The Hour

There can be nothing more exciting for new parents than bringing their bundle of joy into his future home for the first time. However, a major stumbling block to this smooth transition can often be the family pet who faces a new and frustrating period out of the family spotlight.

Although largely social animals, Dogs in particular can have problems accepting a new member of the family unless the correct methods are put in place prior to the arrival.

They don’t see babies as humans and will investigate the new lodger with a typical sense of canine curiosity; which can involve pawing, barking and – in extreme cases – biting and scratching. This can present a serious threat to any young child, although it’s also important to remember that this is the animal’s natural way of approaching any new development within their environment.

Cheryl Corral from the 3 mile vet centre in Glasgow spoke to The Hour about her recommendations on how to ensure that a new baby and existing pet can co-exist peacefully and without incident.

She said: “It’s a really stressful time for dogs or any pet. There’s not just a new baby but new equipment, a change to the household, change in routine and a lot of noise as well.”

One method that has proven popular with dog-owners for a number of years is gently introducing the baby to the pet before the little one has even arrived. This involves getting the dog used to baby sounds with a CD player or crying doll and laying down equipment that the child will eventually use such as toys and blankets.

This will lead to the dog having less of a shock when the baby finally comes home, and he should eventually become accustomed to the sounds, sight and smells associated with a new arrival.

Cheryl said: “Getting them started with things months and months before the baby arrives is the best way to do it. If you have any wee behaviours that you want to correct the best thing to do is get your dog training in ship shape before the baby arrives, if your dog is prone to licking faces or rough play its a good idea to start training and getting those behaviours sorted just gradually,

“Another good idea is to burn a CD with baby noise. You can start that off at a really low level too.”

Even the way you walk into the house for the first time with your new baby can have an affect on your dog, a problem that can be solved with a nifty trick.

“Get a relative or someone else to carry the baby into your home,” added Cheryl. “You’re free to go about the normal way you would greet your dog without worry. Any anxiety we have is just relayed onto them.”