[kopdogs] Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby

'Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby'

If you have had your pet for quite some time, expecting a baby could bring out
behaviors you have never seen your pet exhibit. Normally an exciting time for
parents, your pet may not share your happiness about your new baby. Sometimes
pets tend to feel left out or set aside by the new baby. They do not always
understand that a new baby is something mom and dad have been looking forward
to. It is important to help your pet accept and adjust to the changes about to
occur in their home.Smells Are EssentialAlmost all pets, dogs and cats
especially, are driven by smells. Your house smells a certain way to them, and
when someone new is brought in, they notice the new smell almost immediately.
You can ease the transition by introducing baby smells into your home before the
baby comes home. All common baby household items such as baby powder and diapers
have scents which your pet may need to learn.When your baby is born and you are
recovering in the hospital, ask the hospital staff if you can take one of your
baby's used receiving blankets home for your pet to smell. If you place this
near the pet's feeding dish, you will help him associate the smell of the baby
with eating, one of his favorite activities. Do not let it become part of the
pet's bed, though, because you do not want your pet claiming the crib or baby
carrier as sleeping space as well.Positive First EncounterThe day you bring baby
home from the hospital, be sure you greet your pet as you normally would, just
without too much excitement. Perhaps you can leave the baby in the car with
another parent while you say hi to your pet. Then, bring the baby in and calmly
introduce them. Do not let the pet jump towards the baby or lick her face,
something dogs particularly like to do, but do let the pet smell and look at the
baby. If your pet tends to get excited in new situations, consider having her
restrained when you have this first meeting.Watch CarefullyYou will need to
watch carefully for the first several months for any signs of aggression towards
the new baby on the part of your pet. Some pets are very concerned when your
baby cries and some pets are completely indifferent to your newest addition. You
will need to deal with any signs of fear or aggression in your pet. Talk to your
vet about potential training methods you can use to ease the transition.
Remember, never leave your baby and your pet alone together, because your pet is
an animal and can be unpredictable.Once your new baby and pet have established a
good relationship, you will have wonderful opportunities to do things like take
walks as a family. Remember to be patient with your pet since a new baby is a
big change not only for you but for your pet.


David Cummings is a devoted family member and regular author on parenting
and family topics. He is devoted to helping parents create quality time with
their families and assisting children-centric organizations as well. He manages
Bustling Baby, LLC - a family-oriented store that makes parenting life easier
and fun, including the Acella Sport Travel System and Eddie Bauer Play
YardArticle
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/introducing-your-pet-to-your-new-baby-903972.html