I wrote this article in 1994, when basset rescue and also rescue in other breeds was an especially sensitive issue, and most often was just incredible numbers of dog placements. Placement often is what an owner chooses, and sometimes it is truly necessary, but it often occurs when the owners haven’t made the effort to train the dog or re-organize strategies in housing the dog. Sometimes former owners want an easy way out of the dog, i.e., no guilt, someone else will place find my dog a nice home, either in the form of the animal shelter or a private individual.

Popular reasons to give away dogs are such things as the family is moving, a new person in the house doesn’t like dog, someone has a sudden onset of allergies, the dog chews, barks, and digs, or there is no time for the dog with a new baby. Often, the owner has become tired of his dog and doesn’t want to make the special effort that it takes to train the dog or reorganize a household change to include the dog.

The dog rescue or placement problem will always exist. But public education is a key strategy in lessening this problem for one or many of the reasons to give up a dog. This week’s article - And Baby Makes Four

Rivalry can develop when the dog you have had for some while comes together with the new baby. Without preparation by the dog’s owner, frustration can develop, and both the baby and the dog might be in danger of injury, early, or later on.

The following are a few tips that can be used to allay the dog’s anxieties, when he is about to give up his role as "the" baby. This may also allay owner anxiety.

Let the dog sniff items the baby will be using so the dog’s scent will be on the items. This is sanitary, because dogs can pick up scents after the item has been washed for the baby’s use.

Handle a doll or stuffed animal (that does not belong to the dog) like a baby and introduce your dog to it using the word "baby". Have the dog sit or lie down whenever he is near this baby. Do not allow jumping up.

Start training your dog well before the baby comes home. The dog needs to learn the basic sit, heel, stay in a down position at the very least. Training your dog initially, and continuing with it after the baby comes home for a few minutes every couple of days, assures your dog he is still special to you.

Get the dog accustomed to the baby’s cry. Let him investigate, but with all 4 feet on the floor.

When the baby comes home, have whoever is the dogs most significant person enter first without the baby and greet the dog. Introduce the dog to the baby’s blanket, then the baby from a distance, again all 4 feet on the floor should be reinforced and praised.

Don’t let the baby totally interfere with the dog’s feeding times and playtimes. Everyone has the time to pat a dog, talk to a dog while doing other things, and play for a few minutes (even if it is just in the kitchen with a dog cookie, while the baby’s bottle is warming, etc.).

Yes it is possible to walk a dog and take the baby out in a snugglie or stroller at the same time. But the dog understandably has to be properly trained or don’t do it until it is. Two dogs, no problem - do ¼ of your walk and come back with one dog, then repeat with the other. You, baby, and dog will get fresh air, and dog and you will get exercise and be fit and happy.

Do not get a dog, especially a puppy for the baby, because the baby is too young to learn about it and you will be too busy to attend to the needs of both. For the dog that has been there all along, teach the toddler that the dog needs quiet when sleeping and eating. The child should pat the dog gently and use a calm voice. You must watch and be there all the time. When your child and dog are not having a gentle moment, quietly separate the two for a while.

Introduce your dog to friend’s and relatives toddlers away from his territory, then on his property, and finally in the house.

I know I just preached to not get a puppy when your baby is too young. But if you have a young pup or older dog already, you can achieve happiness and success when the baby comes. You have to want to, and you have to work harder at everything for yourself, your baby and your dog. And remember the training of the dog. It really works.

In all these situations you must schedule time for yourself too. We all need and deserve this. It helps us deal with the frustrations that are inevitable on some days. But you will get through those.