Helping your pet get used to a newborn at home

I came across a very informative blog that told one how to introduce one’s pet to the newborn at home. Pets like human beings teach one important lessons in patience, compromise, the power of selfless and unconditional love. It is not always easy to introduce a pet to a newborn at home after having treated a pet as one’s own child. Nicola Anderson of The Dog Blog and founder of the "Smart Dog Training" iPhone app offer tips to facilitate the bonding process and create one big happy, bonded family.

Tips to get a pet used to a newborn:

A newborn is viewed as a new pack member by your pet dog and he/she believes that every member should prove one’s worth and position in the hierarchy. So the newborn and the pet are to be introduced in the correct way that is positive and fun so that the dog does not behave unwantedly out of jealousy.

It is futile to banish the dog when the baby comes home as it would only lead to problems. The pet should be made to feel a part of the pack; this involves parents providing the canine leadership with establishing boundaries and discipline without hurting the dog. It is very necessary that that parent be consistent in enforcing the rules; this is very necessary for the mental well being of the pet.

 It is very necessary for a healthy pet and human relationship that pets be provided with mental stimulation and physical exercise in the form of walks; further enrichment could be provided in the form of toys, games and obedience.

Parents need to ensure a firm relationship bond between the child and family pet with consistency and repetition; this can create harmony at home by simple tasks that are fun and positive. You can teach your dog to obey commands and behave to earn rewards. Your child’s ability to successfully interact with your dog in this manner will strengthen their bond with the pet.

As your child grows there could be many fun activities and games like hide and seek, chasing, and piggy in the middle that allow for positive interactions between kids and dogs; ensure that the dog is not getting too excited. Always ensure that your child finishes any game to exert his/her dominance as the pack leader; the games should be kept safe and controllable.

You could provide fun and entertainment to your pet dog in various ways and facilitate bonding:

 a. Freeze bones or treats inside old ice cream containers or butter containers and scoop it out later as one solid block for your pet’s icy treat.

b. Take old soft drink bottles and cut holes in them to keep treats inside them. The treat falls out when the dog moves them around. As the dog interacts with the treat he feels rewarded and stimulated.

c. Stick treats like dry treats or dog food pieces with a small amount of peanut butter or cream cheese on hanging ropes. As the dog goes to grab the treat the treat moves and makes it harder for the dog to get it; it creates a reward system.

d. You could play tug of war with your per with an old towel.

e. Scatter treats around the yard, for the dog to forage for them. This keeps the dog's mind active and interested for some time.

f.  To get your dog’s mind exhausted as well as strengthen the bond perform 10 minutes of obedience every day.

If the newborn and your pet dog do not bond, it could create a lot of tension and stress; it would be best to take the help of a professional trainer to work out a solution. Some breeds require more attention than others; this should be an important consideration before adopting a dog.

As a conclusion note it is best to say that having a family pet teaches children important lessons in loving and caring; they also teach children attributes like trust, loyalty and spontaneity. Pets bring about harmony in the family and allow the family to enjoy important things like fun and compassion.    

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