"Kids And Dogs" continued...

Dagger the Longhaired GSD (owned by Kana Biddle) and baby Dausen.

Tips For Introducing A New Baby To Your Dogs

My dogs were my kids for about eight years before
having my first born. I am sure that the dogs know when one is pregnant and
this in itself may very well be the beginning of the preparation for the
dog/baby relationship. After the babe's birth, I found these things to be
helpful:

* Blanket - Before coming home from the hospital with the new family member,
have the father bring home a receiving blanket with the baby's scent on it.
Have him let the dogs smell the blanket.

* Introduction - I have introduced the dogs to the baby as soon as we arrived
home. Many times, I let them sniff the baby through a screen door. All 3 of
my dogs (at the time) were introduced simultaneously with our baby and the
screen door kept the baby safe from bumping noses. Praise all appropriate
behavior.

* Pack order - The dogs must always know where they stand in pack order. They
must know that they are below the baby or any other children in that order.
Everyday routines must consistently show that the baby is the alpha's "pup".
For example: feeding etc. The baby should never be lower than the dogs.
Having the baby in your arms, high chair, or infant carrier above the dogs
tells them that the baby is not their subordinate. However, do not make your
dog jealous. When cuddling baby, pat your dog as well and praise him for his
good behavior.

* Supervision - Never leave your baby and pet unsupervised together. Even the
gentlest of pets may not know it's own strength and harm a young child.

* Highchair - Dogs will love your children if allowed to lay under the
highchair and snack on the delicacies that fall from above!

* Walks - Take your dogs on your outtings with your baby. They will learn
that the stroller and baby bring good things. It will act as a bonding
experience as well. Furthermore, I have had my GSD protect myself and baby
from a loose dog.

* Crying - If baby is crying and your dog is acting nervous or out of sorts,
do not tell him "that it is okay." This tells the dog that it is okay to act
nervous and out of sorts and reinforces the anxiety. Instead, ignore the
behavior and possibly let your dog outside or into another room so that it may
relax. A newborn's crying plays on ALL of our nerves.

Neisha in Washington, USA shares her photo of daughter and German Shepherd, Raisin.  Raisin went to the bridge in October 1999 but watches over the angel children.

"Dogs And Children"

by Chris Moredock - Published In the Animal Source 

A dog that bites family members is unsafe around children.  Any bite should cause serious concern, and a dog that bites is a risk around babies.  Harsh as it may seem, there should be no second chances when babies are involved...regardless of why the dog may have bitten.

Some dogs bite because they are dominant and try to control things with their mouths.  Dominant dogs that bite are often out of the owner's control and will not listen.  They will frequently inflict one puncture would any may hang on or release once they have bitten.

In contrast, a fear biter uses it's teeth when it is afraid and believes it needs to bite to protect itself.  Frequently, a fear biter will thrash and shred as it bites.

There are dogs that have a high prey drive.   Dogs with this form of aggression frequently nip at anything that moves, attempt to bring it down, and in extreme cases...kill it.  Dogs that chase squirrels, rabbits or other prey, including cats could be risky to have around young children.  Never allow your dog to chase or catch anything if you want to raise children successfully around it.

Other dogs may nip or mouth children to correct them, usually indicating that the dog does not perceive that the family is in charge within the household.

Still other dogs may bite as a response to pain when a child hurts the dog.  Although it may not be the dog's fault in this situation, the child is likely to repeat the behavior.  It is also likely that no adult was supervising while dog and baby were together.  This stuation could also happen.  For the child's safety and possibly the dog's, the dog should not be kept in the household.

Once at home, you rbaby should always be kept at a higher level than the dog.  Playpens, high chairs and cribs are ideal.   Unless you are right in the room with the baby next to you, do NOT leave the baby and dog on the floor together.

Dogs correct subordinates or puppies with their mouths, so it would be prefectly logical for your dog to bite your child if   the child did something that the dog did not like.

A dog may also mistake an infant for a toy to be taken and played with.  Or it might want to carry the baby off out of a misplaced sense of protectiveness.  These situations should not be allowed.   Dogs don't have to be vicious to bite.  It is not a good idea to get a dog because you think your toddler needs a companion.  Don't bring a new puppy into a household of a family if your child is too young to learn how to care for it appropriately and even to participate in some of the training and feeding.

If the child resents having to help take care of it, has a fear of dogs, or just does not want a dog...unfortunate situations will happen.

***

Below:  Tag is whispering in the child's ear about some other great links regarding Kids and Dogs!

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Dog Bite Prevention