Few people will disagree with the suggestion that a new baby in the home will initiate major life changes for the adults concerned. A pregnancy does give the humans of the household time to plan and make some adjustments that they feel are suitable. However, if a dog shares their life, that dog will also need to be prepared for the 'happy event'.Looking first at the 'idyllic' viewpoint, children who grow up with dogs or any animal will hopefully learn about responsibility, how to care for the pet properly and develop a respect for another species. In reality even before the baby is born some thought must be given to how the dog sees the world in which he lives and has been secure in for a length of time. So too must attention be given to the dogs temperament, status within the home and reactions to new situations.
While we as humans coo at and dote on a new baby, a dog will be confused as to what this odd smelling, funny sounding bundle means for him or her. Therefore preparation for a smooth introduction of the baby to the dog starts with the announcement of the pregnancy.
Whatever temperament a dog has, however long he has been part of the household, his new situation that will one day soon include a baby, will require some thought. Babies mean disruption, strange and different responses from humans, noises that some dogs find alarming and the changing of what the dog considers to be normal routines. You will already know what sort of temperament your dog has, excitable, calm, reliable, reacts like a predator with squeaky toys. Has he/she a dominant place in the home, good or bad manners, protective of one or both of you, has a protected place of his/her own where 'time out' is the norm: sleeps on your bed, the sofa and won't let you on it? All these things are worth a thought. None of these things mean the dog should go, but they do mean you have a responsibility to your dog to prepare him/her properly and prevent behaviour that can lead into worrying changes in behaviour or unnecessary stress.
It is rare that a dog will intentionally harm a baby whatever the breed, (my daughter grew up with two Dobermans), however accidents do happen, so preparation and prevention are the essential ingredients to ensure a reliable and fulfilling relationship is developed between dog and baby.
Dogs need a quiet space so they can have 'time out' 'Time out' for a dog can be a comfortable house crate. It is essentially a place for the dog to go, be at peace and away from bustle. A baby stair gate can be a good investment to gently separate your dog from situations. Don't buy these just for the baby and stairs (I have always at least three stair gates in the house at any given time even now (and my daughter is now 30 years old). Dogs need time out. The times when you need some space to deal with a baby will be possible by having a dog in another room behind a stair gate but still able to see what is going on, so the dog also feels part of the procedure. Remember a new baby often means lots of visitors. Dogs can get flustered and worried about this. It often means more handling, noise and leaving a dog confused about it's status in the home. A proper sized house-crate in a quiet place, or stair gate on a door to give the dog a quiet, separate room will help to alleviate that.
Hygiene needs some thought. Babies do not need to live in a sterile bubble. Keep a dog flea and worm free (round and tape worm), and there should be no other worries. The occasional lick or sniff if part of life and should not cause unnecessary dramatics. The larger dogs that have as part of their makeup the ability to leave an owner covered in slobber, (we know who they are), are not a health risk if hygiene rules are followed and hand washing is the norm after contact. It is worth thinking about where your dog is allowed to pee and poo in the garden as one day that cute little bundle will be crawling and toddling and having a sand pit in the garden. Scented nappy bags can have two uses, one for nappies the other as poo bags.
Think about the toys you allow your dog to have. Squeaky toys can excite a dog - a baby's cry can do the same and can be misinterpreted by the dog. Chew toys and platted raggies that are quiet are better and cannot lead to the development of potential hazards.
Be honest about what type of temperament your dog has. 'It will be all right on the night' attitude is not good enough. Your dog deserves better!
Nervous dogs will need careful and gentle help when the baby arrives. The space for 'time out' is important for this group. It will allow such a dog to view the new circumstances from a safe and secure vantage point. Gentle introductions are essential, allow the dog to watch you dealing with the baby, let him/her sniff some of the babies clothing and never leave the dog alone in the same room as the baby because a baby's cry can stress a nervous dog into inappropriate behaviour patterns.
Many breeds of dogs are viewed as predatory. Some dogs have highly tuned hunting or guarding drive. Do not assume the worst if you own one of these. Again gentle introductions are essential as are the ground rules that both you and the dog should follow to enable a good relationship to develop with the baby.
A baby's cry can excite and also alarm some dogs. Excitable dogs can sometimes misinterpret a cry and become hyperactive. The extra visitors you will have initially could also cause stress in some dogs. Being shut away might make the matter worse, but the 'time out', place, where a dog can view the situation from a secure and safe vantage point will help to calm the situation and give you time to think about how to help the dog over this behaviour.
Some dogs are co-dependent. They have developed a strong bond with their owners and show signs of being very insecure if they are left. These dogs follow their owners round the house, like to be reassured constantly, in other words their owner is their 'prop' in life. These types of dogs tend to be totally confused by a baby. The relationship they have come to rely on has changed and the safe routines are changed. They need time to settle down and get used to the new routines. Gentle introductions will pay dividends and a good relationship with the baby will be the result. Some dogs will show signs of becoming protective towards the baby or a member of the family and can lead to difficulties with visitors or sometimes a partner. This needs careful handling and seeking help from a dog behaviourist would help.
One very important rule that should always be followed is, never leave a dog in a situation where he or she will make a mistake. Think ahead for all situations and the relationship with your dog and baby will blossom.
Dogs are valuable members of any family. Take time to understand how the dog is thinking and viewing this new situation that they have to deal with and the results will be beneficial.
Any worrying behaviour that the dog develops because a baby comes to stay needs to be dealt with carefully and properly. Do not give up on your dog, most situations can be overcome satisfactorily with expert help. Your vet will have a list of dog therapists in your area. The advice you can get will help you over the difficult times.
Written by Rosemary Elliott, MSc. Health Visitor.