By Caprice MillerSpecial to the Aroostook Republican
Many people surrender their dogs to the local animal shelter when they have a new baby because of fear the dog may harm the new baby out of jealousy. With time and planning most dogs adjust well to a new addition to the family.
Contributed photo
The relationship between children and dogs is truly special. With careful preparation on your part, your dog and baby will be well on their way to a beautiful friendship.
There are two steps to introducing your new baby to your dog. (1) prepare your dog for the baby’s arrival, and (2) introduce your dog to the baby.
Have your dog well trained in basic commands: lie down, sit, stay, and come. In preparation for the baby coming home, you should practice these obedience skills with your dog or enroll him in a basic obedience class. Once trained in these basic commands, start to carry around a baby doll and give your dog these basic commands to get your dog accustomed to the positions you want him to be in while you are holding the baby. Reward him when he obeys with either treats or lots of praise. If you are going to change any rules about where your dog is allowed and where he isn’t, set those boundaries before the arrival of the baby. This way he doesn’t associate the changes with the newest family member.
Let your dog get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of a baby in advance. Allow the dog to explore the baby’s areas to become familiar with them. Let the dog sniff the baby powder, lotions, diapers, and baby objects you will be using. Do not, however, allow the dog to sleep on the baby’s furniture or play with the baby’s toys. Help your dog become accustomed to baby-related noises. For example, play sounds of a baby crying (there are actually CDs out for this exact training purpose), or turn on the infant swing.
The arrival of a new baby in the house usually means an end to your dog’s usual routine. Instead of springing this on him after the baby arrives, you can soften the blow by adjusting his schedule gradually. If you think you’ll be getting up earlier or eliminating one of your long walks in the afternoon, start weaning him before the baby comes.
Before bringing your baby home from the hospital, send home a blanket or gown that the baby has been wrapped in. This will get your dog used to the baby’s scent. When you come home from hospital, remember that your dog will be excited to see you. If possible, try to greet your dog alone, and let someone else bring the baby into the home.
After the initial greeting, bring your dog with you to sit next to the baby. Let the dog sniff and interact gently with the baby. This will help reinforce the fact that this new addition is an important part of the family. Reward your dog with treats and praise for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your dog to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your dog to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.
Remember that this new family member may be the biggest joy in your life, but your dog didn’t have a say in this decision and it all seems rather sudden to him. It could take several months for your dog to realize that the new baby is a part of the family. Be patient and give him as much attention and quality time as you can. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your dog should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.
Caribou Pet Rescue will host a booth at the Caribou Arts and Crafts Show on Oct 18 and 19th. We need donations of all types of crafts as well as home baked goods. Baked goods can be dropped off at the shelter the Friday afternoon before the fair or the morning of the fair. We also need people to staff our booth for two- hour segments. Call 498-3800 if you are able to help us.
Staff photo/Barb Scott
Tent Sale: CPR is moving the tent sale to the Valley Flea Market located on the Access Highway across from the Crown Park Inn. The Valley Flea Market will run all winter on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. CPR will have tables utilizing an honor system with a donation box available for purchases.
Staff photo/Barb Scott
Chief Roy Woods, Norma Milton, of Caribou Pet Rescue celetrate the Grand Opening with Gilda Thibodeau of Valley Flea Market and Woodworking.
