Expecting a Baby? Prepare your Dog

If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, you will want to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your child. Dogs can feel shunned and become confused and stressed when parents suddenly shift their attention from dog to baby. A dog does not understand why a baby is automatically elevated above the dog in the pack. In trying to regain their pack position, the dog will often engage in attention-seeking behaviours such as:

• Jumping up on their owners when they are tending to the baby,
• Stealing items belonging to the baby,
• Going into the baby's room,
• Barking when the baby cries,
• Becoming pushy when the mother is feeding the baby,
• Jumping on the stroller or pulling in front of it, or
• Barking at passersby or guests.

The following guidelines will help reduce bad behaviour and ease everyone's stress:

BEFORE THE BABY ARRIVES

1. Set new rules for the dog. Start by considering the lifestyle changes your new baby will require you to make for your dog. For safety reasons, you will want to keep them out of your bedroom and also out of the baby's room. Set up a baby gate in front of the baby's room and correct the dog if they enter the room when the gate is open. Go in and out of the room regularly to demonstrate that it is no-go zone. Implement these restrictions several weeks or months before the baby arrives so that your dog does not associate the baby's arrival with exclusion from parts of the home they previously enjoyed.

2. Prepare your dog for changes in routine. If before the baby arrives, you make changes in your dog's routine-such as how and when they are walked, fed or receives attention they will handle those changes better than if they happen all at once. If you are concerned that some of your dog's needs will not be met, consider dog walkers and day cares to assist you when you are very busy. (Test out those options in advance.) Try not to express guilt that the baby will soon take more attention; that can make the transition harder for your dog.

3. Prepare your dog for the sights and sounds of a baby. Many dogs bark, jump up or even hide when a baby cries because they are unsure whether something is wrong. The easiest way to anticipate this problem is to buy a doll that giggles and cries like a baby, wrap it in a baby blanket, and carry it with you throughout the house. If the dog becomes upset when the doll cries, correct their behaviour to show that you are in control.

4. Teach your dog to accept baby scents. Apply to the baby doll the same products (powder, shampoo and lotion) you will use on your baby. Sprinkle some baby powder on the carpeting in the baby room so your dog understands the scent association. Using your changing table or mat, pretend to shampoo or apply lotion to the baby doll, letting your dog smell what you are doing so they learn to accept that these scents are now part of your home. This also gives you the opportunity to correct any bad behaviour before your baby comes home. In addition, try to bring home an item with your newborn's scent on it, like a blanket, prior to your baby's arrival so your dog can become accustomed to the baby's smell.

WHEN THE BABY ARRIVES

5. Make introductions on the first day the baby comes home. Your dog will need to "touch scent" the baby to find out what it is. Stand up and securely hold your newborn up high, and let your dog sniff the baby's bottom or feet while another adult controls the dog on a loosely held lead. If the dog misbehaves or is too exuberant, correct their behaviour and move the dog away from the baby. Settle the dog down before you attempt to introduce them again.

6. Allow frequent supervised visits by your dog. The more the dog and baby are together, the better and less stressed your dog will be. However, be sure to never leave your baby alone in the same room with your dog. Ever.

7. Consider crating your indoor dog when you need time alone with the baby. Crating will help you to manage your dog when you're feeding or changing the baby.

8. Dispose of dirty nappies thoroughly. The scent will prove very enticing to your dog, so don't leave dirty nappies anywhere your dog can reach them. Dogs have been known to try to get to a nappy when it's still on the baby-another important reason not to leave a dog and a baby alone.

9. Keep your dog away from your baby's head. For instance, if you change your baby's nappy on the floor on a mat or blanket, teach your dog to stay off that area and not go near the baby when she's on the floor. Once the nappy is changed, allow your dog to sniff the baby's feet-but never allow the dog to sniff the baby's head or face or lick their fingers. If the baby moves suddenly, the dog can become frightened and their natural instinct will be to duck away or snap at the baby.

10. Teach your dog the difference between his toys and your baby's possessions. If you catch your dog stealing or chewing on something belonging to your baby, interrupt the behaviour with a vocal correction. Then give your dog an acceptable chew toy and praise them lavishly when they take the toy in their mouth.

Although it is normal for a dog to be possessive about their toys, food and space, it is NOT acceptable for them to growl or snap at you or your child at any time. If this happens, the situation needs immediate attention.

By following these guidelines, you can make a gentle transition to having a new baby in the house. Your dog will understand that they're still a valuable member of the pack yet there is now a new member, too.

Handling the Future. Before you know it, your baby will be crawling and grabbing at things. Dogs view children as they would young puppies. Dogs can be possessive of food, toys, their bed or crate. Some dogs may growl or snap when the baby gets too close. Don't take the risk. Separate them and manage the situation. Teach your young child not to pull your dog's ears or tail, and to stay away from its food. Do not allow your child to chastise, hit or chase the dog. Do not allow your child to approach the dog while it is eating. Do not allow your child to take a toy or something out of your dog's mouth. Never hit your dog as this could cause your child to emulate you and that could cause a bite.

As long as you maintain authority over your dog, and teach your dog and your children the rules of interacting safely and respectfully with each other, your family pack will be peaceful, happy and safe.

Have a look at our Two Babies Starting Out in Life handout to see how a dog could be affected long term when a baby comes into the family. 

Our Bark Busters trainers will be happy to help you with this and any other aspects of your dog's training needs. If you would like to know more, contact your local trainer on 1800 067 710.

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