Baby Safety & the Family Dog
I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments of peace and quiet as well as much needed arm rest. A recent article (http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/parenting/02/23/baby.swings.dogs.ap/index.html) addresses valid concerns about dogs and mechanical swings. It is important to keep in mind that all dogs react differently and supervision is a must all the time!
I have seen first hand a variety of reactions to baby equipment by different dogs. Some dogs become desperate to chase and catch the moving swing while others seem to find it soothing. A human moving in the air is not normal to dogs and can be quite confusing even though the swing is grounded. It is important to know your dog's reaction to different situations and stimuli. Here are some things to take into consideration:
1. Does your dog love to chase ANYTHING and everything?
2. Is your dog reactive to sudden motion?
3. Does he startle easily?
4. Is your dog sensitive to noise? If so, loud, soft or sudden? High or low pitch?
Adults in charge of supervising a baby must never allow the dog to remain in the room alone with a baby for even a second! This is a consistent key factor in most reports of attacks with newborns and dogs. This point must not be taken lightly. If the adult is not there for the dog to defer to and the baby makes noises the dog may be the first to respond and possibly tend to the baby. This is very dangerous as dogs communicate and relate very differently then we do as humans. What can caretakers and parents do to prevent such incidents?
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:
1. Once in motion some dogs find the natural desire to chase hard to control around baby swings.
2. The noise of a vibration device in the swing can have an irritating humming noise for some dogs.
3. Spinning objects that are meant to be visually stimulating to an infant may be enticing to a dog to catch.
4. 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.
1. Close the door to where the baby is.
2. Take dog with you.
3. 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.
4. 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!)
5. 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.
Most of all ENJOY YOUR BABY!
Jennifer Shryock B.A. MPH, CDBC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant 919.961.1608 Creator of Dogs & Storks programs U.S. Rep for http://www.doggonesafe.com For more information visit http://www.familypaws.com and
 Google News Updated : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:08:19 GMT Spa Update: Hamilton Penalty Hands Win to Massa - AutoWeek
AutoWeek - By NIGEL ROEBUCK A drive-through penalty is the punishment for almost causing a collision in the pits. We know this because Bruno Senna was thus punished in the GP2 Series race at Spa-Francorchamps, and it cost him the race. Massa declared winner of Belgian GP Raikkonen's title hopes doused by Hamilton at Spa Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:46:22 GMT India a step closer to nuclear trade - Christian Science Monitor
Christian Science Monitor - The Nuclear Suppliers Group agreed Saturday to lift a 34-year ban on selling nuclear technology to India, even though it hasn't signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty. India secures controversial access to nuclear technology US Congress signals it will clear N-deal Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:01:15 GMT Michigan spared sting of West Nile - Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press - BY SHERI McWHIRTER • RECORD-EAGLE • September 7, 2008 TRAVERSE CITY -- West Nile virus hasn't seriously bitten Michigan this year and seems to have spared the state's northern reaches. Yes, the mosquitoes were nasty this summer Aerial survey being conducted to find mosquito breeding grounds Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:53:44 GMT Hurricane, at Category 4, Heads Toward Cuba - New York Times
New York Times - By MARIA NEWMAN Hurricane Ike grew into a bigger threat to Florida and the Gulf Coast Sunday as it roared through the Bahamas mid-morning, with forecasters expecting it to gain in strength as it approaches Cuba. Video: Raw Video: Ike Pounds Turks and Caicos Powerful Hurricane Ike looms as trouble for Gulf Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:52:07 GMT Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2008 - Washington Post
Washington Post - On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 ... Salmonellosis outbreak prompts sprout recall Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:31:13 GMT Side events bring out celebs in advance of VMAs - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - LOS ANGELES (AP) - Though the MTV Video Music Awards are the main event in town this weekend, some celebrities are satisfied enough with the side activities connected to the extravaganza. Britney 'Getting an Opportunity to Start Over' at VMAs Brand and Spears have been promoting the awards on MTV Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:10:38 GMT 'Wrestler' takes top honors at Venice - Variety
Variety - By NICK VIVARELLI Darren Aronofsky drama “The Wrestler,” starring Mickey Rourke as washed out pro wrestler Randy (the Ram) Robinson, in comeback mode both on and off the screen, pinned down the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion. Is Evan Rachel Wood dropkicking Marilyn Manson for Mickey Rourke? A Glance at 'The Wrestler' Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:55:44 GMT Make Money Online |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... When you're holding a baby shower one of the most... Read More It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that... Read More You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of... Read More Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More Your baby's first year is filled with many challenges and... Read More You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More 1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More The conversation went something like this:"Hey honey, when we get... Read More The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More We all want the very best for our children and... Read More Here you will learn how to make and where to... Read More Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of... Read More You will need to begin gathering the things your baby... Read More This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More It's a fact of life that we live in an... Read More There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More Moses Baby Baskets are a traditional, convenient place for babies... Read More
Adsense
websites
A Baby Shower Cake is the Highlight of the Baby Shower
Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child
Home Remedies for Colic
Shared Dancing has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike
First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests
Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort
Your Baby And Social Skills
Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby
20 Popular Quotations About Babies
Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts
Free Baby Shower Invitations
Scheduling Your Baby Naming Ceremony - the Right Time Makes All the Difference
My RAD Child
Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?
Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
How to Help Your Children Learn
Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!
The Personality Traits of a Sagittarius Baby
How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?
New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby
The Baby Stroller- How To Choose
Planning a Baby Shower
How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers
Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods
Moses Baby Baskets
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip
Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today... Read More
Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More
The Personality Traits Of An Aries Baby
Your Aries Baby..21 March - 19 April.A typical Aries has... Read More
Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More
Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?
The conversation went something like this:"Hey honey, when we get... Read More
Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same
When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More
When Not To Begin Potty Training
Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and... Read More
Baby Dangers New Parents Need to Know About
This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into... Read More
Where Will You Give Birth To Your Baby?
Where To Give Birth..You have a choice where to have... Read More
How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers
When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More
Six Ways to Save on Your Baby Shower
It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More
How To Clone The Perfect Baby
How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More
Potty Training Facts
Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More
Top 100 Baby Names and Helpful Tips To Consider When Naming Your Baby
Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little... Read More
Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?
As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More
Basic Guide To Choosing Toys For Babies
A baby's only activities until the age of two months... Read More
Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation
Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a... Read More
Reading to Children ? Are We Doing It Right?
Setting the Stage - Reading is One of the Big... Read More
Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children
Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More
Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services
Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More
How to Help Your Children Learn
We all want the very best for our children and... Read More
Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler
Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More
Baby Shower Invitation Cards
Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More
Properly Care For Your Children
When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More
Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!
* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More
Babies & Toddler |