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| Preparing Your
Pooch When Expecting The Stork Professional consultant explains kids & K9 safety. 
Pregnancy is an amazing
time for all family members. There are many new
experiences and emotions that will be shared. All too
often our canine family members are not included. Many
families believe it best that they re-home their dog due
to these life changes. Concerns about the safety of
their baby with their canine baby are very common. It
is rare that a dog can not stay safely in its current
home after the arrival of a baby. There are many
proactive steps that can be taken ahead of time to help
things go smoothly. Obedience, leadership as well as
management are all essential to providing a safe and
comfortable environment for all.
It is strongly recommended
that you attend an obedience class regardless of the age
of the dog. Obedience encourages bonding, self control
and mental stimulation. Shop around and find a program
that fits your goals and needs. I recommend you start
by gathering information about dog trainers in your
area. A helpful website is by The Association of Pet
Dog Trainers. (www.apdt.com)
Here you will obtain much information and will know a
bit more of what to look for in regards to a training
and manners program. There are many wonderful
trainers. Take your time and select the one that
listens and understands your family goals.
Leadership is essential to
our canine companions. It is important that your dog
knows he can trust you to be the “leader.” Dogs are
pack animals. When you bring a dog into your family you
become their pack. The leader of the pack communicates
a sense of safety and trust that makes it clear to the
dog that things are under control. It is important that
the dog knows that his leader is capable of handling
this role or the dog may decide to take charge himself.
Many times confusion about leadership roles can lead to
undesirable behavior and sometimes injury. Here are
examples of leadership behaviors. Leaders
If you are having issues
with your dog you may want to consider how leadership is
represented in your home. This combined with obedience
can lead to a successful and harmonious relationship.
If you feel that you may be having issues regarding
leadership in your home, I suggest you contact a canine
behavior consultant or trainer prior to the arrival of
your baby. If you have experienced aggressive behavior
with your dog please consult your vet. You may need to
seek the help of a behaviorist in your area. Your vet
can help guide you in the right direction. Many dogs
respond extremely well with obedience and leadership
well established. There may still be times however that
management is necessary for all.
Management may still be
necessary with your dog. There will be many visitors and
lots of commotion during the time of the baby’s birth.
If you have a dog that is fearful of guests and you
have people over, you may choose to “manage” the
situation and remove the dog to a quiet secure space
where he feels safe. Setting our dogs up for success is
key. Allowing them to practice a negative behavior is
only reinforcing that behavior. There are times that
crating and removing the dog may be temporarily a better
solution instead of risking a negative consequence or a
chance to practice unwanted behavior. If you choose to
crate the dog please keep in mind that this is not
punishment. It is creating a safe place for your dog.
Provide a yummy treat for them to enjoy. Stuffing a toy
with peanut butter and kibble is one idea. There are
many ways to make this a positive haven for your dog.
It has been our experience
that with leadership, obedience and management when
needed, canine family members welcome the arrival of a
baby with wagging tails! After all, their leaders are
happy so they should be too! Congratulations and enjoy! ****Family Paws encourages you to never leave an infant or child unsupervised with a dog or puppy. -Jennifer Shryock/ Cary- |
