Most couples tend to forget that having a new baby in the house can put a lot of stress not only on themselves, but on those around them as well--including the furry buddies who share their homes. Your pooch can be just as confused and puzzled as any new parent. Imagine these thoughts flitting through his head: “What is this thing? It’s small, and it keeps crying, pooping, and eating all day. And why is this tiny creature trying to steal my humans away from me?”

Failing to carefully and slowly integrate a new member of the family--and, in your dog’s eyes, a new member of the pack--may spell trouble. It might even put the baby in danger. This is why helping your dog adjust to this change in the family’s dynamics even before the baby arrives is a must in order to maintain a harmonious relationship between your family and your beloved dog. After all, you won't want to have to give your dog away because he doesn't get along with your baby if you can help it, right? And, very often, it's just a matter of making the introductions properly.

Here are some tips to help you introduce your newborn to your dog:


(Photo by Paul via Flickr Creative Commons)