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Old 05-01-2011, 06:35 PM   #1
RachelandSadie
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 5,748
Default Training a dog to be around a new baby

Copied from dog manners:

Your new "Pack Member"
Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby
By Martin Guerra
All the preparations have been completed! You've had the baby shower! Grandma and Grandpa have begun the spoiling ritual! The baby's room is ready! The day to bring baby home finally arrives. But wait!! What about Fido! Has he/she been prepared for the new arrival?? How is Fido going to react?
Bringing your baby home from the hospital is an exciting time. But there could be a problem lurking if you have not taken the time to prepare the "canine kid" for the baby's arrival. This is especially important when your pooch has been "top dog" up to now. By taking the time, being patient, consistent and following some simple guidelines you can make this union less traumatic and make it very successful and rewarding for all.
BEFORE BABY ARRIVES
1) Make sure your dog is obedience trained and responding well to your verbal commands. (Don't expect your dog to obey your commands if it has not been taught to do so.)
If your dog has had some obedience training take the time now to practice and reinforce those commands. It will give you peace of mind knowing that when you say "sit," "down," "stay," or "off" your dog will do it. Also, having your dog walking at heel when you're pushing that stroller can be invaluable.
A. Curbing any mouthing or biting behavior is critical. Your dog's "play-bite," "love-nip," or "teething," etc. can cause a serious injury to an infant or toddler!!
B. Begin to reduce the amount of attention you give your dog. It will be difficult for your dog to accept the baby when he associates it with not getting as much attention. In addition, if the dog is very demanding and nudges, paws at, barks, etc. for your attention, he could injure, frighten or wake the baby. So, begin to lower the dog's "rank" and steadily reduce the amount of attention you give him, because you sure won't have the time to shower him/her with loads of attention once the baby arrives.
When your dog is "in shape" and responding to your commands the whole process will be a lot easier as you will have the much needed control over the dog during the initial introduction and subsequent weeks.
2). Expose your dog, in a controlled manner (on leash), to as many babies as possible. Babies look, smell, sound and move differently than big humans. Get your dog as familiar with babies as you can NOW. Do this in a positive manner; offer treats, toys petting or anything the dog enjoys when it is near a baby. Remain calm and in control during the whole process. If your dog is behaving inappropriately, calmly and without emotion, remove the dog and try again later.
Begin "child proof" handling of the dog! Once your child reaches toddler age and is bantering about in the vertical position, one of the things he/she will most likely do is to grab the doggy: pulling the tail, giving hugs, drumming on, tripping over, pinching, etc. These can be threatening or challenging behaviors to your dog, causing it to react. Begin by presenting a special treat to the dog. As he/she is nibbling on the treat begin to grab, poke hug, pinch, etc. Do these gently at first, gradually increase the level of intensity over time. By getting your dog used to things now can save you a lot of grief later.
A. Food bowl safety is another important area. Get the dog used (enjoying) others near it's bowl. While he/she is eating, put your hand into the bowl and drop a really special treat or two. Do this frequently. B. Make a lot of noise around the dog. Act like a child by running through the house screaming. Yeah it sound goofy, but your dog will learn to take it in stride and not be freaked out when the baby screams or the toddler runs through the house during a full blown tantrum binge.
3) When you are preparing the house i.e., the baby's room, let your dog spend ample time in that room; teach him to lie-down in a specific area and give a special toy to chew on. Make any necessary corrections you have to and don't forget to PRAISE when the dog is being good. You want the dog to understand that he/she can be in there but it must behave accordingly.
4) A day or so before you bring baby home from the hospital, take home a blanket the baby has been wrapped in, or a cap and present them to your dog along with some yummy treats. Let him/her smell it thoroughly. This will get the dog familiar with your baby's scent, therefore, when your dog and baby meet for the first time, your dog will recognize the scent of your baby and should be more receptive. DO NOT let the dog play with it. NOTE: The blanket/scent should be associated with GOOD BEHAVIOR, not thrashing, tugging or dragging around, etc. Each time you present the scent item to the dog have him "sit" and lavish him/her with praise and treats. By doing this frequently, the dog learns to associate the scent with sitting and getting a treat.

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