Dog Diapers

Your Dog And Your New Baby

Prior to the birth of you baby take some time to prepare your dog for the new addition to your family.  Your dog has had your full attention.  It is only natural that your dog may feel some jealousy with the arrival of your newborn baby.  This is why it is important to prepare your dog for your newborn's arrival.  You can do this by inviting friends to visit who have babies and young children.  In this way you can help your dog to become accustomed to the attention given to a baby and young children.

If you have trained your dog well, in other areas, it will be much easier to introduce him to your baby.  Here is a awesome dog training guide that teaches well-proven training techniques, including teaching your dog to behave appropriately around babies and young children:  Dog and Baby Guide 

Another way to prepare your dog is by taking time to acquaint him with the new smells associated with a baby. A major way your dog investigates his world is through smell.  Your baby and her equipment will bring new smells into the household.  Introduce your dog to the baby's room.  Allow your dog to explore the smells of the new furniture, clothes, diapers, etc.  It is important for your dog to see your new baby as a part of the family.  Your dog's acceptance of the new smells will go a long way in creating acceptance of the baby. 

As you introduce your dog to your baby's room don't let him become too familiar with it.  For instance, your dog should not be allowed to jump up on the furniture.  It will cause a problem if your dog jumps on the furniture when your baby is there.  Prevent a bad habit from forming by keeping your dog off of the baby's furniture from the beginning.

Besides new smells a new baby also introduces new sounds.  A baby's cries can be alarming to your dog.  When your baby cries your dog may become anxious.  It is a good idea to purchase a recording of baby sounds and play it occasionally.  New sounds will also be introduced by your baby's toys and equipment.  Take time to acclimatize your dog to all these new sounds a couple of months before the arrival of your newborn. 

Please understand that there are times when your dog should be kept at a distance from your baby.  Your baby's naptime is one of those times.  Use an expandable baby gate to keep your dog out of the baby's room when she is sleeping.  Your dog should be able to see through the gate.  Hearing a baby's cries without being able to view the area can cause unnecessary anxiety on your dog's part. 

Be sure you enthusiastically praise your dog when he comes to warn you about your baby crying.  In this way you will reinforce your dog's watchful and protective feelings toward your baby. 

Don't forget to check out this awesome free website  all about dogs and  dog training ideas:  Dog Obedience Guide 

Your dog and baby should never be left alone unsupervised. This is especially true if you are unsure of your dog's reaction to the new household changes.  A loving dog, by trying to cuddle close to your baby, may accidentally hurt her.  A baby cannot move her face or body away from your dog if he is too close and a young child does not have the physical strength to move a dog. 

When your baby is introduced into the family watch your dog's reactions carefully.  The process of introducing your baby to your dog should be slow and deliberate.  Watch your dog carefully for negative or aggressive behavior.  When your dog exhibits negative behavior place him in another room to calm down.  After your dog has calmed down you can reintroduce him to your child.  If aggression reoccurs place your dog back in the other room to calm down.  Repeat this procedure as needed until the situation is calm and relaxed. 

It is a good idea to have someone available to hold your baby when you come home from the hospital.  This will give you an opportunity to greet your dog.  Your dog needs you to set aside a few minutes a day for him because he was the center of attention before the arrival of your baby.  This will help minimize any jealousy felt by your dog.

Your household will be much more hectic.  Establishing set routines will be a great help.  Household routines make it easier for your dog to adjust to the new environment.  This is a great way to help establish a happy and harmonious family.

Here is a review of a high quality guide you might want to check out:  A Guide to Training Your Dog