To have a baby? So the topic of children and dogs is of special importance to you now, as information about fear of dogs, dog dominance aggression, and news reports about dog attacks on children emphasize. Here you have help.

A regular conversation and concern that takes place in homes across the country today is … “I’m having a baby. I hope Duke likes it. How can I make sure no problems occur?”

The best way to start is to stick to your usual routine and spend time with Duke while you are pregnant. Don’t feel bad for him or worry. After all, Duke knew very well that you were waiting even before you knew it yourself. Dogs know the scent of the pregnancy hormone, so DON’T waste time trying to explain something to Duke that has already been self-explanatory!

Also, consider the instinctive behavior of the dog. Members of the pack are delighted with the birth of new members of the pack. You just have to follow the “rules of the pack” yourself.

Continue walking and playing with Duke for as long as is safe for someone in his delicate condition, and enlist the help of your husband or others to keep him properly exercised and mentally challenged. That is important for all dogs, regardless of family circumstances.

Occasionally let Duke into baby’s room to sniff, supervised only. Allow him to smell, but not touch, any baby items. You can invite him to come in with you while you fix or clean, and you can allow him to lie down next to the crib for your comfort and familiarity, but ONLY when you supervise him and he is respectful. However, if you speak with your mouth or grab something, correct it immediately and “claim” it.

“Claim it,” you ask. This is done by having Duke sit or lie down and place the object close to him, correcting him by touch if he makes a movement toward the object. Stand between the stolen merchandise and Duke. Maintain eye contact the entire time, be mindful of keeping your head and shoulders up and back confidently throughout this process. Position of your feet? They should be halfway between a military “Atten-hut”. and “At ease”. This ensures that Duke receives a clear message that the baby and all his things must be respected. You know that Duke has given up when he walks away or walks away.

This will not provoke jealousy, as some might fear. On the contrary, letting Duke do as he pleases from the start may well create competition in your mind against the baby. This can become very dangerous, a potential source of aggression, dog dominance, and dog bites.

If left to decide how to handle things himself based on the dog’s instinctive behavior, your dog might also think that he is being helpful in trying to pick up the baby by the neck. You do not want that! If you do it right, the dog will come to YOU ​​for help and make a good additional “baby monitor.”

If Duke enters the baby’s room unsupervised before he is born, have him LEAVE and then have him sit or lie down. Sitting or lying down is a form of delivery that in Duke language means: “Respect baby’s space!” (If you come in uninvited after the baby is born, have him submit right where he is, where he did the silly thing, sit or lie down, and then take him out.) This also allows the baby to grow up feeling like the dominant in this relationship, which is how it should be.

You can and should have a safe and happy homecoming with your new bundle of joy. It all comes down to leadership, attitude, and respect. Have you established yourself as the “leader of the pack” with control and respect for your dog? Have you used common sense in the process of introducing the dog to the baby’s room, the baby’s things, and the baby himself? Have you followed these guidelines? Have you ensured that your dog continues to have mental and physical “challenges” through regular, focused exercise, to avoid boredom and pent-up energy that can cause other problems?

If you do these simple things, then you don’t need to experience the common hysteria that surrounds children and dogs, or fear that your beloved Duke will suddenly turn into a tyrannical terror with aggressive doggy behavior and bite your precious baby. If your dog expresses canine dominance and canine aggression issues now, or is possessive of you, consult a professional IMMEDIATELY and correct them before the baby is born and home. Be smart, be safe and be happy!