Post by RealPitBull on Jan 7, 2008 8:54:45 GMT -5
The time to start planning for a new baby is the moment you find out you are pregnant. Don't wait! In fact, if you know you will potentially get pregnant, begin preparing your home and your dog!
Some key points:
*Begin to set your home up as if a baby were arriving. Add furniture, baby products, etc.
*A life like doll that makes noise which you can carry around, and place on a bed, or the floor can be used to help your dog get used to the sight of you carrying around something small and noisey. If you can add scents like babypower, diaper cream, etc, this will make the doll as lifelike as possible.
*Play a CD with baby sounds.
*Invite friends and family with children over.
*If your dog is used to being on furniture, now is the time to teach him those things are off limits, especially if you know you will have to be fighting with your dog later for space on a couch you might sit holding the baby or a bed that you and the baby will sleep in.
*Set up a crate/dog area and get the dog accustomed to being there NOW.
*If you haven't taught your dog to respond well in moderate distraction to basic obedience cues like sit, stay, down and come, time to brush up!
*Remember, dogs are animals! And they don't know a baby is a tiny, helpless human. Babies can be strange, scary things to dogs that need to be investigated. And sometimes more! Dogs are predatory and may see a baby as a prey animal to chase, capture and even destroy. Never assume your dog knows and understands how a baby should be treated. Be cautious to the highest degree.
*Never leave dog and baby unattended.
*When your child begins to crawl and walk, your dog may be frightened/uncomfortable. Make sure that dog/baby are not wandering on the floor together, and keep the baby from encroaching on the dog's personal space.
Here are some resources that all possible, expectant, or new parents should check out:
www.realpitbull.com/safety.html
www.safekidssafedogs.com/
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/introducing_your_pet_and_new_baby.html
Some key points:
*Begin to set your home up as if a baby were arriving. Add furniture, baby products, etc.
*A life like doll that makes noise which you can carry around, and place on a bed, or the floor can be used to help your dog get used to the sight of you carrying around something small and noisey. If you can add scents like babypower, diaper cream, etc, this will make the doll as lifelike as possible.
*Play a CD with baby sounds.
*Invite friends and family with children over.
*If your dog is used to being on furniture, now is the time to teach him those things are off limits, especially if you know you will have to be fighting with your dog later for space on a couch you might sit holding the baby or a bed that you and the baby will sleep in.
*Set up a crate/dog area and get the dog accustomed to being there NOW.
*If you haven't taught your dog to respond well in moderate distraction to basic obedience cues like sit, stay, down and come, time to brush up!
*Remember, dogs are animals! And they don't know a baby is a tiny, helpless human. Babies can be strange, scary things to dogs that need to be investigated. And sometimes more! Dogs are predatory and may see a baby as a prey animal to chase, capture and even destroy. Never assume your dog knows and understands how a baby should be treated. Be cautious to the highest degree.
*Never leave dog and baby unattended.
*When your child begins to crawl and walk, your dog may be frightened/uncomfortable. Make sure that dog/baby are not wandering on the floor together, and keep the baby from encroaching on the dog's personal space.
Here are some resources that all possible, expectant, or new parents should check out:
www.realpitbull.com/safety.html
www.safekidssafedogs.com/
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/introducing_your_pet_and_new_baby.html
Realpitbull@gmail.com 
I look forward to learning much here