The Cockapoo Club for owners, enthusiasts and ALL recipients of Hearing Dogs
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
INTRODUCING A NEW BABY TO THE FAMILY
A new baby is a wonderful event, but it can bring some reorganisation into the household routine, which may confuse or upset your dog.
Regular walks may be interrupted, the baby cries and makes unusual noises, your dog may have to walk next to a pram or buggy and so on.
All of this may stress your dog, and the worry it feels may not be displayed in ways you can obviously see. Read our information on DOGGY BODY LANGUAGE for information.
Some dogs my not be fazed by this at all and just take everything in their stride, but there are a few things you can do to help things go smoothly.
BEFORE YOUR BABY ARRIVES
WHEN YOU BRING BABY HOME
As your baby grows older and starts to crawl or walk then take time to teach him/her how to behave around a dog. It is never too early to start to teach your child how to respect your dog and will help keep them both safe together. Follow the guidance on our STAY SAFE WITH DOGS page on the tab below.
Regular walks may be interrupted, the baby cries and makes unusual noises, your dog may have to walk next to a pram or buggy and so on.
All of this may stress your dog, and the worry it feels may not be displayed in ways you can obviously see. Read our information on DOGGY BODY LANGUAGE for information.
Some dogs my not be fazed by this at all and just take everything in their stride, but there are a few things you can do to help things go smoothly.
BEFORE YOUR BABY ARRIVES
- Have the baby room prepared and let the dog in there to get used to the changes. If you are going to have a rule that your dog is NOT allowed in the baby room, start training him to wait at the doorway when you go in there.
- If you are going to use baby gates for the dog to wait behind, practice this with him and always reward him with treats and lots of praise for being good.
- Make sure your dog is trained not to jump up, knows how to 'sit' and 'stay' when asked.
- Practice taking your dog for a walk when you are pushing a pram or buggy, so it doesn't come as a shock later.
- Have a 'safe' area for your dog - a bed, blanket or its crate, and train your dog to go there on command. Always reward your dog and praise it when it goes there.
- If you would like your dog to settle there for a longer period, give a tasty chew, stuffed Kong etc to occupy it.
- Have the dogs bed in a safe quiet area, where it can still see the family but isn't on top of the baby if it is crying etc
WHEN YOU BRING BABY HOME
- Greet your dog first and give him lots of fuss.
- Let your dog gently smell the baby, be near it and get used to it.
- When you are busy with your baby give your dog something to do - an interactive toy or a stuffed Kong
- NEVER leave your baby unsupervised around your dog. Your dog should be able to see and be with your baby but but this should ALWAYS be under supervision.
- If you are unable to supervise them together ALWAYS put your dog in his crate.
As your baby grows older and starts to crawl or walk then take time to teach him/her how to behave around a dog. It is never too early to start to teach your child how to respect your dog and will help keep them both safe together. Follow the guidance on our STAY SAFE WITH DOGS page on the tab below.