How to Introduce a Dog to a Newborn

This article will teach you how to introduce your furry friend to your newborn

Things You'll Need

• Patience and determination

Instructions

Introducing your dog to your newborn

1. For a lot of pet lovers, our pets are the love of our lives, our little babies! Bringing home a newborn can be exciting and unexpected for our furry little friend(s). There are several things that we can do to make this transition one of ease. Remember, practice makes perfect with dogs AND people. First be sure that your dog is up-to-date on ALL vaccinations the second you learn you are expecting and especially before baby is brought home. Dogs get use to others by recognizing their scent along with many other aspects. Give your pooch some practice before bringing the newborn home. Start by buying a stuffed animal or baby-doll and carry it around a few months before the baby is to be born. Talk to the doll or bear, kiss it, and rock it so that your dog knows that what you are holding is something that means a lot to you and is a part of the family. Treat the "fake baby" as a real one so that your dog isn't confused. Don't allow the dog to play with it nor should you lie it on the counter top or on the floor, for example.

2. If you have family or friends with newborns, have them to come over for dinner informing them that you want Fido to get accustomed to the new arrival that will soon come. Doing this, will enable your dog to get familiar to the noises, smell, and activities of the baby. If there are small children in your family, get your dog used to them as well. Allow your pet to see and socialize with them as often as possible. Have the children (only if you have had the dog a while and is well behaved) to touch and pull his/her ears and tail as children will do. Be especially sure to reward your dog for positive behavior after such socialization. Rewarding is also key. This too will help with the training process- the more practice and socialization, the better.

3. Your environment will evolve around both you and your dog. If you have the newborn's room ready-GREAT! If you don't, get it finished ASAP. Get your dog use to going into baby's room along with all of the furniture, equipment, and accessories that is within it. Practice and train your pup to "lie down" and “sit" while in the newborn's room. Be sure to teach him/her "off” or "down" when and if climbing on the baby's things. Reinforce and reward positive calm behavior with your dog's favorite treats. From time to time take your doll/stuffed animal and change its diaper. Get your dog use to the new change in YOUR routine. Try to keep your pet's routine as close to normal as possible.

4. All dogs are used to routine, While in the hospital or home with a mid-wife, be sure to have someone with your dog who they know and love to care for them. Be sure that this person will be calm and patient while you are away. Have that person to feed, walk and play with them around the same times you normally would. You want to keep your dog's stress level as low as possible. To maintain this, you have to make sure the dog's schedule is as normal as possible. After the newborn is born, have a friend or family member to bring home a blanket or clothing that the baby has worn so that your dog gets familiar with the newborns scent. This will also relieve anxiety and stress your dog may be feeling with you being away.

5. Alright! You have trained and trained and the BIG day is finally here. Baby is coming home. Yay!! Remember why you did all of the training and reinforcement the months prior. Keep reinforcing what you taught your dog and continue to reward for great behavior. A new baby will definitely take up a lot of your time. Remember you need and MUST give your dog the same amount of attention. If not you will have a dog that will "act out" because "mommy isn't paying attention to me anymore". A dog is in need of attention whether is positive or not. The last thing you want to worry about with a newborn is to clean and discipline a lonely dog. It is just as important to get the newborn use to the dog as well. After a few days let your dog sniff the baby and let the baby touch the dog. After all they are siblings now! Lastly, enjoy your newborn and your baby's new best pal!