How to Prepare a Family Pet for the Arrival of a Newborn

Keep your baby safe around the family dog.

It can be difficult for a family dog to play second fiddle once a baby enters the picture. Your dog will not understand why all of your attention is being taken by the tiny, crying new person who has invaded the home. It is important that you do what you can to prepare your dog for the arrival of your new baby to avoid any jealousy, or even aggression.

Instructions

1. Invest in dog training. If your dog is not already trained, invest in dog obedience classes. If your dog is not trained, behaviors that were not a problem in a baby-free home may become problematic once your little one is born. These behaviors can include jumping and excessive barking. Since you will not be able to predict or control your newborn's behavior, it is important that your dog is under control.

2. Familiarize your dog with babies. If you have friends or relatives with babies, invite them to your home. Carefully supervise your dog when she is around infants and children.

3. Get your dog accustomed to sleeping alone. If your dog currently sleeps in your bed and you plan to change this once the baby arrives, begin getting your dog used to the idea now. Get your dog a comfortable dog bed for the corner of the room where you want her to sleep.

4. Take your dog to the vet. Make sure that all of her shots are up to date and the she is flea and tick free. Have her checked for worms and only use medications that are safe to use when you are pregnant or are safe around your new baby.

5. Train your dog to stay out of the baby's room. Train your dog not to go under the baby's crib. This could pose a safety risk for the baby.

6. Get your partner to bring home a blanket or some clothing that smells like your baby while you are still in the hospital. This familiarizes your dog with the baby's scent before you even come home.

7. Have your partner hold the baby when you get home so that you can greet your dog safely. Carefully allow your dog to sniff the baby. Swaddle the baby and protect her head and face with your arm.

8. Get your dog involved. Pet your dog while you are holding the baby. Take the dog for walks with you and the baby.

Tips & Warnings

• When you come home from the hospital and the baby is sleeping in her crib, give you dog a favorite treat and spend a little time with him.

• Do not be overprotective of your baby around your dog. This will make your dog insecure and jealous.

• Do not allow your cat or dog to lick your baby's face.

• No matter how well behaved your dog is, never leave your dog unsupervised with a baby or toddler.

• Put your dog's food and bed in a baby free area. A crawling baby invading your dog's space may provoke an aggressive reaction.

• Keep your dog's food out of your baby's reach. She could easily choke on the small, round pieces.

• Be aware that a cat is just as capable of hurting an infant as a dog. If you have a cat, the above steps will help.

• Cats love to snuggle against warm bodies and can easily jump into cribs. Keep your cat out of your baby's room.

Resources

• Dog Training Classes at Petsmart