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I wrote this article in 1994, when basset rescue and
also rescue in other breeds was an especially sensitive
issue, and most often was just incredible numbers of
dog placements. Placement often is what an owner chooses,
and sometimes it is truly necessary, but it often occurs
when the owners haven't made the effort to train the
dog or re-organize strategies in housing the dog. Sometimes
former owners want an easy way out of the dog, i.e.,
no guilt, someone else will place find my dog a nice
home, either in the form of the animal shelter or a
private individual.
Popular reasons to give away dogs are such things as
the family is moving, a new person in the house doesn't
like dog, someone has a sudden onset of allergies, the
dog chews, barks, and digs, or there is no time for
the dog with a new baby. Often, the owner has become
tired of his dog and doesn't want to make the special
effort that it takes to train the dog or reorganize
a household change to include the dog.
The dog rescue or placement problem will always exist.
But public education is a key strategy in lessening
this problem for one or many of the reasons to give
up a dog.
And Baby Makes Four
Rivalry can develop when the dog you have had for some
while comes together with the new baby. Without preparation
by the dog's owner, frustration can develop, and both
the baby and the dog might be in danger of injury, early,
or later on.
The following are a few tips that can be used to allay
the dog's anxieties, when he is about to give up his
role as "the" baby. This may also allay owner anxiety.
- Let the dog sniff items the baby will be using so
the dog's scent will be on the items. This is sanitary,
because dogs can pick up scents after the item has
been washed for the baby's use.
- Handle a doll or stuffed animal (that does not belong
to the dog) like a baby and introduce your dog to
it using the word "baby". Have the dog sit or lie
down whenever he is near this baby. Do not allow jumping
up.
- Start training your dog well before the baby comes
home. The dog needs to learn the basic sit, heel,
stay in a down position at the very least. Training
your dog initially, and continuing with it after the
baby comes home for a few minutes every couple of
days, assures your dog he is still special to you.
- Get the dog accustomed to the baby's cry. Let him
investigate, but with all 4 feet on the floor. When
the baby comes home, have whoever is the dogs most
significant person enter first without the baby and
greet the dog. Introduce the dog to the baby's blanket,
then the baby from a distance, again all 4 feet on
the floor should be reinforced and praised.
- Don't let the baby totally interfere with the dog's
feeding times and playtimes. Everyone has the time
to pat a dog, talk to a dog while doing other things,
and play for a few minutes (even if it is just in
the kitchen with a dog cookie, while the baby's bottle
is warming, etc.).
- Yes it is possible to walk a dog and take the baby
out in a snugglie or stroller at the same time. But
the dog understandably has to be properly trained
or don't do it until it is. Two dogs, no problem -
do ¼ of your walk and come back with one dog, then
repeat with the other. You, baby, and dog will get
fresh air, and dog and you will get exercise and be
fit and happy.
Do not get a dog, especially a puppy for the baby,
because the baby is too young to learn about it and
you will be too busy to attend to the needs of both.
For the dog that has been there all along, teach the
toddler that the dog needs quiet when sleeping and eating.
The child should pat the dog gently and use a calm voice.
You must watch and be there all the time. When your
child and dog are not having a gentle moment, quietly
separate the two for a while.
Introduce your dog to friend's and relatives toddlers
away from his territory, then on his property, and finally
in the house.
I know I just preached to not get a puppy when your
baby is too young. But if you have a young pup and a
baby already, you can achieve happiness and success.
You have to want to, and you have to work harder at
everything for yourself, your baby and your dog. And
remember the training of the dog. It really works.
In all these situations you must schedule time for
yourself too. We all need and deserve this. It helps
us deal with the frustrations that are inevitable on
some days. But you will get through those.
What a nice family you will be.
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Reprinted with permission by Bonnie Tetlock
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