As dog owners are there likely to be any problems if later on we have a baby?
Posted by Dog Supplies Advice in Dog Supplies Q&A, tags: dog owners, dog Q&A, dog supplies advice, Dog Supplies TipsAs dog owners are there likely to be any problems if later on we have a baby?
In general there are no problems and the dog accepts the child as a member of the ‘pack’ (i.e. the family group) to which they both belong. Jealousy can develop, however, when a newly arrived baby causes a dog to feel neglected and rejected. This is most likely to occur where an animal that was previously the centre of attention finds affection being lavished on the newcomer and himself ignored. To avoid this situation developing it is very important for the dog to continue to receive a considerable amount of attention and affection and this should occur particularly when the baby is present. This will ensure that the baby comes to represent, for the dog, the signal that it is going to receive extra attention. If the dog only receives attention from its owner when the baby is in another room, and this ceases whenever the baby appears, it may foster a true rivalry and encourage a hostile reaction from the dog. (The same situation can arise when grandparents enthuse over a new grandchild and their dog feels ignored.)
If you choose a large, energetic breed soon after getting married bear in mind that it might be difficult to provide it with sufficient exercise when there are babies and toddlers around. Another problem with children under two years old is that they have a natural tendency suddenly to grab at objects and animals, which a dog might find alarming and cause it to snap. Also bear in mind that the disease visceral larva migrans can be transmitted by a dog, and children are particularly at risk because of their habit of putting fingers, and objects, in their mouths. Dogs and children should not be permitted to eat each other’s food and the dog should be stopped from licking the child’s face. After stroking the dog a child’s hands should be washed, and until that happens it should not be allowed to put its fingers into its mouth.
In general, dogs and children have happy relationships, as shown by the fact that the level of dog ownership in households with children is approximately twice that of households where no children are present.
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