Dog Obedience Training: Prepare Dog For New Baby

Pet Care

oi-Anjana NS

By Anjana Ns

Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 18:29

Introducing your newborn baby is just like bringing home a sibling. To avoid the rivalry and ill feelings follow these simple guidelines on dog obedience training. Enhance a friendly bond as they grow together.

After the baby is born

Dog Obedience Training 1: Health Check

Have your dog thoroughly checked by a veterinarian before your baby comes home. This will help you to deal with parasites and other odd problems that could pose the family health risk. Send home a blanket or gown that the baby has been wrapped in from the hospital. This will prepare your dog for the baby's scent.

Dog Obedience Training 2 : Say Hello!!

Introducing the baby to the dog is the first step to a healthy relationship. Experts suggest that when mother and child come home from the hospital, it is best if mother greets the dog alone without the baby. Ask another family member to hold the baby or just make the baby wait in the car with the father while the mother and dog greet each other. This way, one can avoid reprimanding an excited dog that may jump at the baby in an attempt to greet the owner.

After the dog gets used to the smells and sounds of the baby introduce your new bundle of joy to your old mate. Make sure not to push your dog away when his curiosity gets the better of him and he comes to sniff your baby. Also remember to introduce in a quiet room where the dog has few associations. Do not hold a meeting in a place where the dog usually sleeps or eats.

Dog Obedience Training 3 : You are the Best !!

Praise your dog when the baby is around, so that the dog will think the child as a positive influence on its life. When your pet is behaving well around the baby, shower it with thousands praises and crunchy ti- bits. Make sure the first few months the interaction is under control with the baby being held in the adult's arms and the dog allowed to sniff the child. The dog will appear interested for few seconds and will then lose interest. When he backs away make sure to praise him and treat him again.

Dog Obedience Training 4 : “I am clean"
Ensure that your dog is treated for worms and fleas regularly, using products from your vet. Do not leave any used nappies on the floor, as the dogs may cause a mess on the spot. Seal the nappy bin as it may be appetising to certain dogs. Clean your hands with antibacterial soap after feeding, grooming, cleaning or playing with the dog.

Dog Obedience Training 5 : Do not Punish

Do not punish your dog. Experts say that smacking a dog will incite biting, and it will also cause your dog to resent your child's presence. Never try to silence the dogs growling by punishing it. By doing these you are teaching the dog not to warn before biting. Growling is not bad as it's the only way your dog warns that it is too close to the baby or telling you that he's had enough and needs time away.
Do not leave the baby and the dog alone even for a second without anybodies supervision. This includes to all the dogs, even those with an excellent temperament.

Dog Obedience Training 6 : Play with me!!

Take extra care as your child starts crawling and toddling around the house on its own accord. Depending on the breed, your dog may be absolutely terrified of this little crawling creature or it may even view your child as a prey. Be with the child as your dog get used to your baby moving itself around as opposed to being carried around. Keep your dog next to you while the baby is crawling or walking and reward him for being still. Your dog will most likely get used to your child"s new movements in no time at all. Restrict the places where your dog is going to walk around like a zombie and your exploring baby is toddling for more attention.
At the initial stage you may feel exhausted to play with your dog in addition to caring for your new baby, but the extra effort will be worth it as your will experience the growth of inseperable companions in the years ahead.