How To Prepare Your Dog for the Arrival of Your Baby

Expectant parents often worry a bit about how their dog will get along with their new baby. Most times, the adjustment goes pretty smoothly, especially if the parents-to-be take a bit of time to help the dog prepare for the new arrival.

1. Adjust the Schedule: Once the baby is born, life is sure to change. By anticipating some of the changes in advance, expectant parents can begin to adjust their schedules so that the dog gets accustomed to some of the changes before the baby arrives. Gradually scaling back on the time that the dog is played with is wise since spare time will certainly be hard to come by after the birth. It's important that the dog doesn't associate the diminished attention with the baby, and by starting a few months ahead, the pooch will be comfortable with the new schedule before the baby is born.
2. Establish Spatial Boundaries: Most well-trained family dogs are afforded full run of the house, but many new parents prefer that the baby's room be off limits to their dog. In order to avoid constant reprimands after the baby is born, the dog should be trained to stay out of the nursery.
3. Try Obedience Training: While family pets don't have to master advanced training, they should learn to obey a few simple commands, especially "sit," "stay" and "down." Rambunctious pets can pose dangers to babies and small children, so it is important that all family pets learn a bit of self-control.
4. Introduce the Dog to Babies: Dogs who are unfamiliar with babies may find their sounds and movements to be confusing or even disturbing. Additionally, dogs who have had the full attention of their owners may be a bit jealous of the attention that a new baby receives. Practicing in advance with a baby doll can help the dog to understand not to jump up or demand attention while parents are tending to the "baby." Once expectant parents are comfortable with their dog's ability to exhibit some control, they may want to introduce it to the children of friends and family members, always supervising the visits carefully.
5. Visit the Vet: A health check in the weeks preceding the baby's birth can help to assure parents that the dog is free of parasites and is up to date on all vaccinations.
6. Familiarize the Dog with the Baby's Scent: After the baby is born, many new parents choose to allow the dog to sniff a blanket or outfit that has the baby's scent. If this is done while the mother and baby are still in the hospital, the dog will be somewhat familiar with the newborn before they ever meet.
7. Plan an Enthusiastic Reunion: After having been away for several days at the hospital, it is important for the new mother to greet her dog with enthusiasm. Taking a few minutes to play shortly after arriving home (while someone else holds the baby) will help assure the dog that he is valued.
8. Make the Introduction: The dog's first introduction to the baby should be done with care since even the most gentle dog can pounce or nip when overexcited. Ideally, the dog should remain on a leash and be kept several feet from the baby at first, being allowed to come gradually closer if he seems curious, yet calm.
9. Allow Supervised Interaction: The ultimate goal for most parents is that their baby and dog learn to love one another. This is a strong likelihood, especially when the two are encouraged to play together, but parents must keep safety in mind. Dogs should never be left unsupervised around babies and toddlers since the unpredictable nature of small children can sometimes make dogs anxious.

Kids and pets seem to be made for one another and many families cannot imagine not having a dog. As long as parents are careful to train their dog to respect certain boundaries (and teach their children to be gentle with the dog), a friendship between the two will likely develop. Many of us have fond memories of childhood pets and with a little care and effort, your children will, too.