Dog and Baby Safety

With having little ones and dogs sharing a space, it is important to keep some things in mind: 

• Shared spaces should always be supervised. Never leave a child unattended with a dog or cat in the room. 
• Including the dog in interaction can be a time of bonding for all involved but have a parent in between the dog and the child. (Consider having the child on the parent's lap.)
• Close doors to bedrooms to avoid wondering around and unsupervised interaction. 
• Give your dog understandable directions when around the children such as "sit", "place", "stay" and "down". 
• "Awake" adult supervision is important: If the adult can't be immediately watching the baby due to reading, working, etc., consider having the dog on a leash with the owner or having in a kennel. If the adult can't be awake while the baby is asleep in the same room as the dog, consider using a kennel. 
• Never force your dog to interact with the baby or child. 
• Don't keep the dog away from the baby because they can't control their excitement. Give them things to do or use a kennel in the room. 
• Never allow unsupervised access to the child's room. 
• It is natural for pets to be curious. Don't punish the animal for investigating. 

Preparing the dog for a new baby:

• Help the dog understand basic commands such as "sit", "stay", "leave-it" before the new baby. This will help new parents provide healthier boundaries for the dog once the new baby arrives. 
• Fear contributes to human-directed aggression or "redirected aggression", and this fear can escalate once the baby learns to crawl or walk into the dog's space. Be sure the dog always has the option and room to leave situations that make them uncomfortable. 
• Always ask the dog for interaction permission. NEVER let the baby or toddler initiate it themselves. Bites happen when the dog doesn't have autonomy in the situation. 
• Prepare in advance by setting up the baby's room or furniture around the house and let the dog acclimate to the new changes, smells and sights. Reward the dog for calmly investigating and reassure that it is ok. 
• Practice movements that might cause anxiety in pets that have never seen them before: holding a doll wrapped in a blanket, changing a diaper on the floor with a doll, turn a bouncy seat on and let the dog investigate with a doll, etc. Recordings of babies crying can be beneficial to help acclimate the dog. Start by playing at low volumes to not create a startle reflex with the sounds. 
• Some professionals recommend teaching pets to become comfortable with touch is important, but it has been found that it can also create pets that don't find touch welcoming and increases the pet's sensitivity to touch. Understanding your dog and their preference is the best practice. 
•  Maintain a schedule when possible. Children and pets alike thrive with routine. 
• Talk to your veterinarian if you feel your pet is displaying anxious behaviors. They may recommend the use of behavioral medication.