Introducing an Infant to a Resident Dog

One of the most common questions asked by an expectant parent or grandparent is how to introduce a new infant to the family dog, particularly if the dog has not been exposed to infants before. Most dogs readily accept infants after an initial period of curiosity. However, there have been unfortunate incidents where infants have been injured by family dogs. It is because of these incidents that the following information is provided. There are three types of dogs which parents should be particularly concerned about: 1. Dogs that have already manifested aggressive tendencies towards babies. 2. Dogs that are aggressive to adults. 3. Dogs that have a history of predatory behavior (i.e., they chase and kill squirrels, birds, cats, goats, sheep or other mammals). If you have a dog with these behaviors, we recommend consultation with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for advice on if and how you should introduce your dog to your new child. Fortunately, most dogs look upon a baby with curiosity and show no signs of aggression. However, some dogs perceive an infant as a strange mammal and a potential item of prey. Dogs that have never seen a baby probably do not view them as young human beings or even as small people. To help prevent accidents (sometimes fatal), some precautions should be taken. The following protocol is designed for people to follow when they wish to be especially careful in introducing a baby to a non-aggressive family dog. The procedures should begin before the baby is born. Because the owner will want to keep the dog quiet and under control when the baby is near, the dog should sit or lie down on command, and remain that way unless permitted to get up. It should be taught to remain calm and in a sitting position. Because the commands "sit" and "stay" will eventually be used in conjunction with the baby, they should not be associated with punishment. Owners should begin by teaching their dog to sit and stay for food rewards. The dog is initially required to sit only for a few seconds. This time is gradually increased as the dog continues to learn. Simultaneously, the activity level around the dog is made more distracting. For example, while the dog is sitting, the person takes a step backward and then forward and then rewards the dog if it remains sitting. Next, the owner takes two steps backward, returns to the dog, takes a step to the side, then two steps to the side, etc. Gradually the owner extends the range and speed of activities, moving across the room, sitting down, standing up, rattling doorknobs, etc. The dog is rewarded for sitting and not becoming distracted.

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