Introducing Dog to Baby Equipment
 It is best to introduce baby swings and all baby equipment to the family
dog prior to the arrival of the baby. Baby swings have all sorts of gadgets
these days! They vibrate, make music and even rotate. It is important
to know your dog's individual sensitivities and prepare him well ahead
of time. Some points to consider with baby swings:
- Once in motion some dogs find the natural desire to chase hard to
control around baby swings.
- The noise of a vibration device in the swing can have an irritating
humming noise for some dogs.
- Spinning objects that are meant to be visually stimulating to an
infant may be enticing to a dog to catch.
- Noises of the music may be irritating to some dogs' sensitive ears.
It is important that family dogs learn how to behave calmly around
all baby equipment prior to its use with an infant. Practice before your
baby is home with a doll in the swing. Some dolls make noises and blink
eyes etc. It sounds silly but it does help you role play and visualize
the real situation. This allows a time for your dog to safely explore
as you teach him how you want him to behave. Reward positive and appropriate
behavior. Make this a positive experience. Ignore unwanted behavior and
teach desired behavior. You do not want the first time your dog sees
this new equipment to be when you
REALLY are hoping the baby will go to sleep! Many dogs learn that the
swing is just part of the new furniture and ignore it. This is ideal
but still does not mean that it is safe to leave the room when a real
infant is resting in the swing. Refreshing and practicing obedience now
goes a long way towards a smoother transition once baby arrives.
Have a plan for the situations such as the phone ringing. Here are some ideas.
- Close the door to where the baby is.
- Take dog with you.
- Put a leash on your dog in the house to keep him near by or to use
as a tether to furniture to safely secure him.
- Use a baby gate that you must physically lock in place to gate off
area when the baby is. (Not for those that like the high jump!)
- Offer your dog some great outdoor activity in a secured area.
As always it is NEVER safe to leave a baby and dog unsupervised for
any reason at any time.
Jennifer Shryock
Canine Behavior Consultant
919.961.1608
U.S. VP of DOGGONE SAFE
For more information visit www.familypaws.com and www.doggonesafe.com
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