We are expecting our first baby shortly…hopefully very shortly. When I say first baby, I should be more clear. We are expecting our first human baby. We already have two furry ones, and the furry ones are very accustomed to being the center of our universe (as they should be…they are very cute if I do say so myself).
In consideration of this fact, we decided that some preparation was called for. We felt it was necessary to consult with a professional trainer because our terrier, Naya, has exhibited fear and aggression toward children. She was adopted from the Humane Society, and we have no way of knowing what happened to her before she came to them. We brought her home when she was 4 months old. When confronted with a child, she will run and hide or, in the alternative, distance herself as much as possible, shake and growl.
The trainer evaluated her and told us that we needed to create positive associations with children for Naya. This is tricky, since I am not comfortable with her being around many children, and the children that she is most familiar with live five hours away.
Yesterday, my cousin brought her four year old, Alex, over. Naya showed her usual fear and distaste of the situation. So, what we did was have Alex toss treats to Naya. As she did this, we had her move progressively closer. Within an hour, Naya was taking treats from Alex’s hand. However, when the treats were taken away, and Alex just tried to pet Naya, it was tolerated, but Naya made it clear with her body language that she was not comfortable.
All the same, I feel like we made real progress yesterday. I hope to do this once a week or so, until I really feel comfortable with the situation. Hopefully, we won’t have far to go from here.
Most people do not have a dog with Naya’s issues. Still, animals need to be prepared before a baby is introduced into the family. I have done a lot of reading on the subject, and most sources suggest the same methods of preparation. The Humane Society of the United States suggests the following:
- 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, you should bring home something that has the baby’s scent on it, like a blanket, for the animal to investigate. This allows the animal to become familiar with the baby’s scent before being confronted with the actual baby.
When you come home with the baby, you should have someone take the baby in another room for a short period of time, so that you can greet your pet. Then, have the baby brought back to you, and sit with your baby and your pet, giving treats for good behavior. You want to create a positive experience for your pet with regard to the baby.
Finally, try to maintain your routines with your pet as much as possible (daily walks, etc) and make sure to spend some quality time with your pet every day.
Kyrsten
