| Introducing Your Dog To Your Precious Baby | | | | sounds that your baby will soon make once present at |
| For new parents, having a baby could be the happiest | | | | home. Being familiar to these sounds will help the dog |
| moment in their lives. And most of the time, a family | | | | become less startled hearing these noises. |
| dog will end up bewildered about the new member of | | | | At the door of the baby's future nursery, you can also |
| the family. If your dog is the type who gets all of the | | | | place a baby gate to prevent the dog from entering |
| attention, he will normally feel aggressive and jealous | | | | the room. Doing so will let your dog know that he |
| over the new arrival getting all of the attention. The | | | | should not go inside the room without your presence. |
| dog may be wondering why the baby is crying and | | | | Your dog may get along fine with your baby but he |
| cuddled all the time. Before your newborn baby arrives | | | | should not be allowed inside the nursery unsupervised, |
| in your home, it is best to expose your pet dog to | | | | especially when the baby is sleeping. |
| babies gradually. So by the time your baby arrives, | | | | Dogs are known for their strong sense of smell. You |
| your dog will not get the surprise of his life. Also, never | | | | can use this to your advantage. Simply send home a |
| fail to give your dog enough attention so that he would | | | | blanket used to wrap your baby so that your dog can |
| still feel part of the family. | | | | smell the unique scent of the baby. The smell will be |
| You should start exposing your dog to babies during | | | | recognized by the dog by the time your baby gets |
| your pregnancy. You can also invite some of your | | | | home. |
| friends with babies or children to go to your house in | | | | As soon as you arrive home, don't forget to |
| order to make your dog comfortable and getting him | | | | acknowledge your dog. Give you dog the affection |
| accustomed to having children around. | | | | that he missed while you were away. Then, be extra |
| Another effective trick is to buy a baby doll and make | | | | careful in shielding the baby's head and face when |
| it visible at home, especially to your dog. This is also a | | | | introducing him or her to your dog. It may not be |
| way of teaching your dog not to paw or get too close | | | | necessary to have your dog take obedience classes |
| to the baby doll. You can also play recordings of baby | | | | but just make sure that your dog obeys your |
| cooing and crying in order to prepare your dog to the | | | | commands, especially with a newborn in the house. |