HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR BABY TO YOUR DOG

1.     First impressions are lasting so it’s wise to make it good.

2.     Overall you want to gradually, positively, expose your dog to the smell, sound, sight and movement of your baby.

3.     Getting your baby's smell via blanket, lotions etc into the house ahead of their arrival is good, and pairing these smells with pleasant associations for your dog such as touch, treats, play and soothing reassuring words will build a nice positive association.

4.     Having the first meeting away from the home, whilst distracted on a walk is often a good idea and once the initial excitement is over a gradual introduction can begin and your dog praised and treated for appropriate calm behaviour. On the return home have the Parent and Baby enter the house first as if the dog is coming in rather than being met indoors, there is less chance of a territorial reactivity.

5.     If your dog becomes overly excited, it should be prompted to sit and thereupon rewarded with affection and food.

6.     If calm, allowing the dog to sniff the baby's hand whilst it is held in ‘Mum’s’ hand is a nice way to gradually introduce.

7.     Behaviours to watch out for include excessive efforts to poke and smell, jump up, or grab the baby's blanket. Such behaviours should be interrupted and re-directed to a calmer, familiar behaviour, like sitting and eye contact.

8.     The most common reaction is curiosity but sometimes the dog is alarmed by the ‘strange creature’, resulting in nervous growling or barking. which of course you don’t want. In which case head out for a walk and begin with a more gradual introduction.

9.     Also bear in mind the amount of time and attention you gave to your dog before the new arrival and thus try not to reduce that now you are preoccupied with your new little one.

10.  Particular caution should be taken with Xenophobic, territorial, hyperactive, under socialised dogs, and dogs with a history of reactivity. Any significant concerns shout.