Dogs & Babies:  How we can all get along

Expecting a baby, or got a new one at home already?  You're right to be concerned about your dog's feelings toward your new baby.  Many previously docile, kid-loving dogs can change their minds about kids once there's one living in his domain. 

Most dog/baby problems are rooted in one or both of these two reasons:

§  Your dog has been getting your undivided attention until now, and it's natural for him to resent this new being who seems to take up all of your time now.  What happened to the daily walks, the fetch games, the cuddles on your bed?  And why are you so touchy about mud and hair now?  (If you haven't had the baby yet and don't think this will happen to you, believe me:  You're mistaken!)

§  Your dog hasn't spent any time with babies or toddlers and is therefore naturally apprehensive or even afraid of them. 

There are lots of things you can easily do to prevent or improve a problem in your dog's behavior around your baby.  Post this on your fridge and you'll see a vast improvement very quickly.

PRE-BABY (What to do throughout your pregnancy):

Play a recorded tape of a baby crying at varying times during the day, evening & night. Start at lower volume and gradually work up over the days or weeks to a louder, realistic volume. Stay calm, go about your business as usual, and start also going into the "baby's room", acting like you are taking care of a baby. You should also feed and play with dog while this tape is playing so that he begins to associate good things and fun times with this sound, rather than stress, isolation or punishment.

Play with noise-producing baby toys and related items (rattles, music boxes, etc.) while occasionally treating your dog with tiny pieces of his favorite treats.

Introduce any other baby-related items and activities in a positive manner with praise & treats to dog, i.e., the smell of baby lotion, pretending changing a diaper.

Practice walking your dog while pushing a baby carriage. Your neighbors will think you're off your rocker, but it'll help a LOT after the baby comes. You might also consider purchasing a Halti or Gentle Leader collar for your dog it he pulls on the leash, and practice with it now. Better yet: Teach him to heel reliably on command (see next point)

Sign up for a good, positive reinforcement basic dog obedience class where you & your dog will learn how to sit, stay, heel, lie down and come on command. Go to http://www.apdt.com for a list of trainers in your area, but always get several references from former students/clients before hiring any dog trainer or behaviorist.

POST-BABY (What to do after the baby's arrival):

Before the baby comes home, place the newborn's unlaundered swaddling cloths (from the hospital on the first few days) around your dog's food bowl so that he starts to associate the baby's smell with good things like dinner.

Ignore dog when baby is not present; give dog love & attention only when baby is present This is the most important item in this article.  It may seem silly or difficult;  it's exactly the opposite of what most people do when a new baby comes home.   ­ But if your dog starts to believe that good things only happen when the baby is around, he'll be very happy to see the baby. If he starts to believe that he gets ignored or yelled at, put in his crate, chided, or punished when the baby is around, he won't be happy to see the baby and you could be asking for problems.  Ignore the dog when the baby is not around, and treat & praise & pet him when the baby IS around. Makes sense after you think about it, doesn't it?