Doggie Parenting 101:
Tips and tricks on loving and living with dogs

Expecting a new baby?
Practice with doggie now

BABY on the way? Teach your dog now how to act once the new arrival enters the picture. Push an empty stroller while walking him. Don’t wait until the infant is REALLY inside. Work out the complications and strategy NOW.

Start now with whatever changes will occur once the baby comes. The new methods should be well-established before the birth. Practice now so he can be part of the new family, instead of a hindrance to meeting the baby’s needs. For example, teach the dog to go to his place or bed for goodies and stay there while you feed and care for the baby. Use positive reinforcement so the dog learns: Baby + restriction = yummy stuff.

If he will NOT be allowed in the baby’s room, start now. Or, if he WILL be allowed in, teach him to stay on his place out of the way. Does he jump up? You won’t want that when holding the baby. Teach manners now so he’ll be a pro for the big day. Train him to not forge past you through doorways and to wait at the top or bottom of stairs when you are on them.

It’s imperative you teach him to leave it (which means look at me). If doggie isn’t comfortable with children, institute behavior modification NOW. Work with a professional. It’s serious.

Later, when baby starts crawling, doggie should have an escape route for when he’s had enough. Don’t wait until the last minute, set up a barrier he can jump over, or an elevated surface he can climb onto, and practice this well in advance of baby starting to move around.

If one spouse cares for the dog now, but the other spouse will do it after the baby comes, switch now. The fewer changes that come upon baby’s arrival, the less stress the dog (and everyone else) will experience.

Before baby comes home, Dad can bring one of her blankets to doggie to sniff. Place it in his bed so he’ll be familiar with the baby’s scent. Use treats so he’ll associate the baby’s scent with yummy rewards.

Knowing he will be excited to see Mom after she’s been away, she should come in to greet him while Dad waits outside with the baby. When the excitement is over, bring the baby in and reward doggie for calmly and politely greeting the newest member of the family. (You may have to teach him calming behaviors.)

Early planning and training is essential. Prepare your canine kid now so he can be included later. It’s the only way everyone will be happy.

Bathing dogs with peanut butter

WHEN I teach my Doggie Parenting class, one of my favorite advertising teasers is that you should use peanut butter to bathe your dog. Students are always intrigued (but not excited) by the concept of smearing peanut butter through their dogs’ coats.

Actually, you spread a thin layer of it on your shower wall or, for the short guys, tub, and your dog will most likely lick it while you bathe him. This keeps him standing in place, making your job a lot easier. It won’t convince the truly terrified, but could make some converts and even dogs who don’t mind a bath are easier to handle and maneuver when enticed with a peanut butter wall.

When you are ready to wash the other side of the dog, simply put some peanut butter on the opposite wall and the dog will turn, facing the other direction!

Caution: If your shower has tile, you should be cleaning it with a PH-balanced cleanser. If not, you break down the sealant, which can then trap the chemicals and bleach or whatever is used to clean the shower, then the dog could ingest those products. But if you use the proper products on your tile, this shouldn’t be a problem. All you need to do, then, is be sure cleaning products are thoroughly rinsed off the tile before spreading on the peanut butter. If you have a smooth, acrylic tub surround, there is no grout and the only issue is to be sure cleansers are rinsed off before applying the peanut butter.

Clean the wall or tub, apply the peanut butter and let your kid enjoy his bath!

‘Til next time ... Kiss the kids!
Victoria (Mom of Jetta WAC, CGC)

Victoria Rose at Nanny 911 For Dogs, offers in-home dog training or behavior modification in Oregon, USA, and by phone in the US. For more tips and advice, subscribe to the free Doggie Parenting 101: Tips and Tricks e-Newsletter by visiting: www.nanny911fordogs.com