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We've all seen it online and in the papers. Headlines saying "Dog for Sale" or "Cat- free to good home", and all because there is a new baby or a baby on the way.
However, it doesn't need to be this way. Pets and babies can live harmoniously and Charles Sturt University lecturer Dr Sarah Pollard-Williams is proof it can work, if done correctly.
Dr Pollard-Williams is a veterinary practice lecturer who worked in the industry for many years before starting at the university.
Her two children, who are now teenagers, grew up with dogs and cats in the household with no issues.
"The key is to ensure your pet is comfortable in your home and you have ground rules established before the baby arrives," she said.
This might mean you need to alter where your pet has access within the house or change feeding and walking times for your dog.
This should be done before the baby arrives to get the dog used to the new routine before a new member of the family is introduced.
It's also important that your pet has an "escape route" from crying babies as dogs hearing is far better than ours.
- Dr Sarah Pollard-Williams, CSU Veterinary Practice Lecturer
"Once baby arrives, a gentle, non-threatening introduction is needed," she said.
"Repeat as frequently as you like. It's also important that your pet has an "escape route" from crying babies as dogs hearing is far better than ours."
Watching for tension between dog and baby is vitally important.
"Toddlers and smaller children need to be taught to give pets space around feeding and other routines - young kids are inclined to approach dogs at eye level, which dogs find quite threatening (direct eye contact can be a strong aggressive signal to dogs) and often at feeding time," Dr Pollard-Williams said.
"All the cutesy internet pictures of kids and dogs can be alarming as many of these dogs are showing signs of tension and people just do not realise."
Experienced dog trainer Taiya Mckenzie said attending training sessions will assist the family in better understanding their pets behaviour.
"These sessions will allow the family to better read the signs dogs display when feeling uncomfortable, threatened and fearful, help prevent harm to children and dogs of any age and address behavioural issues," she said.