Children and Dogs- some Frequently asked questions.
FAQ- By new dogs owners in general, not Aussie Bulldog specific.
1 My puppy is sweet but I’m concerned about a new baby on the way.
2 I am having a problem with my 2-year-old mixed breed dog. We got him 6 months ago and got him fixed. He sleeps with our daughter and if anyone goes in there at night to check on her, he growls and will try to bite us if we don’t use a firm voice to tell him no. What can I do to get this behavior under control? Should I stop letting him sleep in her room and not allow him upstairs at all? Thanks.
3 How can we introduce our 6 yr. old dog to the new baby and still make the dog feel comfortable and loved? He has been the baby for so long and we don’t want him to feel threatened in any way.
Answers:
1 My puppy is sweet but I’m concerned about a new baby on the way.
All dogs need rules and a good routine to feel secure and safe. When a new baby will be in the home, it is important that the dog learn how to be calm and settled and to follow basic commands. Setting aside regular time every day for play, exercise and attention is vital so that the dog is happy and fulfilled. It also may help to teach the dog how to be comfortable confined in a room behind a baby gate for times when the dog needs to be out of the way.
2 I am having a problem with my 2-year-old mixed breed dog. We got him 6 months ago and got him fixed. He sleeps with our daughter and if anyone goes in there at night to check on her, he growls and will try to bite us if we don’t use a firm voice to tell him no. What can I do to get this behavior under control? Should I stop letting him sleep in her room and not allow him upstairs at all? Thanks.
When a dog begins to growl or bite it is a serious problem. Your dog should not be allowed to sleep with your daughter because it may not be safe. Aggressive behaviors should not be tolerated. Please contact your veterinarian for further advice and resources for changing your dog’s behavior.
3 How can we introduce our 6 yr. old dog to the new baby and still make the dog feel comfortable and loved? He has been the baby for so long and we don’t want him to feel threatened in any way.
Both babies and dogs do unpredictable things, therefore the baby and the dog must never be left alone together. It also helps if the dog knows and responds well to commands to come, sit and down This will allow you to give the dog direction for the appropriate behaviors. Try to include the dog in fun activities such as taking a walk with the baby in the stroller. If your dog has never had experience with any children, then a visit with a veterinary behaviorist would help you set up a safe introduction program.
Reference: Purina Website.