Some of you may have seen this story from Kentucky:
A newborn baby remained in critical condition after the family dog took him from his crib and dumped him in the woods. Michael Smith of Nicholasville, father of the boy, told Lexington Herald-Leader his son, Alexander James, disappeared Monday afternoon. After calling 911, he saw the dog in the yard with the baby. " She was carrying A.J. like a stuffed animal, very gentle, king of like a loaf of bread," Smith said. The dog ran into the woods. Smith followed his son's crying and found him on the ground about 150 yards into the trees. Smith said A.J. was born three weeks before his due date and he had not completed child-proofing the house. The baby and his mother had returned home from the hospital Sunday. By Monday Afternoon, A.J. was in intensive care at the University of Kentucky Hospital.
Avoid Tragedy by Preparing the Family Dog for Baby's Arrival:
The arrival of a new baby into the family can create unanticipated problems for dog owners. The story of the Kentucky newborn snatched from his crib illustrated that even a beloved family pet can be a serious, if unintentional, threat.
Those dangers can be avoided with a little advance planning, according to Kristi Rush, a professional dog trainer with Best Friends Pet Care. " It's important to include the family dog in preparations for the new arrival," says Kristi. " Otherwise, he or she may become anxious about his or her role in the family and act up. Even simple curiosity about a strange new creature in the home can make him or her a potential danger."
She recommends the following:
1) Introduce the sound, sights and smells of a new baby well in advance of the due date. Play a recording of a baby crying and the musical toy you plan to use in the crib. Use a doll to roll play how you will hold and care for your baby. Apply baby powder and baby lotion to your hands and to the doll so the he or she gets used to the smell.
2) Refresh your dog's training skills well before the baby arrives. A well-trained dog who obeys your commands is one of the best safeguards for your new baby. Enroll in a basic training or a refresher course and be sure to practice with his or her. Be sure your dog knows the "down" command and that you use it whenever baby enters the room.
3) Gradually decrease the time you spend with your pet. You'll have less time for him or her once baby comes and a gradual shift will make the transition easier. If you have a high-energy dog who needs lots of exercise, enroll him or her in a doggy day camp program a few days a week.
4) Supervise every interaction. No matter how well-trained, a dog's reaction to a baby is unpredictable. Never leave them alone together. Know where your dog is at all times and don't give him or her freedom to roam. Closely watch his or her reaction to baby; if you see any sign of stress or aggression, seek help from a professional trainer.
Kristi has been a professional dog trainer for 23 years. She offers private training and group classes at the Best Friends Pet Care in Castleton. For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/ or call 317-841-8182.
13 years ago
