Page 25 - FWG Issue 1 February 2025

Animals Matter

Routines
As parents settle into a new daily routine,
the dog will be making use of the safe
space area which was created for him
before the baby was born. Stuff a Kong
with chicken livers or canned dog food
and freeze it overnight. When you need
to attend to the baby, give the dog his
Kong to ensure the brief separation is
a pleasant experience. If the dog does
something you don’t like or is mouthing a
baby toy, don’t yell or snatch it or punish
him. You could encourage resource
guarding by mistake. Rather teach a “drop
it” or the “leave” command. Praise the dog
if he picks up his toys.

Body language
Your baby will now be crawling on the floor
and at eye level with the dog. (In a space
previously reserved for the pet). Babies
can grab ears, pull tails, and encroach
on the animal’s space. This can be an
extremely stressful time for your pet. It is
our responsibility as pet owners to guide
the process.

How to help your dog
• The dog’s safe space is his alone. No baby
is allowed to go in it.
• Give the treats or Kong there so the baby
cannot access the dog.
• The dog must not hang around the baby
when the baby is eating but can observe
from a distance.
• Stop your baby from directly approaching
the dog. Rather call the dog to you and
the baby. If the dog doesn’t want to then
respect his decision.
• The baby must not approach the dog
when sleeping or resting.
• Set your pet up for success.
• Don’t let your toddler hurt the dog.
• Older animals may have hearing, sight or
pain issues and may startle easily when a
baby grabs them.

Overall, with patience, understanding and
kindness, we can help our companion
animals get through the baby to toddler
stages.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a certified animal behaviourist. She holds a diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of Applied
Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour &
Training Charter 2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition,
she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 23 • February 2025