Be Careful With Babies and Dogs.
This column is about new babies and dogs, but first a correction. While writing my column about the Red Cross Pet First Aid book, I called the local Red Cross and was told they did not sell the book except to people who took the Red Cross course on Pet First Aid. That was not correct - they do sell the book. They also offer a one-day course on Pet First Aid, for $29, which includes the book. For further information call the local chapter at 1-800-853-2570, ext 203.
I've still got my grandchildren on my mind. Who could blame me? My daughter asked for some advice about introducing Jackson to his canine siblings Steve and Bob. Our daughter in law asked a similar question almost two years ago about introducing Samuel to Xena and Stella, so they were prepared when Katherine Anne arrived - four days after Jackson!
Besides the risk of injury to the baby, problems with children and dogs are a common reason for people to surrender their pets to animal shelters. These are just a few of the things you should consider.
Well before the baby's arrival the family dog should be screened for aggressive tendencies. Anyone he knows should be able to take his toys away, take his food away when he's eating and make him get up and move while he's sleeping. Make sure your dog will sit, stay, and come at your command, without bribing him with treats. If you can't do these things, consult your veterinarian or a qualified dog behavioral specialist and get some help. Be aware that an active, unruly dog may be as dangerous as an aggressive dog.
Adjust your dog's schedule to fit what you know about the baby's schedule. Before the baby comes home, change the exercise routine and playtime to a schedule you will be able to continue. There are CD's available of crying babies and it may be helpful to bring a baby-scented blanket home a day or two early from the hospital so the dog gets used to these things.
When you bring the baby home, Dad (or a grandparent) should carry the baby in so Mom, who's been away a few days, can greet the dog and settle him down. During the first several days be very careful about encounters between baby and dog. Look for good behavior, like staying down, being quiet, and reward the dog with praise. Anticipate problems and avoid them so you don't have to discipline the dog in front of the baby. If your dog is becoming too active or inquisitive, for example, or shows signs of fear (flattened ears, tucked tail, yawning, lip licking) or predatory behavior (erect ears, strong focus on the baby, odd whining) just put a leash on him and take him out of the room. And tail-wagging just means "look at me" - in predatory behavior it can be a signal for the rest of the pack to join in.
Above all, no matter how small your dog is, or how trustworthy he seems, never leave a dog (or cat) alone with a baby. Even if they are not aggressive and just playing or curious, any dog or cat may do things that are unsanitary, could cause serious harm, or even be fatal to a baby.
Babies have been joining families with dogs for hundreds or thousands of years and significant trouble is rare, but it can happen. Be careful, and if you have any concerns your veterinarian can either provide some advice or put you in contact with someone who can.