Dogs and New Babies - Can It Be Hassle Free?

There are few myths that exist which really need to be debunked! This is the first and probably one of the most frightening for parents.

1. If you bring a doll into the house and treat it like a baby, the dog will get used to having a baby around.

Dogs primary sense is the sense of smell. A toy doll will smell of plastic. A dogs toy smells of plastic, and it could be the same plastic. So we shouldn't be surprised when a dog tries to jump up and snatch the doll out of the parents hands.

This will frighten the prospective parents, and make them think their dog will do the same to the baby, which is far from the truth. In fact, with effort, new babies and dogs can get along fine!

The next myth:

2. If you give the dog something that smells of baby, then he will get used to the scent.

It takes a period of time for a dog to acclimatize to a baby, and a blanket for two days will not be enough! It is like you seeing a photo of a person once and then them coming to live with you. You may not be pleased! This is not ideal in getting new babies and dogs together safely.

Have you ever heard of an ethologist? No I hadn't either, but an ethologist is a person who studies animal behaviour. I learned that when I discovered John Wade, an ethologist, and specialist in dog behaviour.

John Wade has used his expertise to write a book called How To Prepare Your Dog For Your Baby.

In his book he explains exactly how to do just that.

Now, you might be thinking, who is this John Wade guy, why have I never heard of him?

But his resume includes:

* He has worked with the Courts, Children's Aid, Humane Societies, Municipal Animal Controls, Canada Post, Ontario Veterinary College and many more.

* He assisted in the development of Canada Post's National Employee Safety Around Dogs Program, including the DVD now used to Train Postal Workers Across Canada.

* He has had countless veterinarians, their technicians, veterinarian students, dog trainers, and dog groomers attend his seminars ranging on topics from puppy socialization strategies, to creating extraordinary adult dogs, to assessing and treating aggressive dogs.

This man knows his stuff. This man can help you get your New babies and dogs together safely!

See the picture that goes with this paragraph? The baby is getting the dog to sit! That is how you need things to be in your house.

Humans are the leaders and dogs are the followers. That dog is not going to harm that baby because the dog knows the rules, and he knows his position in the group. That baby is the BOSS!

If you want your baby to be safe, and you want your dog to be happy in his rightful position (believe me, your dog will be happier) then you need the book How To Prepare Your Dog For Your Baby.