Dogs and Babies: Can They be Safe in the Same Household?

"Six-Week-Old Girl Dies After Mauled By Family Dog," the headlines blared. The LA County Sheriff's Department reported the familiar scenario. A family member had left the baby unattended on a bed for a few minutes and returned to find her head encased in the dog's mouth.

Sounds shocking, but this isn't the first time an infant has fallen prey to the family pet. According to the Center for Disease Control (1997), of the 279 dog bite-related fatalities in the US that occurred between 1979 and 1994, most involved children younger than ten years of age, with infants making up a disproportionately high percentage. The most common bites occurred when infants were left alone with the family pet.

What type of dog would perform such a deed? While many would immediately conclude that it must have been the much-maligned Pit Bull mix or a rogue Rottweiler, not so here. In the case above, it was a Pomeranian-a pocket-sized dog known more for being babied than biting babies. And although due to their size, large dogs are usually to blame for fatalities from dog bites, other little dogs-Dachshunds, Westies, and Cocker Spaniels-have all committed the same crime. Even Labrador and Golden Retrievers are on this ill-fated list. So the word is out-all dogs can bite, and a few will even kill.

Why would a pet attack an infant or child?

But why would a pet attack a family member, especially an innocent child? The whole situation seems senseless, but once you take a moment to think like a dog, the pieces come together. One day life for Jake the Jack Russell Terrier is just ho-hum, and then, suddenly, a surprise. A five-pound squeaky thing moves in, triggering his predatory instincts, the same ones that cause him to kill fluffy toys, squeaky balls, and to chase relentlessly after squirrels.

The mystery object enters hidden in a bundle of cloth. It smells like a mammal and squeals like live food, yet Fido never really learns what it is. It also jerks and gurgles like wounded prey. This secret toy is it's off-limits but always tempting with its presence. The longer it hides from Rover, the higher his frustration and drive. Older toddlers and young kids incite this instinct too. They run around yelling and flinging their arms like the ultimate interactive squeaky toy. Then when the dog gets loose he chases just to play, but when the kids get scared and scream and flail more, Rover's arousal gets out of control sometimes leading to a bite.

How to Prevent Problems

Knowing the causes of infant and child attacks can help us avoid a serious disaster. Dog bites to infants and kids can be prevented and the steps begun before baby comes home.

• The first step is to make sure your dog knows his manners and has self control. Does he come when called, sit when asked, and wait patiently for your next cue, even when he'd rather grab the toy you just tossed or snatch that piece of food that just fell on the floor? If not, put him through the learn to earn program where he learns to say please by sitting for everything he wants. Also make sure he has a good come when called so that you can call him out of danger and that he walks well on leash already since walks will be more complicated when you're pushing a baby stroller. A second reason to work on the say please by sitting exercises is that they provide structured fun-time for Fido which you'll be able to continue once the baby arrives.
• Next make sure Fido has safe place where he can rest and be away from the baby and kids. A crate, exercise pen, babygated area, or his own room are good. It's best if the place can be an area he can choose to go on his own and which the baby will be taught to avoid.
• Train Fido to enjoy all of the bad things that might accidentally happen just in case they do. For instance, train him that when people approach his food bowl good things happened to him, and that it's fun giving people his toys because he gets treats and the toy back. Train him to love being touched and handled all over, including his paws, ears, and tail. Although you'll ultimately spend every day teaching your toddler to stay away from Fido while he's eating or sleeping and to only touch him gently, invariably, the child will make a mistake and that's what we want to train Fido to tolerate now.
• Get Fido used to baby sounds by playing recordings of babies. Ask him to play some games such as targeting or say "please" by sitting, if the sound seems to bug him. Make sure he gets lots of treats. Also, if he reacts strongly to the sounds at regular level, start with the recording at low volume and gradually increase it.
• Then, to prevent cross-species sibling rivalry, do the unthinkable: Start paying less attention to Fido a week before the expected day. Continue his exercise, fun training games and overall say please by sitting exercises throughout the day, but otherwise treat him like a ghost at home. That is, don't lavish extra attention or have long period of petting. We don't want him to associate a big decline in attention with your bringing baby home.
• When the baby does arrive, bring a blanket or something else with the baby's scent if possible, and let Fido get used to the smell. If he ignores it, that's fine, because it shows the smell doesn't bug him. Then when you bring the baby home, let Fido get used to him or her. While holding the baby safely out of his reach, have him sit quietly and reward him with treats for being calm. That means no whining and no straining or jumping up to reach you. The ideal behavior is for Fido to act relaxed, like a baby is not a big deal. In other words, you're training him to perform his sit games and practice self-control while the baby's around.
• As a matter of habit, ignore Fido when the baby is away and reward him for good behavior, such as sitting, when baby is nearby. Soon he'll learn there's nothing to fear when the little infant is near. He'll just know that good things happen to him when baby is around. As a bonus, he'll also know that he should remain calm and controlled around the baby and that the baby does not mean removal of attention for him. Instead the presence of the baby means that he's going to get rewards.
• Lastly, no matter how petite or perfect your dog is, never leave him alone with an infant or small child. In fact things can go terribly wrong even when you're in the same room. It's up to you to recognize the signs and know when Fido needs a rest and your toddler needs more rules. It sounds labor intensive but by failing to take these precautions, one bad day and a lapse in your attention, and tragedy could occur.

