INFOGRAPHIC - Kids and Dogs, what you need to know

Know some other useful tips about having both a small child and Dogs in the same home?  Let us know in the comments below or tweet at us: @HotDogCollars.  

Here are those tips in text format for easy copy & paste (just be sure to credit us and the sources above):

1. BEFORE BRINGING BABY HOME - Make sure the dog has basic obedience skills mastered like sit, stay, leave, drop, and get down.

1. BEFORE BRINGING BABY HOME - Introduce your pet to new sounds, activities, and toys. Teach the dog what toys are and are not theirs.

1. BEFORE BRINGING BABY HOME - Change the routine at least a month before baby comes home. Such as feeding, going out, waking up, going to sleep

1. BEFORE BRINGING BABY HOME - Teach the dog any off limits areas such as the baby's room

1. BEFORE BRINGING BABY HOME - practice, practice, practice! If your dog just doesnt seem to be learning the necessary skills, get professional help at a local training facility or shelter that provides obedience training

1. AFTER BRINGING BABY HOME -Make sure the first interaction occurs in a calm, quiet, and safe place. The dog is going to be excited, but make sure it is a positive, curious excitement and not one of defense or aggression

1. AFTER BRINGING BABY HOME -Leash and restrain the dog after the first few moments of interaction.

1. AFTER BRINGING BABY HOME -Maintain positive experiences during the times when the baby and dog interact. Lots of petting/cuddling, shared attention, and rewards after the time spent together. Don't just ignore the dog when the baby is in the room.
   

1. AFTER BRINGING BABY HOME -PRACTICE the obedience commands, tips, and skills that you put into place before the baby came home
   

1. AFTER BRINGING BABY HOME -MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you notice any aggression or misunderstanding on the dogs part of what the baby is (i.e., whats that new squeaky toy crawling around?), get professional help IMMEDIATELY.