…And Baby Makes Four

- by Teddy Green

Eleven years ago, when my husband, Lane, and I adopted our dog, Tripper, we didn’t have any children and the jury was still out as to whether or not we would. Part of the socialization program we worked on with Tripper was ensuring she was comfortable in the presence of children. At the time we had no friends or family with kids, however, finding opportunities to socialize Tripper was quite easy. The area where we lived had many ‘family streets’. We walked Tripper on those streets when we knew they would be full of activity. At the end of day there would often be children playing at the local park. Tripper attended basic obedience classes to ensure that she could sit and politely greet everyone. Tipper quickly learned that children delivered tasty treats when she sat for them. Playing Frisbee was a great source of exercise for Tripper and a really fun way for her to socialize with kids. To this day, if we could read Tripper’s mind, we’re sure she sees a child and thinks, “Great, time for fun. Where’s my Frisbee?!” Socialization paid off -- Tripper loves children.

Lane and I didn’t have children but what would we have done differently if we had? The socialization process would be the same. The difference would come when we found that our little family was about to grow.

New babies mean lots of change, which is stressful for many dogs. Mom and dad are busy with the baby, which means less time for Fido, which means less exercise. New parents may think that this won’t be the case, but the reality is that Fido will be sharing time that once was all his.

What should expecting parents do? In short, make the necessary changes to your schedule and activities with Fido well before the baby arrives. For example, who is currently responsible for walking and exercising Fido? If it’s mom, will she have the time or energy once baby arrives? If dad will assume this responsibility, institute the change well before baby’s arrival. Enlisting the services of a dog walker could be helpful. Find the dog walker of your choice and start to use his/her services before the baby arrives. Perhaps a dog loving (but dog-less) neighbour would love the opportunity to spend some time walking your dog. If the reality is that your dog will get less exercise once the baby arrives, start to slowly reduce your dog’s current exercise until you reach what’s manageable for your new schedule.

Less time will also mean that Fido may get less attention. Slowly start to reduce the amount of attention Fido gets when you are home. This will ensure there isn’t a sudden reduction of attention coinsiding with baby’s arrival. Your dog will have the time to adjust to the change.

Establish a place in the nursery where Fido can relax while the baby is attended to. Start getting Fido used to relaxing on a dog bed in the nursery, so he is not excluded from baby activities when the baby arrives home. Use a tether, if necessary. Give your dog lots of treats for lying calmly on his bed, even if a tether is used, or give him a great chew toy. When you are not in the nursery, restrict Fido’s access to the room by using a baby gate or closing the door.

Pushing a carriage while you walk a dog is tricky so acclimatize Fido to the carriage now. A head halter can be very helpful until you’ve mastered this new skill. Practice walking Fido with the empty carriage before the baby arrives. It’s better to master the skill before the carriage is carrying precious cargo.

If your dog is currently allowed on furniture, withdraw this privilege for now. A dog can scratch or injure a baby simply by jumping on the couch and accidentally landing on the baby.

Basic obedience is a must when a youngster is in the house. Enroll in a well run motivational class to teach basics well before baby arrives. Now would be the time to teach Fido rules about the stairs in the house. Teach him to either wait while you ascend or descend the stairs or teach him to go ahead of you, rather than have him charge by as you are traversing the stairs carrying the baby.

Lastly, if your dog does not like children, seek professional help. The sooner you are able to commence a behaviour modification plan the better. If there are plans for a baby and your dog does not like children, seek help now. Behaviour modification can be a lengthy process, but is worth the effort. Keep in mind, dogs and kids can be a wonderful experience when everyone is prepared.


Teddy Green is a head instructor at Who's Walking Who Dog Training Centres teaching all levels of classes, including behavioural consultations. She is also co-owner/operator of The Agility Farm in Purple Hill, ON.