I Can’t Get Over What’s Going On With These Babies and Puppies

Babies and puppies go together just like peas and carrots! From snuggling to playing to sleeping, we’ve compiled the 17 sweetest photos for your viewing pleasure.

1. These adorable Frenchie pups absolutely love to snuggle their little baby friend…and it looks like this baby thinks that he’s got a pretty sweet deal!

2. These two definitely know how to make a classic black and white portrait ooze with CUTENESS!

3. While this young lady is being taught how to really work it in front of the camera by her little Golden Retriever puppy…

4. In the winter, there’s no better baby blanket than a pile of soft, warm puppies.

5. And during warmer months pit puppies will play with baby all day!

6. The relationship between puppy and baby is mutually beneficial, as demonstrated by these two happy sleeping partners.

7.Getting into trouble is utterly exhausting!

8. Puppies make excellent crawling coaches!

9.Is it any wonder why doggies are so protective of their tiniest humans?

10.Perfect pals!

China explosion: Cute puppy 'miraculously' saved from Tianjin blast site becomes nation's symbol of hope

The tiny mongrel has been named Shenghua, which means biochemistry, by the rescue teams who found him sniffing among the wreckage 72 hours after the disaster

An adorable puppy found amid the devastation following the hugeTianjin explosion has become an inspiring survival tale for people in China.

The tiny mongrel has been named Shenghua, which means biochemistry, by the rescue teams who found him sniffing among the wreckage - three days after the explosion.

Two enormous chemical fireballs so big they could be seen from space, claimed at least 112 lives in the port city last week.

Chinese soldiers who examined the puppy said the creature was "miraculously unscathed".

And the loyal little dog stays close to the soldiers who saved him and won't leave their side, reports the People's Daily.

Shenghua's heart-warming tale has attracted tens of thousands of likes and comments on social media.

Weibo user Zun Bao said: "It's a miracle that the puppy managed to survive such horrific blast.

"I hope it will find a good home."

Yang Yi Chang added: "We have been reading so many stories of death and loss, especially our young firefighters.

"So I am glad to hear how a tiny puppy has become a story of strength and kindness in China today."

It is not known where the puppy came from or if it had an owner, according to the BBC.

And it's unclear whether the dog survived the blast or wandered into the area after the explosion.

Shenghua is thought to be still with rescue workers at the blast site.

"This is more than just any old animal story - reading it among all the doom and gloom of Tianjin literally lifted my spirits," added another.

Baby sleep basics: Birth to 3 months

Typical sleep patterns for newborns

Newborns sleep a lot – typically up to 16 to 17 hours a day. But most babies don't stay asleep for more than two to four hours at a time, day or night, during the first few weeks of life.

The result? Lots of sleep for your baby and a very irregular – and tiring – schedule for you. Your job is to respond to your newborn's cues, so you'll probably be up several times during the night to change, feed, and comfort him.

Why newborn sleep patterns are unpredictable

Baby sleep cycles are far shorter than those of adults, and babies spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is thought to be necessary for the extraordinary development happening in their brain. REM sleep is lighter than non-REM sleep, and more easily disrupted.

