Introducing dog to baby?
Thursday May 21st, 2009
My husband and I are expecting our first child and I'm really concerned that my dog Tasha is going to be upset or feel left out. I want to make sure this transition ok for her--can you give me some advice?
answered by Christine Agro
Congratulations! What an exciting time. There are a number of things to consider that will help you and Tasha with this transition. Dogs "know" something is changing and so Tasha is already wondering what's going on. In fact, dogs can understand information from us by the pictures or mental images we project whenever we talk or think about something. So, you can begin by consciously showing Tasha pictures of what is going on, for example, the baby arriving, the baby crying, her getting along fine with the baby, etc.
Just like people, some dogs are creatures of habit and others are more go-with-the-flow. Tasha looks like structure is pretty important to her, so the upcoming changes to her schedule may pose some problems. If she's a dog that gets walked, it's important that she continue to get her walks. Plan on hiring a dog walker for the first month or so--it will make things easier for everyone to keep her on a consistent schedule. If she isn't used to regular walks, you may want to get into a routine of giving her two walks a day, both the exercise and the consistency will really help her out.
When the baby arrives, it will be important to communicate with Tasha as things are happening. If the baby is crying, be sure to tell Tasha that the baby is fine and that crying is the baby's way of communicating. When you are up in the middle of the night, let her know why and be sure to thank her for keeping you company.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to tell their dog to "protect" or "watch after'' the baby. Dogs take their jobs seriously so if you give your dog this job she will want to protect the baby 100% of the time--even when you go out with the baby and leave Tasha at home. This will lead to Tasha feeling stress and anxiety because she doesn't know where Tasha is. Be sure to give Tasha jobs she can do.
Christine Agro is a renowned expert and speaker on the body's innate ability to heal through the use of natural healing modalities and energy awareness for both humans and animals. She is a graduate of the School of Natural Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, and the Clairvoyant Training Program at the Inner Connection Institute (ICI) in Denver.
Read more about Christine Agro in the DogTime expert center...The truth about dogs (and cats)
April 27th, 2009
So you're cruising down the information super-highway, your new dog strapped safely in the side-car next to you. You've driven this road before, though, so you know that confusing road signs and faulty...
Homecoming for new dogs
June 17th, 2008
Congratulations. You have a new member of the family and you're taking her home. Now what? You must be excited and looking forward to creating a lifelong friendship with your new canine pal. How does...
Dog diet tips
July 23rd, 2009
Your dog is looking at you with those big brown eyes. Your heart melts, and you reach for a treat. His tail wags, and you feel content. According to Ernest Ward, DVM, chief-of-staff at Seaside Animal...
featured articles
Pedigree's pound puppies too sad for Westminster Kennel Club
February 13th, 2012
A Pit Bull mama and her last litter
February 13th, 2012
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
Video: Dog help in the office
February 11th, 2012
eBay: Please stop enabling unscrupulous breeders
by Leslie Smith on February 8th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
October 13th, 2010
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
0 comments | leave your own comment