I cannot keep count the number of times people commented on Toby (our dog) in regards to Elijah’s *safety*. So I have decided to share a little about what we have been doing and also learnt over these period. Keep in mind that every owner and dog are unique. The less we are able to prepare and train dog and owner, the more likely dangers will arise when baby is around.

OK. To begin here are a few things we must keep in mind before the arrival of the baby:

- Responsibility of pet care must rest on both, if not the less busy of the parents: Looking at post baby arival, there is no way the nursing mum will have time to look after anything other than her baby. Remember, routines such as feeding, walking MUST continue. Otherwise our pet’s and baby’s safety is at serious risk.

- Adjust pet to less attention: Don’t we love to lavish our pets with attention. Unfortunately, with a baby at home, time is a precious comidity to spare. As a result, pets will need to adjust gradually to *less attention*.  The earlier we do this before baby comes, the better. For example, we seldom entertain or play with Toby. We keep walking to once a day (sometimes once in 2 days when busy!) and play is only when we fail to walk him or see he is restless due to inactivity. Family and friends around the house during baby’s arrivial should also keep attention to minimal. Remind them that if they want to play/walk with the dog, the MUST do the same frequency again even when baby is around. So use that as a guide.

- Restricted zones and objects: All dogs must adhere to space restrictions. Either we can enforce it verbally or if that doesn’t work, physical restrains such as gates and fences. However, I am finding just restrictions from the baby room is NOT sufficient. We will more often than not use halls and dining area for play and siesta too. So either we have those common areas as restricted zones or the dog must be able to leave on command and stay away or kept out on command. DO NOT TRUST any dog with our babies without supervision *ie.. in our sight* at all times.. Don’t leave the dog alone with baby even to go to the toilet or grab a cup of water.

- Cleanliness: No need to elaborate much. Any where baby will be touching should be dog hair and fleas free. All dogs should have flea protection prior to and when baby is around. Most monthly worm tablets would have included flea treatment. Dogs should also get all vaccines up to date before baby arrives.

- Baby smell: I thought this was useful. It was recommended to get some of the baby’s worn clothes home while mum and bub are still in the hospital. Probably leave it on the couch or somewhere to introduce the smell to him. Treat it like a restricted object. An item doggie can smell but not touch. The idea is to get dog used to the smell.

- Baby sounds: If you’re hard working enough, record the babies noises and play it at home. Again this is for the dog to get used to it. Toby is still not used to the cries as he will always get up and come near at every cry or noise.

At the end of the day, it will depend on dog and owner. Not all dogs live well with kids as a result of dog upbringing and character.

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