TIPS ON HELPING PETS ADJUST TO NEW BABY
The new arrival of a baby can be a difficult time for the family dog, but Moreton Bay Regional Council’s education officers have some tips that can help alleviate potential problems.
As part of its campaign to promote responsible pet ownership, council’s education officers regularly visit ante natal classes at Caboolture and Redcliffe Hospitals and are willing to help new parents address any concerns they may have.
As part of its campaign to promote responsible pet ownership, council’s education officers regularly visit ante natal classes at Caboolture and Redcliffe Hospitals and are willing to help new parents address any concerns they may have.
There are a range of measures couples planning to have children can employ ahead of a child’s birth, to ensure pets cope with the impending change to their circumstances.
By beginning to change the dog’s lifestyle about six months before the baby arrives, the dog will have time to adjust and settle into the routine couples want when the baby comes home. If the dog will no longer be allowed to sleep in the bedroom, this rule should be brought in well before the baby is introduced.
Refreshing the dog in obeying “sit”, “drop” and “stay” commands will make handling the pet easier when the child arrives, and playing “baby crying” sounds on a CD will allow a dog to get used to the new noise before it begins for real.
When the baby is born, make sure a blanket the baby has used and a couple of dirty nappies are taken home from the hospital for the dog to sniff before the baby is brought home.
When bringing the baby home, make the introduction slowly, calmly and safely. Place the dog on a lead and command it to “sit, stay” or “drop, stay”. Once the dog is calm introduce the baby to it.
All calm behaviour should be praised and dogs should never be left unattended with a baby.
It is also important to teach children to respect animals. Dogs are pack animals that obey a chain of command and they must be taught to understand that at all times they must obey all family members including children.
By beginning to change the dog’s lifestyle about six months before the baby arrives, the dog will have time to adjust and settle into the routine couples want when the baby comes home. If the dog will no longer be allowed to sleep in the bedroom, this rule should be brought in well before the baby is introduced.
Refreshing the dog in obeying “sit”, “drop” and “stay” commands will make handling the pet easier when the child arrives, and playing “baby crying” sounds on a CD will allow a dog to get used to the new noise before it begins for real.
When the baby is born, make sure a blanket the baby has used and a couple of dirty nappies are taken home from the hospital for the dog to sniff before the baby is brought home.
When bringing the baby home, make the introduction slowly, calmly and safely. Place the dog on a lead and command it to “sit, stay” or “drop, stay”. Once the dog is calm introduce the baby to it.
All calm behaviour should be praised and dogs should never be left unattended with a baby.
It is also important to teach children to respect animals. Dogs are pack animals that obey a chain of command and they must be taught to understand that at all times they must obey all family members including children.
