Re: [pyrnet] RE: pyrnet-l-digest.20010522-2

[clhenke@juno.com]

Melissa, getting a Pyr. ready for kids, is pretty much like  preparing
other breeds.  There are some wonderful books out on this subject. 
Exposing gently, carefully, and slowly, your Pyr. to other kids over
time, is helpful.  Main thing to remember ( and often the thing that
starts the problem ) is don't make your Pyr. need to be jealous.  Don't
suddenly ignore the dog in favor of the child.  Do some obedience
exercises with the dog ahead of time, but in an inclusive way.  Down
stays, for instance.  When you are setting up a nursery.  He learns that
you want him to be there and help, but not be in the way.  Don't shoo the
dog out, or away from the baby.  Do everything to include him, make him
know that this is a new family member that will need him.  All
corrections should be neutral in the sense of not making the dog feel out
of the loop.  Let him smell the baby, don't panic if he licks and checks
out what will be his pack.  Think of all things that will include him in
the pack life, give him the attention he still deserves, let him know he
is still loved and how much you appreciate his help.  Most of all, think
positive, for all the talk of injury to children remember that the vast
majority of dogs love their little humans and would die in defense of
them.  This positive, and go into it with a good attitude, prepare ahead
of time, thinks of ways that training will be useful after the child is
born.  Maybe picking up something that dropped ( this is a Pyr. we are
talking about...this may be hypothetical :-)  ), just include the dog,
and always be careful.  It is a dog after all, sometimes you need to stop
and think of things from their point of view! :-).  Just a few ideas and
suggestions.  Cindy

Cindy Henke
clhenke@juno.com
Ennis, Texas

"All knowledge, the totality of all questions and answers, is contained
in the dog."  ~ Franz Kafka

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