Introducing Bowser to Baby

When I announced I was pregnant with my now soon to be 2 year old son, I was somewhat surprised by how many people asked "What are you going to do with your dogs?!"  At first, I was confused by the reasoning for such a question.  Initially, I explained that the hospital where I was delivering was close to home and that my husband or family members would be going to let the dogs out and feed them... Then I realized that they were under the impression that bringing home a baby meant I would have to find new homes for my dogs, Sasha and Nolan, who have each been a part of my life for several years.  I couldn't imagine it.  I couldn't see telling them goodbye just because we were having a baby.  People warned me that the dogs would be jealous and may want to harm the baby.  I assured them that I would be keeping my dogs and we would be one big, happy family.  To ensure that I could prove those folks wrong, I made sure to take the following steps:

1. Get your dog used to baby gear.

While preparing for the arrival of your new bundle, get your dog used to the sights and sounds of all the equipment that comes along with becoming a parent. Let them sniff packages of baby diapers and other supplies.  Put a doll or stuffed animal in the baby's carrier or stroller and let the dog see you interact with it.

2. Bring something of baby's home from the hospital.

Before baby comes home, have your spouse or another family member take a blanket or cap that has the baby's scent on it, home to your dog.  When my son was born, my husband took home a knit cap to let the dogs get used to his scent.  My shepherd mix, Sasha, carried it around and slept with it!

3. Make sure Bowser has been exercised.

On the day of the homecoming, make arrangements for your dog to get a nice, long walk before you arrive.  As always, a tired dog is a good dog!

4. Make a calm entrance upon your arrival home.

When you come home from the hospital, have your partner or another family member carry in the baby and allow you a moment to calmly greet the dog who will likely be excited to see you after you have been gone a few days.  This reinforces that everything is okay and that they are still important.

5.  Allow Bowser to sniff baby.

Once you have greeted your dog, it is time to introduce Baby.  Holding the baby securely in your arms, allow the dog to calmly sniff the baby.  Immediately pull away if the dog becomes too excitable and try again a bit later once they have calmed down. Praise good, calm behavior.  

6.  Maintain routine.

As everyone is adjusting to life with the new family member, make sure the dog's routine is changed as little as possible. Try to keep feedings at the usual time and make sure the dog continues to get exercise. If visitors offer to help, take them up on their offer by assigning them to walk the dog or provide them with some play time in the yard. 

In summary, all dogs will react differently based on their personalities.  Ultimately, you must know your dog and know what will work for them. If you already know your dog has serious behavior issues, get them addressed by a professional prior to your baby's due date.

My dogs have two completely different personalities and, therefore, had two completely different reactions when we brought our son home. My greyhound, Nolan, is a laid back dog who likes to sleep at least 18 hours a day. He approached me, looked at the baby, looked back at me, gave a nod of approval, and went back to his bed.  He let fme know that he was fine with our new bundle of joy as long as he didn't have to participate in any late night changings or feedings.  Sasha, is a bit more excitable and was fairly wound up for a day or two after we brought our son home.  However, she also kept me company through each one of those late night change and feeds that Nolan insisted on avoiding.

5 Essentials for a Happy Calm Dog

Do you have a nervous, timid, destructive, or aggressive dog?  Before you call your vet for some doggie Prozac, make sure your dog has the following 5 essentials for being happy, calm, and well-adjusted.

1. Exercise

No matter what breed or size your dog is, adequate exercise is essential for their well-being.  This includes their mental well-being as well as their physical well-being.  A dog that does not get sufficient exercise can become anxious and may even be more prone to becoming aggressive.  Some breeds may have more energy than others, but even the tiniest lapdog can benefit from a daily walk.  I have heard people say that they do not need to walk their dog because they have a big yard.  While having a big yard can definitely be a plus when it comes to dog ownership, it should never excuse one from providing their pooch with regular walking.  Your yard will not provide the variety of sights and scents that a jaunt around your neighborhood will. 

2. Discipline/Training

Much like children, dogs need discipline and boundaries. This is where basic training comes in.  Basic commands such as "come", "sit", and "stay" not only make for a more pleasant dog owning experience, but can help keep your dog safe as well. Even if you plan to always keep your dog on a leash when venturing outside of your home and yard, mishaps can occur.  Your dog could slip out of its collar, or the hardware on its leash or collar could fail, leaving you empty-handed and bewildered in a crowded park, field, or -even worse- a busy intersection. Having a dog well trained to come to you when called can avoid disaster in such a situation.

3. Hierarchy

Just like humans often abide by a hierarchy, so do dogs.  However, unlike with people, dogs do not care where they fall in their hierarchy.  They can be just as happy as the submissive member of the pack as they would be if they were the dominant alpha dog.  What does matter to them is knowing where they stand.  From the wolf in the wild to the family dog that lives in your home, knowing its place is key to having a well-adjusted canine.  This is especially important if you have young children.  A dog that is confused about its spot in the family dynamics may take it upon itself to domineer the situation leading to aggressive behavior.  At the same time, it is important that the children are taught to respect the animal.  Getting your children involved in the dog's daily care, such as its feeding routine, can help establish a healthy relationship between these two members of the family.  Even a small toddler can help scoop dry kibble into a dog dish.

4. Communication

When you expect certain behaviors from your dog, it is important to communicate these expectations to them like a...well, like a dog.  With the exception of certain commands that you teach them, dogs do not understand English.  However, dogs can convey and understand a wide range of messages through body language. I often see people struggling with a dog that is lunging at the end of its leash and barking because a squirrel has crossed its path or another dog is going for a walk on the other side of the street.  The person will stand there and shout a litany of orders, trying to get the dog under control. This is not only ineffective but makes a the situation worse. The owner is essentially validating the dog's behavior by engaging in their own level of "barking".  A better way to handle the situation is for the owner to ignore the squirrel, teenager on a bike, or other dog, straighten their posture, and calmly keep moving on their merry way. A single word never has to be uttered. Cursing is optional.


5. Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit.  A dog that knows what to expect next is confident and happy.  That's why it is important to establish a routine for your dog and maintain it to the extent possible, especially when it comes to basic needs such as feeding and being let out to relieve itself.