Question: We are going to have a baby! We are concerned, though, that we might have to give up our dog. There are so many horror stories about dogs hurting or even killing babies. Should we give “Jake” up? Can he be trained to behave around the baby, and how reliable are the results?
Answer: Most dogs raised in stable home environments and well socialized since puppyhood do quite well with a new human addition. If you question the dog’s temperament, ask your veterinarian, a trainer or behaviorist like me to evaluate Jake. Then begin a regimen to simultaneously prepare the dog and yourselves for the blessed event.
I recommend a program of gradual acceptance that the baby is an extension of the parents. This presumes that the parents are recognized authority figures above the dog in the hierarchy of the household pack. If that is not the case, immediate adjustments to the leadership roles may be required; that’s when you would call me for counseling.
For training your dog to accept the baby, you’ll need the usual supplies and equipment you will use on the child and a baby doll for practice, preferably one that “cries.” Examples of your supplies include receiving blankets, bath towels and some clothing. You will also want to apply baby powder, ointments and other such routine scents to the clothing, towels and blankets. The scents will mingle with your own body smells to become acceptable to Jake.
Initially, you will place the scented items near where Jake eats and sleeps. This is to let him associate the smells with positive experiences. In fact, you could dab some petroleum jelly on the underside of his food and/or water bowl and sprinkle baby powder onto the jelly surface. Use a receiving blanket or towel to rub your dog down – for the dogs, the highlight of an otherwise unfun bath is the toweling at the end.
As the due date approaches, wrap the doll in the baby clothes and sit down as if you were going to feed the “infant.” Let Jake lie next to you or on the floor at your feet. Then divide your attentions equally between reassuring and petting him and cooing over the “baby.” Let him sniff the “infant” if he is interested. If he growls or displays any negative behaviors, immediately get up and end the session without a word. Wait awhile then start over. Any punishment or verbal corrections can be misinterpreted.
Jake’s world is about to be turned upside-down. His space will be invaded, he is about to be demoted in the pack, the attention to which he is accustomed is about to be drastically curtailed. Therefore, the gradual introduction of the baby provides the most stability we can offer during the life change. The sooner you initiate the practice sessions, the longer Jake has to become accepting of his human puppy.
One other aspect should be addressed. Jake and the baby should not be left alone together unless or until Jake earns your trust. When my first child came home from the hospital, Bo immediately took his position of guardian under her baby bed. He never made a move to “visit” her in her bed, but he also had four months beforehand to accept the smell as an extension of us the parents. If you have any reservations about Jake, train him not to enter the nursery. Keep the door shut, put up a child gate or train him where the boundary (the doorway) is that he cannot cross.
Most times, we know several months ahead that we are adding to the family. Take full advantage of the time by starting to train your dog and cat as soon as practical. Based on my own experiences, I recommend the new father become more actively involved with the nurturing of the dog. I say that, with tongue in cheek, because both dog and dad will soon be deposed from their previously enjoyed positions of favor and attention as the new mother focuses so much on the baby. If you have any doubts, concerns or other questions on the subject, call me.