All this unpredictability is a necessary phase for your baby and it doesn't last long – though it may seem like an eternity when you're sleep-deprived.

When your baby will start to sleep longer

At 6 to 8 weeks of age, most babies begin to sleep for shorter periods during the day and longer periods at night, though most continue to wake up to feed during the night. They also have shorter periods of REM sleep, and longer periods of deep, non-REM sleep.

Somewhere between 4 and 6 months, experts say, most babies are capable of sleeping for a stretch of 8 to 12 hours through the night. Some infants sleep for a long stretch at night as early as 6 weeks, but many babies don't reach that milestone until they're 5 or 6 months old and some continue to wake up at night into toddlerhood. You can help your baby get there sooner, if that's your goal, by teaching him good sleep habits from the start.

How to establish good baby sleep habits

Here are some tips to help your baby settle down to sleep:

• Set up a sleep schedule. For the first six to eight weeks, most babies aren't able to stay up much longer than two hours at a time. If you wait longer than that to put your baby down, he may be overtired and have trouble falling asleep.
• Teach your baby the difference between day and night. Some infants are night owls (something you may have gotten a hint of during pregnancy) and will be wide awake just when you want to hit the hay. For the first few days you won't be able to do much about this. But once your baby is about 2 weeks old, you can start teaching him to distinguish night from day.
• Look for signs that your baby's tired. Watch your baby for signs that he's tired. Is he rubbing his eyes, pulling on his ear, or being more fussy than normal? If you spot these or any other signs of sleepiness, try putting him down to sleep. You'll soon develop a sixth sense about your baby's daily rhythms and patterns, and you'll know instinctively when he's ready for a nap.
• Consider a bedtime routine for your baby. It's never too early to start trying to follow a bedtime routine. It can be something as simple as getting your baby changed for bed, singing a lullaby, and giving him a kiss goodnight.
• Put to your baby to bed when he's sleepy but awake. By the time he's 6 to 8 weeks old, you can start giving your baby a chance to fall asleep on his own. How? Put him down when he's sleepy but still awake, suggests Jodi Mindell, associate director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and author of Sleeping Through the Night.

Not everyone agrees with this strategy, however. Some parents choose to rock or nurse their babies to sleep because they believe it's normal and natural, because they enjoy it and their baby is thriving and sleeping well, or simply because nothing else seems to work. These parents expect to get up with their baby several times during the night to help him get back to sleep.

First Steps

On your mark, get set: Go, baby, go! From cruising to toddling to walking, your baby's first steps kick off one fun ride.Once your baby learns how to pull herself up to stand, she'll be excited to learn what else is out there in the big wide world — and that means taking a big step forward. Your baby's first steps might happen within a few days or a few months of when she first learns to stand. But once she does, it's just a hop, skip and a jump (in other words, practice, practice and more practice!) to toddling and walking.

When to expect it: Many children graduate from pulling up to cruising (or walking by holding on to furniture) around month 9 or 10. When cruisers "reach altitude" and make their first attempts at letting go of whatever piece of furniture (or part of Mom or Dad's leg) they're using to stay upright, you could see your child's first toddling steps. Most children don't take their first independent steps until well after their first birthdays (around month 14, on average), although it’s not unusual for them to start as late as 18 months (or in some cases, as early as 7 months).

Some of it may be in her wiring: Your little one may follow in your or her dad’s (early or late) footsteps. Build and temperament play parts, too. A lean, high-energy baby will probably strut her stuff sooner than a mellow Buddha-baby. And some kids are more cautious and only want to take a step when they’re positive they won’t tumble; others are daredevils and will dive right in — literally.One thing’s for sure: Your toddler will eventually learn to walk — but on her timetable, not yours. Sure, there are ways you can lend her a helping hand (and a couple of clapping hands as she racks up her triumphs!), but rather than focusing on the finish line, just embrace all the baby steps along the way — a journey that will make her victory lap seem that much sweeter.

How to help your baby discover it: You've heard of free-range chickens? Think free-range baby. Letting your little one get in lots of on-the-move time is the best way to encourage cruising and first steps. Let your child have plenty of open exploration time outside of the stroller or carrier — and away from the Exersaucer or swing — and let her see where her busy body takes her. A few other ways to encourage those first steps:

Leave a tempting trail. The same tricks that can entice a baby to crawl or pull up can also help motivate a beginning cruiser. Place tantalizing toys nearby but out of immediate reach when she pulls up to stand — say, a few couch cushions to the left — and your baby may try out new ways of getting at her prize.

