Introducing Your Dog And Newborn

If you have a dog, you probably consider him to be another member of your family and love him dearly. You might even just take for granted that your beloved pet will be as excited as you are to welcome your newborn into the family. The safety of your newborn is of utmost importance however so it is better to prepare you dog well before the new baby comes home so you won't have to deal with any unexpected behavioral problems.

If you plan to have a dog and kids in the same home, it is very important that the dog has some obedience training. This is particularly true for a large breed of dog. Be consistent with your commands so the dog understands what accepted behavior is and what is unacceptable.

In addition, you should make changes to your dog's routine gradually in the months leading up to the birth of your newborn. If you anticipate that your dog's sleeping arrangements, exercise schedule or feeding routines will be altered once the baby arrives then it is a good idea to go ahead and make those changes before the baby comes home so your dog will be used to them. Besides, you don't want your dog to blame the baby for changes to his routine if he isn't happy with them.

Get your dog used to the new smells and noises that will be associated with a newborn. Let him investigate the baby swing and car seat and get used to the smell of baby lotions. You can even play a recording of a baby crying for short periods each day so he won't be shocked by the sudden introduction of a noisy newcomer to the household. Before you bring the baby home, bring home a blanket or article of clothing your newborn has worn so your dog can sniff it and get comfortable with the scent.

On the day you bring your newborn home, try to greet your dog first without the baby. Especially if you have been in the hospital a few days, your dog will be very excited to see you. Take the time to greet him and give him a chance to settle down before bringing the baby in. When you finally introduce your newborn to your dog, don't force the issue. Let your dog take his time and sniff the baby. You might want to keep some doggie treats close by so your dog can learn that calm behavior around the baby will be rewarded.

Don't neglect your dog even though your baby will require a lot of your time. You don't want your dog to become jealous and grow to resent the baby. Keep him happy by spending quality time with him alone.

Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and has a clean bill of health from your veterinarian. This will lessen the risk that your dog will spread germs and disease to your child. You might also want to consider having your pet spayed or neutered as this tends to make them calmer with less of a tendency to bite.

And finally, never leave your dog alone with your newborn. Even if your dog has shown no aggressive tendencies in the past, your dog might still harm the baby totally by accident.

News in brief (Onalaska Community Life)

Here are a selection of brief news items from this week's paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn't make it in the paper.

'Unconditional love good name for it' (Rapid City Journal)

Jason and Vanessa Herz videotaped the moments before they walked out the door to head to the hospital for the birth of their baby.

History of Church Teaching on Abortion (Zenit News Agency)

WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 4, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- Here is a fact sheet issued by the U.S. episcopal conference's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, which clarifies the Church's constant teaching on abortion.

The Return of Infanticide; Frogs and Art (Zenit News Agency)

ROME, SEPT. 1, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- For historians, who inhabit the remote world of the past, the injustices and sufferings of people are sufficiently distant in time to ever have much emotional impact on them.

Health calendar (Honolulu Advertiser)

ADULT CPR WITH FIRST AID, American Red Cross certification upon completion; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 6, 10; American Red Cross, Diamond Head; $55; register: 739-8123, 739-8132, www.hawaiiredcross.org.