Introducing a Pet to a Baby | gamenest.info

How you introduce your much-loved pet to a baby is very important for ongoing family harmony and child safety. The animal kingdom includes ‘pack psychology’, which is significant and unlike human behaviour. Your dog sees the family he belongs to as his pack, and in order for him to feel settled and happy he needs to know where he fits in the order of the pack. Your pet needs a leader to prepare him for this new arrangement. As well as this, his assumed territory and personal space is about to be invaded in several ways and his routines disrupted. For many pets, this big lifestyle change can be very disturbing and challenging to deal with on their own.Dogs and cats are the most common family pets that need careful preparation for change but in some families there could be the overly affectionate pony or lamb. An appropriate animal and breed for the environment and family lifestyle is essential.Some pets have never come in contact with bubs or heard them cry so before you bring your newborn home it is a good idea to have your pet become familiar with how these little ones smell, sound and behave. If you don’t have access to any noisy bubs, record some noises from the local shopping centre and play it at home. Playfully tugging on your pet’s ears, tail and paws and rewarding them for good behaviour helps them recognize what bub may do.You pet needs to be familiar with bubs specific smells. Once bub is born but before you arrive home from hospital, ask someone to take a baby blanket or piece of clothing to your home with bubs smell on it. Place it on your pet’s bed and let him sniff and lay on it. This will help your pet understand that bub is a higher order in the pack.When arriving home, first walk through the door without bub in your arms. Make a big fuss as you greet your pet – greeting him in this way will let him know that he is still important to you and that you hadn’t left him for good. Next, carry bub inside while still in the car seat and place it on your pet’s bed. This further demonstrates that bub is higher than he is in the pack order. Let your pet sniff about for a while before taking bub out of the car seat. While holding bub in your arms approach your pet from the side and give him a gentle tummy rub. If either your pet or bub is anxious leave the introductions until they are both calm.Even with a newborn in the home your pet needs and expects affection, attention and routine. Serve his food at the usual spot and time of day. Allow him to sleep where he usually sleeps. Make him feel he is still important and loved by giving him several pats as you walk by and some undivided attention throughout the day. If daily walks have been part of your pets routine, organise a close friend, neighbour or family member to take him for walks until you are feeling up to it. If you had an uncomplicated birth you will enjoy a gentle walk within a few days of being home. If you had a caesarean assisted birth you may need to arrange help for a few weeks.If your pet has been used to being indoors with you, it is best not to start keeping him outdoors. Try to keep things similar to pre-bub. Get him used to new noises and interruptions by giving him food rewards and pat praises for his good behaviour. Newborns often have an unsettled period with increased crying during the late afternoon. Your pet may need to get out for a walk at these times and so may you?The most common victims of dog attacks are on littlies. Attacks commonly occur when little ones approach a dog that is eating, gnawing a bone or sleeping. Therefore, SUPERVISE whenever your pet is near your bub and model correct behaviour. No matter what the breed or temperament, your pet may lash out and bite when provoked. A little one could also be smothered by a pet snuggling up too close. If necessary, attach gates or screen doors where bub is sleeping.Having raised children with a beautiful Labrador dog in the midst for fourteen and a half years, I know the value of everyone getting along. A pet in the home can enhance child development, improve family harmony and increase general health. But for this to happen, it is important that your pet is a suitable breed, treated and trained well. Preparing your pet ahead of time may prevent handing him into the ‘pet shelter’ or giving him away to a friend when things get out of hand. Perhaps in some families the baby may be the preferred choice to give away but clearly this is not the acceptable option.