A baby, a dog and a "moment."

As a Mother of four kids I know first hand how easy it is to step out for of a room for "just a moment" to do something.  There are many times during the day where these "moments" present themselves.  Bathroom trips, heating food, answering the door etc.  When there are dogs in the home families must take seriously the fact that a "moment" is never ok to leave to a dog and baby!  Why?  Because in a moment a baby can go from boring to interesting to a dog.  If you are not there then you are not aware of any change and things could go very wrong.  Let's look at the photo below.  (photo from the program Dogs & Storks by Family Paws)    In the first image the dog is looking at the camera and is resting.  The  baby also is resting and relaxed. Then the next image the focus of the dog is different....why?  What changed?
.

Well, I took these photos back to back.  What changed was my daughter moved slightly and made a noise.  In a "moment" she went from boring to very interesting. Now I was there so I could see the change.  What if I was not?  This then could allow the dog an opportunity to investigate on his own.  I can not tell you how many times I carried that bouncer chair into the bathroom or upstairs so that there was not a "moment" for the dog to wonder what to do.  Dogs are dogs and they view and respond through their canine senses and instincts without our direction

All newborns are UNFAMILIAR to any dog in a home.  The newborn time is a getting to know you time for parents, baby and the family dog.

 Dogs learn about the baby through observation over time with full awake adult supervision and direction.  There are many ways to safely include family dogs during this transition.

New parents can control the safety in their home by planning ahead.  Our program Dogs & Storks offers tips and information about ways to prepare before and after baby arrives.   Planning for these "moments" sets you, your baby and family dog up for success.

**** Suggestion:  If you are a new parent or expecting a baby in the near future.  Please sit down and brainstorm all the "moments" you can think of that might cause you to leave the room.  Then discuss with your spouse or partner how you will handle the dog/s and where the baby will be in those precious moments.  You have full control over the safety of your newborn and with planning and preparation you will be successful.