Bringing home baby: Introducing your newborn to the family dog
People love their pets. And in many homes, Fido is simply another member of the
family -- so much so that little thought may be given to what to do when a new
baby arrives. But when it’s time to bring a newborn home to meet the dog,
parents need to keep a few things in mind.
According to a dog bite fact sheet from the American Veterinary Medicine
Association (AVMA), it is estimated that 4.7 million Americans will be bitten
this year alone, most of them children. A study published in the March 2006
issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,
concluded that children under the age of 10 represent a high-risk group when it
comes to dog attacks. Of great concern is the fact that researchers also found
children under one-year-old were even more likely to be bitten than older
children. Worse yet, the majority of the bites (73 percent) involved dogs the
victim knew.
Which dogs did most of that biting? Household pets were responsible in 33
percent of those incidents. Other familiar dogs included those that belonged to
friends, relatives, and neighbors.
While it’s true that some dog breeds are more likely to bite than others –
German Shepherds and Dobermans accounted for 37 percent of the bite cases
studied, parents must remember that all dogs – even small breeds – are capable
of biting. And the family dog, however lovable, is no exception. In fact,
newborns may be more at risk in homes where the dog is an established member of
the family because it’s natural instinct for the dog to see the new arrival as a
threat to his position in the “pack.”
Preparation, awareness, and vigilance, however, can keep your baby safe.
Before baby arrives
Doggone Safe, a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention,
recommends that families review and firm up obedience. Obedience is particularly
important if you own a large dog. Practice giving commands from a variety of
positions and be consistent.
Make changes gradually. The American Kennel Club suggests that owners make any
anticipated changes, such as those in sleeping arrangements or daily feeding,
play, and exercise routines, before baby comes home, so that your dog does not
associate the changes with baby.
Visit your veterinarian. According to the Humane Society of the United States,
you should take your pet to the veterinarian for a health exam and any necessary
vaccinations. A routine exam keeps your pet healthy and allows you to discuss
any behavioral concerns you have. It’s a good idea to have your pet neutered or
spayed, if he or she isn’t already. Sterilized pets are usually calmer and less
likely to bite, according to Humane Society literature.
Finally, introduce your dog to baby-related sights, sounds, and scents. Allow
your dog to investigate new baby-related objects, such as the baby swing and
stroller. Play a recording of a baby crying. Introduce him to the smell of
lotions or powders you’ll be using on the baby and let him sniff a blanket with
the baby’s scent on it before bringing baby home.
Baby’s Homecoming
When the day arrives to bring baby home, following a few simple steps can help
ease the transition for the whole family, especially Fido. The AKC recommends
that you greet your dog without the baby at first. This gives him time to settle
down before meeting baby. If possible, give your dog a few days to adjust to the
sights, sounds, and smells of your new baby before the close-up introduction.
When baby and Fido finally do meet, don’t force him to get close. Instead let
him take his time investigating. The Humane Society also suggests keeping a few
treats handy to distract your pet, if necessary. Rewarding your dog for
appropriate behavior around the baby helps him make a positive association with
the baby’s presence.
Be certain to give your dog plenty of positive attention when the baby isn’t
around and, as much as possible, maintain regular routines. When your dog gets
into baby’s toys, as he inevitably will, don’t scold, the AKC advises. Instead,
make a trade by replacing the item with one of his own toys.
Perhaps the most important advice, however, is: Never leave your dog alone with
baby.
With a little extra care and attention, you, your newborn, and the family dog
will continue to be one big, happy family. For more tips and information on dog
bite prevention, consult Doggone Safe, www.doggonesafe.com; the Humane Society
of the United States, www.hsus.org; the American Kennel Club, www.akc.org; and
the AVMA, www.avma.org.
