Before the arrival of a baby, many couples practice parenting with a
beloved pet. So how do you introduce a new baby into the mix? Experts
agree that parents can ensure the safety of both baby and animal by
following basic rules of animal behavior.
Denise Stringfellow, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and owner of
Issaquah-based Riverdog Canine Coaching, says that "almost all dogs
will naturally treat young children as littermates, and will at some
point attempt to mouth them, chase them, play-bite them and all the
other social games that young puppies play.
"Good parents make sure they have a way to set and communicate to both
the children and the dog what the boundaries are for safe interactions
with each other, and will be there to monitor and gently enforce those
boundaries," she adds.
The addition of a new baby can be stressful for dogs if "the household
rules are not communicated to the pet, either prior to the baby's
arrival, or after," Stringfellow says. "Sadly, many great family dogs
make grievous errors with young children because they don't understand
the new family rules, and have not been given appropriate direction by
their owners."
Leslie Wise, manager of public relations and marketing for the Humane
Society for Seattle/King County, teaches a class through the Humane
Society on safely introducing existing pets to a new baby. "It is
natural animal behavior for pets, especially dogs, to want to explore
this new family member," Wise says. "In preparing for this, we always
encourage folks to get their animals up to date on all vaccinations
prior to baby's arrival and even consider a dental cleaning.
Additionally, folks should take the time to regularly trim their pets'
toenails."
Wise encourages parents to set up "safe zones" for their pets. "This is
a place where the pet can retreat if it no longer wants to be part of
the activity around the baby. And it needs to be a place that the baby
can't access, especially as baby turns into mobile toddler," she adds.
Some pets, Wise notes, do not bond with the new family member to the
extent that parents hope. "If a pet chooses to steer clear of the baby,
we encourage folks to let him do that," she says. "It is likely that,
in time, the pet will come around on his own, but even if he doesn't,
he shouldn't be forced to interact with the baby."
Thinking about getting a new dog before the baby arrives? Most parents
look for a particular breed based on its "child-friendly reputation,"
but Wise says that there are other factors to consider. "Pit bulls,
rottweilers and Dobermans tend to get a bad reputation due to how
they're seen in the media," she says. "But most often, it is how
animals are treated and trained that determine their personalities."
Kay Joubert, director of companion animal services for the Progressive
Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), says that "dogs and cats often react
like any other sibling to a new baby, which means they can feel left
out or ignored if the family fails to pay attention to their needs.
Ideally, build in some one-on-one time with the dog or cat where that
important bond can be reinforced and they can relish the individual
attention," she advises.
"Most cats and dogs can be safely welcomed into the nursery provided
they are always overseen by an adult," she adds. "By allowing them
access to the space, they can become familiar and comfortable with the
new smells, sounds and activities that occur when there is a human
infant present."
Joubert also has this advice for soon-to-be parents with pets: "If
possible, introduce the cat or dog to other babies and child who are
comfortable around animals prior to the baby's arrival. This way, some
of their natural curiosity and anxiety can be diminished as they've
already had the opportunity to have positive experiences that involve
infants."
Kathleen F. Miller is a Sammamish-based freelance writer and mother of two.
Resources
Denise Heston Stringfellow, CPDT, Riverdog Canine Coaching. 425-427-5958, www.riverdogk9.com. Provides classes and one-on-one training to smoothly integrate dogs into families with babies and older children.
The Humane Society for Seattle/King County. www.seattlehumane.org.
Contact the education department at 425-649-7553 or
to be notified of the next Introducing Babies to Pets class.
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Lynnwood. 425-787-2500, www.paws.org.
Provides a free behavior helpline where trained volunteers counsel
families on issues they are experiencing with their cat or dog and new
baby
Ages & Stages 
