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Brad Pattison's Dog Tips  

Dog vs. baby doesn't have to be tricky

When introducing a new baby into the family, it is important to allow your dog to see the preparation of the newborn's arrival.

Allow the dog to explore, sniff and see the changes happening. It is critical to not allow the dog on any furniture, as this could possibly create a territorial issue with the dog and challenge anyone in the home. With all the new commotion around the house, it is important to make sure the dogs needs are still being met – socialization with other dogs, mental and physical exercise.

When bringing the baby home, many dogs will want to sniff and explore the new addition to the home and family.

Balance is critical so dogs do not feel left out. Making time for the baby, the dog and both at once will be needed. For instance, when walking past your dog laying down or standing in the family room, take a moment to pat the dog and simply say ‘hi’ to the dog. This is not required all the time but I encourage people to do this so the dog is still getting some of the attention it used to get before the baby came.

Husbands need to pull up their socks and participate equally. Many women are left to take care of the baby, dog and do everything else. Having husband take the stroller and dog out for a walk is critical so the dog does not become jealous.

When it comes to toys have 3 toys for the dog and interrupt the dog from picking up and chewing the baby toys. Not all dogs will like children. Understand that this is not something that is always in the dogs’ ability to change.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

All about Brad Pattison:

Educating Others

  • Created & opened the first Doggy Day Care in 1991 in Vancouver, BC
  • Opened up Hustle Up™ Training School in spring 2008 (certifies people to become Certified Trainer Educator’s or 6Legs to Fitness™ instructors)

  • Currently 90 Certified Trainer Educator’s across Canada, 1 in United States, 15 6Legs to Fitness™ instructors in Canada and 5 in South Africa.

Television

  •  Host of hit TV show “At The End of My Leash". Currently airing in 50+ countries with a total of 6 seasons, 78 episodes.
  •  Host and Producer of ‘Puppy SOS’, which premiered on Slice Network April 6th, 2011.
  •  Guest appearances on Canadian Television shows – 3 Takes, X-Weighted, The Mom Show and Simon & Chris

  • In 2008, at the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Awards, “At The End of My Leash” won 4 out of 5 nominations including Best Series and Best Host.
  • ‘At The End of My Leash’ was also nominated at the 2008 Gemini Awards

  • In 2010, at the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Awards, “At The End of My Leash” won Best Lifestyle Serie

Charity

  • Honorary Chair for Canadian Cancer Society’s ‘Bark For Life’ in 2010 and 2011, held in Toronto, ON.

  • Affiliation with the Painted Dog Conservation project in Zimbabwe to help raise awareness of the declining Painted Dog population. The Painted Dog leash and collar line, designed by Brad Pattison– donates $3 from each item purchased to the Painted Dog Conservation. www.painteddog.org

 

Rescue Missions

  • Created Pattison K9 Rescue team with first mission down to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Helped rescue over 200 dogs.
  • Partnered up with CANDi International for a dog rescue projects in Cancun, July 2009 and Puerto Rico in November 2009. www.candiinternational.org
  • Aid in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010.
  • Brought an eight-person team down to Cancun in February 2011 to help Spay and Neuter program alongside the Cancun Animal Rescue organization.

Books

  • Author of 3 books: Synergy in Training between Man & Dog, Doggy Business (kids book for Dog Babysitting) and bestseller, Brad Pattison Unleashed (published through Random House Canada).
  • New Puppy book to be released May 2012 through Random House Canada.

www.bradpattison.com

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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