How to Introduce a New Baby to Your Pet Dog

Are you and your husband/wife on the verge of introducing a new baby to your growing family, but are scared on how your dog will react? I will give you some tips so you can end up keeping your dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Materials
• Affirmative Action

1. Most people assume that you can just introduce a new baby to your family and not think your dog will be affected by this new object soaking up all his owners time. The truth is, your dog knows when you are pregnant. He can sense it. It sounds goofy, but it is true.

2. 

   When ever you have that baby shower, open up some of the toys, blankets, anything baby related an introduce it to your dog to let him get used to these unusual smells. Any little thing helps. More baby scent the better. When showing your dog baby things, make sure your praise him to show him that it is ok, whatever this stuff is will not hurt him.

3. 

   When the baby is taken home for the first time, introduce the baby to your dog with precaution. When doing this make sure you make your dog sit and sniff at your terms and not his. Whenever you feel comfortable, put the baby on the ground and make your dog lay next to your child and show affection towards him to show him that this new object is ok. Your dog needs to know that this new baby is the newest pack leader of this family. It is important for you to praise your dog so he can relate, "the baby is good" with positive reinforcement.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter the age of your baby, your dog needs to know that EVERY human is a pack leader over him. He will always be a follower. Make sure you show that you and your family have dominance over him everyday.
• Never put the babies face anywhere near the dog's face at first, you do not know how he will react to this. Please take proper precaution before introducing a baby to your dog. You think he is a sweet dog, but you do not know if he will turn primal on something he thinks that is taking his place.

[teachermom2]

on 3/12/2009 Your tips are perfect! Especially the ones at the end! We also sent home a blanket that our son had been wrapped in at the hospital before we brought him home. We let our dog smell his actual scent for awhile. Important information!

[keytothestars]

on 2/28/2009 This is excellent advice for introducing your pup to your baby. *****

[cheapcindy]

on 2/26/2009 great advice

[Foxility]

on 2/22/2009 Oh! those are cute pics.

[joni04]

on 2/22/2009 Great topic! Well written info. *****