Activate her cruise control. If your toddler can stand but seems afraid or unsure of what to do next, she needs plenty of practice figuring out how to balance her weight over her feet while she's on the move. Help her by lining up stable furniture to steady herself as she goes (if you haven't already done so, make sure your coffee table, TV stand and any other items your baby might use to maneuver herself are childproofed, with no sharp corners or risks of tipping). You can also encourage independent stepping by walking with her while holding her hands for balance — which means plenty of slow, bent-over walking around the room for you. But the joy on her face when she masters independent motion will more than make up for the occasional backache.

Get her a push toy. A small shopping cart, say, or a pint-sized lawn mower gives your child control as she grips and pushes it in front of her. Plus, it’ll give her the support she needs as she works those legs, refines her balance and boosts her confidence. Look for sturdy toys with a bar or handle she can lean on and big wheels that make it harder for the toy to tip over.

But don’t put her in a walker. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages walkers, and studies show that they can slow motor development and cause back problems. Even worse, walkers can tip over or roll down the stairs, causing injuries.

Limit time in the stationary activity center. While they don’t carry rough-and-tumble risks, activity centers don’t boost walking skills, either, even if your baby can stand up and play in one. Remember, she needs to develop her torso and arm muscles in order to walk — not just the leg muscles — so don’t keep her in there for longer than 30 minutes at a time.

Keep her tootsies bare. No need to invest in a shoe wardrobe for your little stepper: The best shoes for beginning walkers are no shoes at all. Indoors and on safe surfaces outdoors, let your baby walk barefoot (or, if you'd like, in non-slip socks) as much as possible to help build muscle tone in her feet and ankles, to help her arches develop, and to learn balance and coordination. For outdoor excursions, keep the shoes lightweight and flexible. Stay away from tall booties or groovy high-top sneakers — too much ankle support can actually slow down your walker by constricting her movement.

Expect some stops and starts. A child who’s decided to immerse herself in other developmental feats — such as sounding out the family pooch’s name or feasting on finger foods now that she can pick them up with her thumb and pointer finger — may take a break of a few weeks, or even a month, from walking. Or your little crawler may relish zipping around so much that walking may come later. After all, why stop to try something that, to her, seems slower? Other walking toddlers may suddenly go back to crawling after a bad tumble or an illness

There are also a number of idiosyncrasies you’ll notice as your child waddles around — all of them perfectly normal:

• Trips and falls. When your little one first starts walking, she may remind you of a boxer who’s fighting her way through a rough match: She bobs, weaves and sometimes takes a dive. Of course, she’s still refining her walking skills. (Plus she's still farsighted and doesn't yet have the depth perception of an older child or adult. Add in an adorable lack of coordination, and it's no wonder she probably didn’t spot that armchair before she bumped into it.) Make sure your home is childproofed, and watch her carefully at all times — then try not to stress over her inevitable (and numerous) tumbles. Sure, your little one may cry if she falls, but chances are she's more frustrated than injured. Remember, she's got built-in bumpers (that chubby tush and cushy diaper) and a still-flexible skull designed to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. She’ll likely forget her trips and tumbles long before you do.

• Flat feet. Take a good gander at those chubby legs and little flat feet, and you might be amazed that she can get around at all. But even though her feet look flat, that’s just baby fat plumping them up. By age 2 or 3, the extra “fluff” should melt away and you’ll be able to see her natural arches. Her feet may also curve inward, almost like half moons. That’s another infant holdover, which likely started in the womb, and is taking its sweet time to straighten out.
• Pigeon-toed feet. Also common is “toeing-in,” or being slightly pigeon-toed, which comes from “internal tibial torsion” — meaning that the shinbones are turned inward. Luckily, it will usually correct itself within six months of her first step and without any outside help. If it continues longer, your child's doctor can give you stretching exercises to correct it. In another variation, some kids toe-out during their second year, only to pivot into toeing-in when they’re 3 or 4 years old. Even if the toeing-in doesn’t completely correct itself, it’s probably not a big deal unless it gets in the way of her walking and running. (If it does, talk to your doctor; corrective shoes can help.)
• Bowed legs. After spending nine months curled up inside you, she may have slightly bowed legs, too. Bowed legs typically go away by about 18 months (but may also linger until she’s 3 years old). Even before she’s walking, you can help those gams straighten out by holding her while she stands.
• Tiptoe walking. Some toddlers have an insatiable desire to totter around on their tiptoes — which, strangely enough, helps them develop their sense of balance. While in rare cases tiptoeing may indicate too-tight muscles in the heels or feet, it’s almost always a quirk that goes away on its own. To reassure yourself, just check to see that your child can physically flatten her foot. If she can’t, or if she’s still walking on her tiptoes past the age of 3, bring it to the pediatrician’s attention as it sometimes can be a sign of a developmental disorder.

