How To Handle Jealous Pug Puppy When The New Baby Arrives

If you've had a Pug puppy for sometime now, then you probably realize just how much he loves being the center of attention. Unfortunately, when a family suddenly gives birth to a new baby, this may create a problem of jealousy with your Pug puppy. Your Pug may display bad behavior such as barking, pawing, as well as destructive tendencies towards household belongings.

To help prepare for this scenario, the following steps will help you avoid potential problems when faced with a jealous puppy and a newborn baby:

1. When you bring home a new baby, you need to have your Pug used to having the baby around, so that he does not mistake it for a toy. You can start preparing ahead of time before your baby is born by going through your daily routine with a toy doll. Take time each day to pretend to change the doll's diaper as if it were a real baby so that you can practice teaching your Pug commands in front of the “baby” such as sit and stay. Also, place the doll lying down as if you were going to give it a nap each day (like you will have your baby do) and allow your Pug to be in the same room, but make sure he obeys you and stays away.

2. Get your Pug puppy used to being around toddlers and children by taking him to a playground or other public area that has children visiting often. Be sure to keep him on a leash, but allow enough room to walk around, at least 6 feet. Kindly let the other children pet your Pug slowly so that he can understand that the kids are friendly. This will help to reduce any tension or aggression your Pug puppy might feel when you bring home the baby.

3. If you are making an attempt to socialize your Pug puppy with small children as suggested in step two above, but he is showing aggression, then you should contact a professional who specializes in dog behavior. Your Pug may need a some specialized dog training techniques to relieve this tension that is caused by young toddlers and children.

4. Several weeks before the baby is due, prepare the baby's room with all of the baby furniture and accessories that will remain in the house, especially the baby's crib. Allow your puppy to be in and out of the room under your supervision and be sure that he sniffs all of the items that you are bringing into the house for the baby. Watch him closely as he sniffs at the crib. Should the puppy try to paw at the crib then be sure to say "NO!" and teach them to back away and respect your command.

Keeping Your Children Safe From Strange Dogs

Children are amazingly loving and carefree but too much friendliness could get them bitten, and in some cases even killed, when coming across a strange dog while playing outdoors. Teaching your children to approach new dogs in a calm, controlled manner can help prevent these problems.

First, children need to ask for permission from their parents and the dog's owner before approaching any dog. If the owner isn't nearby, avoid any contact with the dog.

Second, children should approach the dog slowly, offering their hand palm up for the dog to sniff. Depending in the dog's size and age, children may need to squat down to the dog's level so as to avoid appearing dominant by towering over the dog. Because dogs view a pat on top of the head as a threat, children should scratch under the chin instead.

Finally, children should never try to pick up the dog or stare directly into its eyes because the dog can perceive these actions as threatening. Speaking in a soft, gentle voice can help the dog see the child more favorably as well.

Well Behave Dogs May Still Be A Threat

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is trusting a dog that seems to be well-behaved (showing signs of having been training by sitting or staying put), but although a dog may be well-trained, if it has not been socialized (accustomed to being around children), then the bite risk is still high. This is why you should teach your kids never to hug a strange dog.

Hugs can be dangerous. Some dogs feel hugs intrude on their personal space. During a hug, a child might also accidentally squeeze the dog too tightly around its neck or body, causing the dog harm. For a dog that isn't comfortable around kids, even direct eye contact could be seen as threatening.

What To Do If Your Child Is Bitten

What if – despite your best efforts – a dog does bite your child? The very first thing you should do is wash the bite immediately with soap and water. Make no haste in contacting your child's pediatrician (unless it's only a scratch) and the dog's owner to let them know what happened.

If you don't know who owns the dog, try to find out. Follow the dog home if necessary. This is especially important if the dog is acting like it's unhealthy. Rabies is more prevalent in some areas than others, but it's a reality and needs to be considered.

Once a doctor or other health professional gets involved, they are required by law to notify the local animal-control agency. The dog will probably be quarantined for 10 days. Usually this is done under house arrest. However, some states may require the dog to be kenneled at the animal-control or veterinary facility for observation (in case it starts showing signs of rabies).

pug