So you want a dog, but there's going to be a new baby in the picture soon. Do you get the dog first or wait until your child is a little older? It's a common dilemma and one that's riddled with anecdotal evidence of a dog becoming anxious or aggressive when a new baby arrives. While there's no single answer - every situation and every dog is different - most dogs adjust to new babies easily, quietly and without incident. However, if you do decide to get the dog before the baby arrives, there are a few things you should consider.
First, what type of dog are you considering? While many variations exist within a breed, some breeds are decidedly more kid-friendly than others like the Golden and Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Beagle, West Highland White Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog.
However, when getting a new puppy you'll need to think about more than just the breed. Consider how much time a new puppy takes-the training, housebreaking, exercise, etc. Taking the time to train a dog and gauge his behavior around children, before you have a baby, is extremely important.
Consider also that you may not have much extra time as an expectant parent. So you might not be able to give a puppy the attention he needs or deserves.
That said, if you do get a puppy, introduce your dog and baby to each other gradually and while your dog is under control. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Play a tape of baby sounds and start introducing the baby lotions and powders so the dog becomes used to baby noises and smells. Before you bring the baby home from the hospital, let the dog smell some of the infant's clothes or blankets.
- When you and your new baby arrive home, have another family member tend to the child while you greet your dog. This will allow you to avoid having to reprimand the dog for jumping at your baby in an attempt to greet you.
- Feed, praise and play with your dog in the baby's presence so he associates these pleasant experiences with the baby.
- Be alert to signs of fear or aggression. Even if the dog seems to accept the baby, never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog.
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