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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 19, 2007 - 19 Ensure positive beginnings for pets and new baby I ntegrating a new baby into a household requires planning, particularly in a home with pets. Positive beginnings require taking precautionary steps well before the baby comes home. Parents are understandably concerned for their new baby. Pets can unknowingly pose a threat to the safety of any child. If a pet is not familiarized with the baby before it arrives home, it is common that the pet may demonstrate changed behaviour. Destructiveness, urine marking, fear of the baby and occasionally aggression could occur. Surrendering the pet to the Humane Society may be perceived as the only viable solution, but with a little effort this need not be the case. Ideally by the time a baby comes home from the hospital, animals in the household will already be in a routine that will ease the complexity of this transition. Any changes to the pet's routine should begin before baby's arrival, to avoid your animal linking change to baby. If you are getting a puppy or a kitten, but plan on having children in the future, use your time with your pet to introduce children through positive experiences. A puppy or kitten that grows up learning that children will not roughly hug or handle them, nor step on them, will learn not to fear children. Training also offers ways to learn appropriate behaviour before baby arrives. If your pet has access to furniture, train the pet not to jump up unless a command is given. This will avoid accidental jumps on baby. Treats are a great motivator when training most animals. Identify whether your pet demonstrates any questionable behaviour that may pose an increased threat in a household with a growing baby. For example, if your pet doesn't like to be handled, is possessive of food and toys, jumps up, mouths or bites, a trainer can help work through Acclimate the pet to some of the baby's possessions. Bring your baby's blanket home from the hospital to allow your pet the chance to become familiar with the baby's scent. When the baby does come home, provide a calm quiet introduction in a controlled environment. Pair encounters with food and positive attention for the pet. Never leave a pet alone with a baby or child of any age for the safety of both. Bringing home baby should be a happy experience for all members of the family. Prepare in advance and your pet will adjust to the transition in a positive way. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society PET OF THE WEEK: Dobie is an active cat who loves to play. He is quite the character. For more information on Dobie or other animals available for adoption visit www.oakvillehumane.ca. these issues long before baby arrives. Assessing your pet's needs for exercise and social interaction will allow you the opportunity to resolve how these needs will continue to be met in a household with a baby. During the first months after baby's arrival, this may require support from outside help to provide dog walks or spend extra time with your pet. Familiarity with baby sounds and items will also help. Record a tape of a baby crying and play it for the pet. Raymond & Simon's paramount concern is to ensure your financial and emotional comfort through: · Saving taxes by taking advantage of the tax laws. · Providing tax free cash in the event of a critical illness. · Positioning your retirement for guaranteed income. RAYMOND E. JACKSON CSA Senior Financial Advisor Insurance Agent We can help you to nurture and protect your lifestyle as you achieve your health, family and financial goals. SIMON J. JACKSON CSA Financial Advisor Insurance Agent Call us today for a review of your investment, tax and estate plan to ensure you minimize taxes. Remember that outliving your income is not an option. 710 Dorval Drive Suite 505 SECURITIES INC. INSURANCE SERVICES INC. (905)849-4700 www.oakvillebeaver.com SOLD SOLD SOLD Just Moved? SOLD Bride-To-Be? New Baby? Call 1 866 283 7584 today! www.welcomewagon.ca 11/06 FM 2047