Beagles and a new baby

Few dogs have any problems settling into their new routine, as long as you make sure they’re still getting enough exercise and you set aside some time each day for ‘dog time’. 

Once the child starts moving around, things can become more fraught and it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that you should never leave a small child alone with a dog, however friendly the dog may have been to a non-mobile child.

It’s important that a toddler is prevented from chasing the dog because the dog may be forced to warn the child off by growling or snapping if his exit routes are blocked. Young children are unable to read dogs’ moods and back off themselves, so total supervision is essential. 

Children can also be bitten by falling on sleeping dogs, poking fingers in the dog’s eyes and ears or by shouting or blowing in dogs’ faces. The best way to prevent accidents is to keep everyone separated by using a child gate.

Children learn by copying those around them. Be careful about how you interact with the dog. If you shoo him away from the table by slapping his face and shouting then this is what your child will do if the dog sniffs his toys. 

Maybe your hound won’t react if you do this – but if your child does the same can you be absolutely sure that the dog won’t challenge him?

Children and dogs learn best when they’re rewarded for the right behaviour so give treats and praise for the dog for behaving gently with the child and the same for the child behaving gently with the dog. 

Intervene and separate them calmly if one or the other starts to get silly or over-excited.