How To Introduce Dog to a New Baby

With the New Year comes the arrival of new babies. Are you one of the lucky few celebrating the birth of a new baby or girl? Perhaps you just found out the good news that you are expecting.

If you are playing the role of expectant mom or dad and pet owner, then its important to prepare your entire household, including your dog for baby's arrival. Here are some safety tips to ease your mind and make the baby's homecoming easy for everyone, including Fido.

1. Obedience Training 101. Consider a enrolling your dog in obedience classes prior to the baby's arrival. It is important that your dog understand basic commands like sit, down, come & stay. Also, if your dog has a bad habits of jumping up this should also be dealt with.

2. Clean bill of health. It important that you bring your new born child into a clean & healthy environment. Make sure your dog gets his preventive annual vet checkup before the baby arrives home from the hospital. Routine vet checkups will ensure your dog is free of parasites & other health problems that may pose a risk to you, Fido & your child's.

3. Let your dog explore your baby's toy box & nursery. Under your supervision let your dog get use to the sights, smells and sounds of a baby in advance. Allow your dog to sniff baby blankets and hear the sounds of rattles and other baby toys.

4. Let your dog sniff your baby's binky. Before bringing your baby home from the hospital, send home a blanket or gown that the baby has been wrapped in. This will get your dog used to the baby's scent.

5. Welcome home mom! Let dad carry the baby inside at your homecoming, so your hands are free to happily greet your overexcited dog. To avoid a jealous pup make sure you give your dog some attention upon arrival.

8. PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE! It important that your dog associates positive praise & encouragement with being around the baby. Your dog will be on his or her best behavior when he realizes that praises & treats comes with being around baby.

9. Cry Baby! Train your dog not to bark every time the baby cries. Reassure your dog that crying is a normal part of being a baby. Use positive reinforcement in the form of encouraging words, treats, or hug as a reward for good behavior.

10. Make time for bonding. Although life may get busy & overwhelming with a new baby in the home it is still important to spend time with Fido. A quick game of fetch or cuddle time with your dog while the baby is napping will help to keep the peace in the home & keep a jealous pup at bay. You can also take your dog for a daily walk with baby in sling or stroller.

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Lola the eco dog Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for 2010

Lola our spokesdog and eco pup has began feverishly writing down her top 10 New Years Resolutions for 2010. We humans know that keeping New Year's Resolution is always a yearly struggle and the same goes for our pets.

With so many failed resolutions she figured that perhaps some accountability in 2010 was in order and wanted to share them with you. Here are what she deems as some funny and hopefully realistic resolutions. Let us know what you think!

1. I want more play dates in the upcoming year.
2. I will take time out of busy day of chasing squirrels and barking at the neighborhood cat to stop & smell behinds.
3. I will start a Tree Fan Club and rally the support of squirrel community.
4. I will not bark when I hear a door bell on a tv.
5. I will not to bark at the beautiful pup in the mirror and finally realize that it is my reflection.
6. I will not leave drooling puddles on floor when parents are eating at the dinner table.
7. I will not steal the toilet paper to re-decorate the house.
8. I will resist urge to mark my territory at every hydrant or tree.
9. I will politely leave the room before breaking wind so mom does not point the finger at dad.
10. I won't sprawl out on the bed and take up mom side of bed so as not to demote her to the edge of the bed or floor.

"It's time to make New Years Resolutions! If your pet could speak, what would their resolution be?" Be funny, witty & creative! Share & comment below.

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your furry family member & travel buddy. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

New Year's resolutions for pet owners

We all love ringing in the New Year because it marks new beginnings, reflections and fresh starts. With the most famous New Years Resolutions being getting in shape, shedding those Holiday indulgent pounds and kicking bad habits.

But when you sit down with pen & paper to write down your New Years Resolutions don't forget your pets health & well being. So, to help get Fido & Felix's 2010 off on the right paw here are must have pet New Year's Resolutions. These New Year Resolutions are sure to keep your pet healthy and happy all year round.

New Year's Resolutions for pets - provided by Pet Vet Dr. Sandi Norman (wthr.com)

1. I will give my pet dedicated time in 2010.

Pets really just want your time more than anything-they are socialized to your family-pack or pride-so making sure there is time each day for your pet is one of the best resolution you can make and usually pretty easy to keep!

2. I will have my pet spayed or neutered.

A happy healthy pet has a longer life and is a much better family member when it is spayed or neutered. It is an economical, one-time expense that lasts a lifetime and helps with the millions of animals we euthanize yearly in this country

3. I will provide my pet health care appropriate for his age and condition.

Get the needed testing or screening done so pets can get early treatment and you can develop good base data on your pet's health and a good relationship with your veterinarian.

4. I will give heartworm & flea prevention control on a regular basis.

Fleas are a year round problem, even in our cold climate. They live in the house and also outside in warmer climates. Year round flea prevention keeps the population from bugging your pet!

**Lola the eco dog recommends the all natural, effective & preventive route free of toxins & harsh chemicals.

5. I will start my pet on a proper diet for his age/medical condition.

One of the great developments in animal nutrition is that we have great foods for different stages of life and medical conditions that can minimize your visits to the vet and help control problems associated with that medical condition. The new year is a good opportunity to get started on that path by finding a diet that works for your pet and sticking with it.

6. I will learn to groom my pet for good health.

The new year is a great opportunity to learn how to groom your pet. Many of these minor grooming procedures can be done at home where it is less stressful to the pet.

7. I will exercise and play with my pet more.

Our pets are part of our family so carve out a small amount of time with them each day or a dedicated time each week. They become much better pets when you include them in your life.

8. I will enroll in a basic training class.

This is especially true for new puppy owners. If you have a pet with a behavior problem, ask your veterinarian and seek out special help from experts to work toward solution. It will take time and patience, but you will be rewarded with less stress and a happier family member.

9. I will socialize my pet to other pets and people.

Enroll in a dog park or take your brand new puppy to socialization classes so that they become used to other animals and people.

10. I will donate time/effort/resources to a local animal welfare group.

Both your time and your money are needed at the local shelters and humane groups in your city. You may be surprised what your talents can do for these organizations that need your help.

11. I will certify my pet as a therapy animal.

Do you have a pet that is especially social, patient and people-oriented? Then he might be a good therapy animal. We have discovered that pets increase life span, help speed recovery by patients young and old and are a great moral booster to people in various psychiatric and medical treatment programs. Contact your local humane group and they can direct you to a good resource.

Lola barks "It's time to make New Years Resolutions! If your pet could speak, what would their resolution be?" Be funny, witty & creative! Share & comment below.

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your furry family member & travel buddy. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !