or visitors come over here for a few weeks, where
dogs are not used to being or living with children.
Commitment, Firmness, but Kindness.
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Copyright © 1997 by David Klein. Do you have any problems with
your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN.
David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella,
Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at:
http://www.k9netuk.com/dogman/.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many
newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for
many years and started his career in Israel, working on the
Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training,
including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs
for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to
studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not
use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your
home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
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