Congratulations on the arrival of a new baby.
05-13-2013, 03:04 PM #1
Vikinggirl
Double Pooper Scooper!!!
Real Name
Monica
Country
Canada
Location
Mississauga, ON Canada
Posts
3,015
Bulldog(s) Names
Bulldozer and Blossom
Recent Bully Market Gifts
View All...
Total Awards: 23
Introducing Children to New Puppies
Hi everyone, I've noticed that a lot of people have toddlers or young children and new puppies, and I also have a 5 year old grandson, and I have 3 nephews and 2 nieces who are all under the age of 6. They always get really excited when they are around the puppies, and can get the puppies quite excited as well. I found these really good tips on how to introduce children to new puppies or pets in general, and thought id share them.
Children positively love puppies, and why not? Something magical seems to happen between boys and girls (of all ages) and young animals, particularly puppies. Kids learn affection, compassion and responsibility by caring for puppies.
However, certain safeguards can help to set young children and their new puppies on the right path together from the very start.
Here are 10 tips for introducing a new puppy to young children
By following these simple steps, a family may maximize its enjoyment of a brand-new puppy, while giving the young canine a safe and secure start in the home.
1. Before the puppy arrives, read puppy picture books together
Parents or caregivers can pre-introduce children to puppy care by sharing colorful and informative picture books pertaining to dogs and pet care. A visit to the library, bookmobile or local bookstore can be a fun and educational excursion to prepare for a puppy's arrival.
2. Practice puppy handling with a plush toy dog
Puppies are cuddly, but they are also extremely fragile. Young children can learn to hold baby dogs gently by playing with furry toy puppies before the real puppy's advent.
3. Pick up puppy hazards in the home
By nature, puppies love to chew on nearly anything they encounter, from toys to household objects. Preparing for a puppy's entry into the home includes removing clutter (including small items that may cause a puppy to choke) and anything that may be destroyed by an over-eager puppy's chewing.
Young children should be warned about leaving toys out, where a puppy may chomp these treasured items to bits.
4. Prepare the new puppy's private space
The brand-new puppy will need a safe and quiet spot for resting. A basket, box, crate or small safety-gated room can be ideal. Children can be instructed to leave the puppy at rest when he or she is in this haven.
5. Supervise young children carefully with the new puppy
Even the sweetest, most gentle puppies may bite, nip or scratch--particularly in a panic. Children must always have adult supervision when visiting with a brand-new puppy.
6. Demonstrate delicate handling of the new puppy
The adult should always pick up the new puppy first, modeling gentle touching and secure, but soft, holding of the young pet.
At this point, it is important to warn the young children about keeping the dog's face and paws away from their own faces and necks. Puppy licking may be adorable, but nips and bites can be dangerous.
7. Pass the new puppy to each child in turn
With children seated on the floor, the adult may hand the new puppy to each child. In this way, the grownup is able to show the youngsters, one by one, how to hold the puppy in their laps without danger of dropping him or her.
8. Keep it quiet during interactions between young children and the new puppy
Loud, sudden noises should be avoided during the first visits with a new puppy. Yelling, screaming, stomping, crashing sounds can cause a puppy to panic.
9. Respect the new puppy's feeding and sleeping times
Children should be trained to give the new puppy some space while he or she is eating and sleeping. By keeping such moments sacred, children and adults can help to minimize the puppy's stress and to build mutual trust.
10. Assign only age-appropriate puppy care duties to young children
Children may learn responsibility by helping to care for the new puppy. However, the puppy will depend upon an adult for daily feeding, watering, exercise, discipline and training. Although young children may participate in the process, they need to be supervised and reminded regularly.
A proper puppy introduction can set the stage for many years of affection and enjoyment between the growing dog and the children that care for him or her.
July 24, 2012
Introducing Your Pet and New Baby
Congratulations—you're expecting a baby! If your family already includes a pet, you'll need to help that first "baby" adjust to the new one you'll soon bring home.
You can help your pet cope with this big change in much the same way parents help children understand that a new brother or sister will be joining the family. By following the tips below, you can ease your pet's stress, help her welcome your new baby, and ensure that your pet stays where she belongs—with you and your growing family.
Can I keep my cat?
If you're pregnant, you've probably heard of toxoplasmosis because it can cause serious birth defects. However, toxoplasmosis is a rare disease in the United States and is one that can easily be avoided. While the disease-causing parasite can be found in the feces of cats who ingest raw meat, birds, mice, or contaminated soil, toxoplasmosis is more commonly found in uncooked or undercooked meat. More about pregnancy and toxoplasmosis »
How will my pet react?
No matter how much you plan ahead, the addition of a new family member may be difficult for your pet.
Remember, your dog or cat was your first "baby" and is used to being the center of your attention. So it's understandable that she may experience something akin to sibling rivalry when you introduce a new human baby into your household.
You can minimize this feeling by working with her before you bring home your baby. For example, because your new baby will demand a lot of your time and energy, gradually accustom your pet to spending less time with you.
Drastically decreasing attention and frequently scolding, ignoring, or isolating your pet after the baby comes home will likely make your pet feel stressed. If your pet is particularly attached to the mother-to-be, another family member should develop a closer relationship with the animal. That way, the pet can still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with the baby.
How can I prepare my pet?
Below are several suggestions to make introducing your pet and baby safer and smoother for all. Be sure to carry out these changes months before the baby's arrival to best prepare your pet.
Take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and necessary vaccinations.
Spay or neuter your pet. Not only do sterilized pets typically have fewer health problems associated with their reproductive systems, but they are also calmer and less likely to bite.
Consult with a veterinarian and pediatrician if the thought of your newborn interacting with the family pet makes you uncomfortable. By working with these experts before your baby is born, you can resolve problems early and put your mind at ease.
Address any pet training and behavior problems. If your pet exhibits fear and anxiety, now is the time to get help from an animal behavior specialist. If your pet's behavior includes gentle nibbling, pouncing, or swatting at you and others, redirect that behavior to appropriate objects.
Get your pet used to nail trims.
Train your pet to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite him on your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.
Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog, and practice training techniques. Training allows you to safely and humanely control your dog's behavior and enhances the bond between you and your pet.
Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.
Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.
To discourage your pet from jumping on the baby's crib and changing table, apply double-stick tape to the furniture.
If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your pet to see and hear what's happening in the room, he'll feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.
Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.
Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby's name if you've selected one.
Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
Finally, plan ahead to make sure your pet gets proper care while you're at the birthing center.
After the baby is born
Welcoming a new baby is exciting for your family. Remember when you first brought home your dog or cat? But before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby's scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate.
When you return from the hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. Keep some treats handy so you can distract your pet.
After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.
Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular
routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day—it may help relax you, too. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.
