It is important to realise that dogs are not people and so their behaviour may not always be predictable.  No young child should be left unsupervised with a dog in order to reduce the risk of accidents.  A well socialised dog that has been properly trained is not only a pleasure to have around but there is no reason why they cannot live happily in the same home as babies or toddlers.  If a dog has some behavioural problems e.g. fear aggression, jealousy etc then a new addition to the family can cause these behaviours to worsen.  If you have any concerns about your dogs behaviour you should speak to a veterinary surgeon.  The vets at Petline Direct are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are expecting a new baby then work to socialise the dog with the baby should begin a few months before the birth:

• Have objects and new smells around the house that will be needed when the baby arrives e.g. cots, prams, baby talc, shampoo etc.
• Get your dog used to walking quietly alongside a pram.  If your dog usually pulls on the lead the use of a training aid such as a ‘gentle leader’ may help reduce this making it much easier to walk the dog and push the pram. Tasty titbits can be used as training aids.
• There are CDs available such as the ‘sounds soothing’ CD from the Pet Therapy range (www.soundtherapy4pets.com).  This CD helps your dog to become used to the noises the baby will make without causing distress to your dog.  You can reward your dog with treats for remaining calm when he hears such sounds.
• If your dogs’ routine is going to change, start before the baby is born – is your dog going to be stopped from going on the sofa / bed etc when previously it was allowed?  If there will be a change in this or exercise then make the changes sooner rather than later so your dog does not associate the change with the arrival of the new baby.
• Make all changes a positive and fun experience.  Reward good behaviour and try to ignore bad behaviour.  If you have any difficulties then consult a veterinary surgeon.
• Teach your dog the command to go to his bed / a designated area. Try not to use this as a punishment but rather when the dog goes to the bed a reward is given.  The ability to get your dog to sit quietly away from you will be very useful when the new baby arrives.
• If your dog is toy orientated then ensure games are started and stopped by yourself rather than the dog. Remove toys when the game is to finish and encourage your dog to give up a toy without resistance.  This will help reduce the risk of confrontation between a dog and child over toys.  It is also important to ensure your dog is not overprotective of treats and food – reward your dog for leaving a treat or allowing you to take food away.  This can be quite difficult if a dog is not trained from a young age so consult a veterinary surgeon if necessary.
• Make sure your dog is wormed, vaccinated and deflead regularly.  It may also be an idea to get him/her checked over by a vet to ensure there are no grumbling aches or pains that could cause irritation or aggression.  Make sure you can handle your dog- get him used to being stroked all over while reassuring and giving titbits when he sits quietly.

Once a new baby arrives it is very important that your dog associates the baby with positive praise.  Although having a new baby can be very hectic you must ensure the dog is not forgotten or pushed away as this can create jealousy and resentment.  

When the baby first comes home:

• Allow the dog to first greet the mother when she is not holding the baby.  The dog is likely to be very excited to see her and could jump up/knock the baby.  It also allows the dog to have some individual attention and reduces jealous behaviour. 
• Introduce the dog to the baby in neutral territory-away from where the dog would usually sleep or eat. Hold the baby and allow the dog to gently sniff/look at it. When the dog gets bored and turns away, praise him and give a treat as a positive reinforcement that leaving the baby alone gets rewarded.
• Allow the dog a safe haven to escape the noises of the baby.  When the dog leaves then allow it to rest with nobody disturbing it.
• Include your dog in daily activities and give lots of gentle praise and titbits when the dog behaves in a calm, controlled manner.  Ensure your dog is regularly exercised as a bored dog can become irritated and difficult to control.

As your child grows and develops they will start to move around and interact more.  It is important that children are taught that dogs are not toys and to treat them with respect.  Ensure they leave a dog to rest quietly and do not taunt or tease any dog.  No child should be left unsupervised with a dog as even the most reliable dogs can become impatient with children.  Teach both dogs and children to play together as they can become great friends but if the play becomes too boisterous then you need to be able to stop the situation spiralling out of control.

Aggression towards children can often be avoided if both the dog and child are taught certain rules.  The dog must be trained to know their place in the family and positive reinforcement of good behaviour is the best way to work with your dog.  Children of all ages must be taught to understand how to act around dogs.  Often aggression in dogs towards children occurs through jealousy or possessiveness.   It is up to the adult to supervise dogs and children and to seek help and guidance if their dog is showing unacceptable behaviour towards children.