These are legitimate concerns. What you need to know is the best way to introduce the new baby to the old baby, the family dog. Here are some tips. Preparing the dog for the arrival of the baby should be done months in advance. You should make sure the dog knows basic obedience commands, like sit, stay and down, and to come when called. If the dog does not

know these commands, obedience school is in order. Make sure all the commands are associated with good things-treats work well.

Once the dog has mastered these commands, use them while doing things you will be doing when the baby comes. Wrap up a doll like a baby and rock it, feed it and walk around with it. During these practices, periodically reward the dog. Babies make strange sounds, so help the dog get accustomed to the noises by playing recordings.

Ideally, if you know of someone with a baby, have them bring the baby over so the dog can get used to having one around. This will naturally take more than one time.

While you are in the hospital, make sure the dog's routine is kept as normal as possible. To avoid stress, keep the dog's same feeding and walking schedule.

Prior to bringing the baby home, have someone bring home something that has the baby's smell on it, like a blanket or clothing, so the dog can become familiar with the baby's odor. Let the dog smell the item as much as it wants.

Upon returning home, greet the dog without the baby. Let the dog get used to the sounds and smells associated with the baby, and after the dog has calmed down and the baby is quiet, make the introductions. Have someone be there to control the dog and someone else to hold the baby. Put the dog on a leash in the sit/stay position, if necessary.

Gradually bring the dog and baby closer together. Repeat this introduction several times, each time bringing the dog and baby closer together until you feel comfortable enough to let the dog get close enough to sniff the baby.

Allow the dog the freedom of the house as before while you are with the baby. Use a screen door or gate to prevent the dog from entering the baby'sroom without you. Be sure to devote the same amount of attention to the dog as before. If you go for a walk with the baby, take the dog. If you can't handle them both, have someone go with you.

There are no set guidelines as to when a dog will get used to a baby. Everything depends on the dog's history of aggressive behavior. It could take a couple of days or it could take weeks. If, after several weeks, there has been no sign of aggressive behavior, it is unlikely that anything will happen. All experts agree that you should never leave a dog unattended with a baby under any circumstances. The sudden movement of a baby could startle the dog, causing it to bite the baby, or the dog could sit on the baby and suffocate it.

Most dogs will adjust to a new baby without incident. Observe the dog's behavior for any signs of aggression and take precautions. That way, you

can avoid problems and accidents.