Labs and babies
Written by mojo
We are expecting our first human baby in January. Our first animal baby, our yellow lab is 16 months old and is the love of our lives. He is adorable and is just like a little child, playful and full of energy. I'm curious to know if there are any training stints necessary before we have our baby. I'm concerned that our dog might feel left out and also could get jealous of the new baby. Another thing, he is not used to sharing toys. He thinks every toy in the house is his. How do we train him to play with his and only his toys?
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Hi Marcie
Thanks so much for your response. Mojo has had formal training, but since he is the baby in the house, its very hard to deprive him of toys. I like your suggestion of rewarding him with his toy if he leaves the baby's toys alone. Your other tips are also very useful.
Thanks!
Roshni
Mojo, congratulations on expecting your first human baby! Chances are your four legged baby already knows something is up. In preparation for the new family member, try to spend some time every day keeping up with the obedience skills so the dog will obey you when you need him to sit, stay, etc. If you have not done a formal class, now would be a good time to sign up.
Exercise is key in keeping anxiety and stress under control. If your dog has any behavior issues that need working on, now is the time. Let your dog sniff everything in the baby's room before the baby comes and if he picks up a toy that is not his, tell him to 'drop it' or 'leave it' in your big alpha voice and immediately reward him with one of his toys when he does.
Before the baby arrives home, give your dog a blanket that smells like the baby to sniff so the scent is familiar. If the dog stays at a kennel while you are in the hospital, try to get a blanket to him there. When you see him for the first time after being in the hospital, take a few minutes to pat and play before introducing the baby. Let your dog sniff from a distance at first to see how he will react. Be careful that the dog does not try to jump on who is holding the baby or on the furniture where the baby may be. Never assume that the dog will know it needs to be gentle. As good natured as your dog is and as labs are, never leave the baby alone with the dog.
Try to keep the routine for the dog the same after arriving back home. Feeding and walking at the normal times will help keep some normalcy for the dog. If you or dad are unable to exercise the dog, when people ask what they can do for you, add exercise the dog to the list. Some new toys (from the baby) will make having the baby around a positive experience. Kongs with treats and peanut butter inside or raw marrow bones from the butcher are fun and will keep your dog busy for a while.
If you are having trouble entertaining your dog while you adjust to your new schedule, you might consider a couple of days at a doggy daycare. The cost isn't usually too bad and so worth it to have your dog exausted at the end of the day. Good luck and let us know if you need more information.
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