Do talk to your pediatrician promptly if you notice your child repeatedly favoring (or stumbling to) one side, falling excessively, or if her legs seem unduly stiff, as these may possibly point to nerve, joint or spinal problems. Otherwise, just enjoy her jaunty gait (that phone video will come in handy now), and applaud her new adventures.

A little girl with no feet has adopted a very special puppy with no paw

Many children have a special bond with their first pet, but the bond between three-year-old Sapphyre Johnson and 9-week-old puppy Lt. Dan is extra special.

Due to a birth defect, little Sapphyre Johnson was born without all of her toes and fingers. In her short life Sapphyre’s undergone three major surgeries, including a double amputation at the age of one to remove the toes she did have, so that she could be fitted with prosthetic legs.Sapphyre’s mum Ashley told Greenville Online: ‘When I was seven months pregnant, they did an ultra sound and told us she may be missing some fingers and toes,’

She went on: ‘They don’t know what caused it,’

But although Sapphyre has had a rough ride of it so far, things are looking up, as Sapphyre has just been give a very special puppy.You see Lt. Dan (named after the Forest Gump character who loses his leg), was born with a missing paw.

Lt. Dan is just 9 weeks old

Lt. Dan – a gorgeous white German Shepherd puppy – was born to one of dog breeder Karen Riddle’s dogs.When Karen saw he was missing a paw, some fellow breeders suggested she put him down, however Karen knew this wasn’t an option.

Instead she contacted her local Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina – which happens to be where Sapphyre has been treated – and asked if any of the children there would like to care for a puppy who was a little different.And when someone told Sapphyre’s mum about Lt. Dan, they agreed to meet.

To everyone’s delight, Sapphyre and Lt. Dan hit it off immediately.In fact, Ashley Johnson told BuzzFeed news, that as soon as Sapphyre saw Lt. Dan she said, ‘He’s got a foot like mine — he’s like me,’ and then proceeded to take off her prosthetic legs so she could show him they were just the same.

Talking about the new addition to their family, Sapphyre’s father Matthew told Greenville Online: ‘A lot of kids don’t see other children or animals that have issues like they have,’He went on: ‘This was a really nice thing… and a really good thing for Sapphyre.’

And as you can clearly see from the pictures, Sapphyre and Lt. Dan couldn’t be more in love.In fact, Ashley Johnson told BuzzFeed News they’re already best friends.

Adorable Bulldog Puppy Loves Giving This Baby Lots Of Kisses

Dogs are said to be “man’s best friend,” and sometimes that friendship can start at the beginning, when both man and dog are young. It’s great to see that friendship develop between a baby and puppy. After all, they have more in common at that stage than ever!

It pretty much goes without saying that puppies and babies make for a winning combination of cuteness, and this duo is no exception.

Watch as this adorable puppy and just as adorable baby smother each other with love. They certainly are best friends in the making.

Kingston the Bulldog can’t seem to get enough of his little companion. He loves giving his little friend kisses, and the baby seems to be enjoying the slobber just as much. I couldn’t help but laugh along with this sweet pair.

This lucky mom not only captured this cute moment on film, but I get the feeling that most of her days are spent watching her baby and Kingston play. I know I could watch this for hours.

It reminded me of the puppy who cuddled up to take a nap with a newborn. I also love this video of the puppy pulling on the baby’s diaper. I can’t get enough!

Bouncing Puppy Loves Cute Baby