| Preparing for a New Dog |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-309 |
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Q: My son wants a dog. I think he's ready for it, but what do we need to know about dogs as pets? A: (From Joel Tatum and Stephanie Zielinski, Ask DIY Pet experts) Adopting a dog represents a big commitment in terms of time: an adult dog requires a daily minimum of an hour and a half for exercise, attention and bathroom time. And a puppy needs considerably more: he should be taken outside every two hours until his housebreaking is complete. Even the sweetest-tempered dog can be frightened by children's natural ebullience, so it's imperative that your child or children be taught how to behave around a dog. For instance: - Dogs love to be petted, but teach your child not to hug a dog around the neck -- such an action can be perceived as a threat. Instead, pet the dog's neck or chest gently to establish trust.
- Dogs can attack when provoked, and they may not understand behavior that to a child seems perfectly acceptable. Kids need to learn from the start not to tease or scream around a dog, and they should never be left unattended with a dog..
- Dogs, like people, need privacy, so give your dog his own place where the kids can't bother him. And impress upon the kids that the dog's crate or other personal space is off-limits to them (figure A).
- Never bother a dog when he's eating or sleeping.
- Dogs need chew toys (figure B) so they don't chew on your belongings. Be sure to have the kids pick up their own toys when they're through playing with them -- human toys look like chew toys to a dog, so he can't be blamed if he decides to destroy that action figure that's left within his reach. If you do catch your dog with a child's toy, gently tell him no, take it away and replace it with one of his own playthings. Then praise him when he takes the proffered chew toy. And turn about is fair play: tell the kids that Fido's toys are just as off-limits to them as theirs are to him!
- If you're anticipating a new two-legged bundle of joy, get your pet used to the baby before she arrives. Go ahead and buy bottles of baby powder and lotion; put it on your own skin every day (figure C) and let the dog smell it. Then the new-baby scent won't be so strange when the time comes to bring the new family member home from the hospital.
You might also want to get a tape of a baby crying -- that's where friends and relatives with new babies can come in handy -- and play them a couple of times a day in the dog's hearing. (Don't run it into the ground, however.) When the big day arrives and you're bringing the baby home, it's a good idea, if possible, first to send home a t-shirt or other garment that she has worn in the hospital. Let the dog smell it so he'll recognize her scent when you bring her in the house (figure D). The new mom should walk in empty-handed first and greet the dog -- after all, he's missed you too! -- and then bring the baby in. Remember, Fido's been the baby for a while, and you want him to accept his new "sibling" so they can have many happy years together.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing, Training and Raising a Dog
Author: Sarah Hodgson
Unfortunately, this book is currently out of print. Please check your local library or used bookstore for a copy.
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days
Model: 0553346156
Author: Shirlee Kalstone
Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub (Trd Pap)
April, 1991
The Complete Dog Book
Model: 087605047X
Author: American Kennel Club Staff
Hungry Minds, Inc.
December 1997
How to Talk to Your Dog (Talk to Your Pets)
Model: 0060270926
Author: Jean-Craighead George
(March, 200)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
HarperCollins
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-207-7000
Fax: 212-207-7145
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