Thu. Sep 19th, 2024

‘Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby’ Say Canine Behaviour Experts

The UKRCB Top Tips For Bringing Home Baby

 Bringing home your new baby should be one of the most joyous days of your life but for many who owned a dog before the baby was born it can be an anxious and stressful time.

Worrying about how your dog will react to a new baby in the house is extremely common and it certainly pays to plan beforehand according to the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists (www.ukrcb.org).

“Your dog needs programming to accept a new baby into the house”, say’s Lisa Graham, Press Officer for the UKRCB, “Remember, up until now, your dog has had a major share in the focus of your attention. You need to plan in advance before the baby comes home to help the dog over this transition period and to accept the new baby as part of what the dog perceives as the pack.”

Many childless dog owners have treated their pet as a child and the dog has understandably grown accustomed to this level of attention. Disruptions in a dog’s routine after the baby is brought home is a potential source of conflict as dogs like and find comfort in routines. Since they cannot understand why changes in their routines occur, many may find such changes stressful.

A dog who had never heard a baby cry, smelled a baby or seen a baby move may well wonder what it is. A crying, squirming baby may remind a dog of a small animal in distress.

Some tips to help your dog adjust:

Before the baby arrives, carry a doll around the house so the time spent with the doll and away from the dog eventually become part of the dog’s routine.

Play a tape of babies crying to get the dog used to the high pitched squeal of newborns.

Borrow a pushchair to get your dog used to walking next to one. Some dogs panic  if they have to walk close to wheels.

Bring home in advance the baby’s cap from the hospital to get the dog used to the baby’s smell.

Be sure your dog gets quality time from you after the baby has arrived. Praising the dog lavishly and often when the dog is in the presence of the baby should help with jealously of the attention the baby is getting.

NEVER, ever, leave a dog and baby alone unsupervised.

About UKRCB

 Founded in 1992, the UKRCB (www.ukrcb.org) comprises a nationwide network of canine behaviour advisors who offer a comprehensive referral service to veterinary surgeons and owners of dogs with behaviour problems such as aggressive tendencies toward humans or other dogs.

As well as dog aggression issues, the UKRCB also deals with compulsive    behaviour, inappropriate barking, separation related behaviours, nervous or fearful behaviour and many other common and not so common canine conditions.

 

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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