Having a baby is an exciting and stressful time. The preparations start months in advance and include many alterations to your house and your routine. All of these changes can be quite confusing to the family dog. Often times, the baby arrives and the pet’s world is turned upside down. Their reaction to this stress can include everything from being possessive over the new baby to lashing out at you or your precious little one. The good news is that there are many ways that you can help prepare your pet for the addition to come. Following these tips can help to ensure that your pet is more at ease when the baby comes, and will lessen the chances that you will ever have to consider finding the pet a new home.
Several months before the due date make sure that your dog is up to date on all vaccines and is current on flea and heartworm medications. Complete any necessary procedures during this time.
Discuss with other members of the household how things will change once the baby comes. Will someone else be responsible for feeding or walking the dog? Will you be moving the dog’s sleeping location, food bowls, toys or other items? If any of these things will change, gradually start now. By the time the baby arrives, the dog will be accustomed to the new routine.
Stock up on any necessary pet supplies now. The last thing you want is to realize you’re out of dog food when the baby finally falls asleep! Get plenty now so you don’t have to worry about it later. Please keep in mind that switching a dog’s food can cause additional stress and intestinal issues. Keep the food the same, or switch long before the baby comes.
As you bring new baby supplies into the house, allow the dog to sniff and explore them. It is not appropriate for your pet to be investigating the new and “foreign” objects in their home when your baby is in them.
Decide if the dog will be allowed into the nursery. If not, you may decide to put up a baby gate in the doorway or train the dog to stay out of the room. Remember, either way he should be allowed a chance to investigate the room first.
Purchase a c.d. of baby noises and play it regularly for the pet. Crying, whining and screaming can be very disturbing to dogs the first time they hear it, especially if you seem panicked about it. Allowing them to hear these sounds before the baby’s arrival will help the dog (and you) get used to the added noise that will soon fill your household.
Purchase a small doll or wrap a blanket up and act like you are holding a baby several times throughout the day. Monitor how the dog reacts to this situation. Does he still try to jump on your lap? Start redirecting his behavior now. Every time he jumps, firmly say “no” and give him a dog toy to play with instead. The dog needs to understand that it is not play or cuddle time when you are holding the baby. This will also help your pet adjust to the decreased amount of attention that he may receive. If this experiment goes poorly, it is a very good time to enroll in a professional training class.
Speaking of training…make sure that you keep up with your pet’s regular behaviors such as sit, come, stay and lay down. These behaviors will be needed often as visitors come and go to see the new addition to the family. Keep in mind that positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog and ensure the retention of his behaviors. Praise him for all the good things he does and make sure that he knows he is part of the family…but not the only part!
Prior to leaving the hospital, bring home a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like your newborn. The dog should be able to smell this before meeting the little one.
When you do come home, mom should enter the house without the baby in arms. Typically mom has been away from the house the longest and your faithful companion will want to greet you with hugs and licks and will appreciate being allowed to do so.
With solid training, attention to detail regarding routines and an early introduction to the sights, sounds and smells of the new baby, the stress of bringing baby home should be kept to a minimum. Be patient and reach out for advice from a professional if needed. Thousands of families enjoy the company of their pet as they bring children into the world. You can be one of them too!
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