Mutt, Meet Baby...

Our household is a mad one. Two adults and three dogs, does not a calm environment make. With two of the pooches being geriatrics (and displaying appropriate amounts of elderly entitlement/huffiness along with it), it's fair to say that introducing a new family member, especially one as prone to loud noise, strong smells and ear/tail pulling as a baby is, this could take some getting used to.

I remember the day we brought a new puppy home. Naively we assumed that being of the same species (and being so bloody small) that the other dogs in our house could handle the change if managed effectively. Not so. One dog hid for the better part of 2 days and the other suffered a massive anxiety attack, complete with labored breathing, white gums and tremors. Apparently change isn't well received in this household. (pupster now lives a glorious life with my brother-in-law - lucky squirt).

So the question appears, what can we pet owners do to lessen the shock of bringing baby home for those four-legged family members we hold so dear?

Remember that first impressions go a long way here - Making that first introduction to baby a pleasant one will only serve you positively in the future. Let your dog/s greet everyone and get that initial 'You came back!' excitement out before baby makes it's big entrance into the house, and pop them on a leash (always important, no matter how lovely they are). Oh yeah, and how about lining those pockets with treats - can't hurt right? Stay calm, relaxed and speak in gentle, upbeat tones to let your mutt know all is well with the world. Always praise your dog when it shows a calm interest in baby... they're destined to be friends after all!

Investigations commence! - Choose a quiet space and take a seat with baby safely tucked in your arms. Again, pop Fido on a leash (we're staying on the safe side of things here folks),  and have a helper (or the Hub-ster) walk your furry friend into the room. Staying calm still counts for a lot here, so avoid nervous, excitable energy if you can help it at all - soft, gentle tones are the way forward! Keep your eyes peeled for signs that your pets are either relaxed, interested, or overwhelmed - their body language will be a great indicator of this for you. A gentle sniff of baby's feet constitutes normal investigation and as long as your mutt is leashed and being watched/reassured, you can allow him or her to take a closer look. Dish out the rewards (both edible and vocal if it suits) when your pets are calm and controlled - slow steps and positive reinforcement towards a happy little community.

That darn cat! - When it comes to cats, attempting to keep to a consistent schedule, minimizing changes in attention (love-hogs that they are) and keeping baby's room off limits as much as possible are valuable steps to look into. Introducing baby's toys, (anything brightly colored or loud) to your cat prior to all the excitement of having little one join the ranks, could help keep kitty calm around all this change.

I'll be talking more in the future about preparing your pets for a toddlers touch (i.e. those grabby, pully, ever-curious, pudgy little hands) and how to give them a head start on dealing with the unpredictable behavior of a rapidly learning little one. Tips or insights? Share away below!


http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/introducing-your-dog-your-new-baby

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/preparing-your-cat-new-baby