Good Dog, Happy Baby

May 1, 2015

Unfortunately, some babies experience aggression and even bites from the family dog because new parents are often unprepared for the dynamics between the surrogate child--the dog--and the new child. To avoid such problems, dog trainer and author (There's a Puppy in the House) Wombacher instructs expectant parents how to prepare their dog for a baby's arrival. His groundwork is a 12-step program using positive reinforcement by establishing sleeping areas and feeding arrangements along with obedience exercises. Behavior problems such as barking, separation anxiety, and jumping are addressed with step-by-step directions on how to resolve them. Detailed training exercises teach dogs to respect critical areas such as the child's room and the space around the baby, and how to walk next to a stroller, all of which create a safe environment both for baby and pet. VERDICT Most dog-training books such as Randy Grim's Don't Dump the Dog only have a general chapter about babies, making this specialized guide a recommended addition where demand is high.--Eva Lautemann, formerly with Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston

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