Things You'll Need:
- patience
- plenty of dog toys
- dog bed
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Step 1
Play Rough! Before you know it, your baby will be reaching for things and inevitably pulling on them. This will include your dog! The best way to prepare your dog to handle this, is by desensitizing him to this sort of behavior. Begin by GENTLY pulling your dogs ears, tail and fur. Just little tugs are sufficient. While doing this, shower him with praise. Tell him what a "good boy" he is. Offer him a few treats for his good behavior. This will teach him to not react to the baby when these things inevitably happen.
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Step 2
Ignore Him! Your dog is used to being the only "child" in the house. He is probably used to being the center of attention as well. Your dog needs to learn that he gets your attention on YOUR terms, not his. A great way to encourage your dog to be independent, is by providing him with plenty of chew toys and a nice cozy bed to play, and also relax on. This will help your dog to not resent the baby that will be receiving the majority of your attention.
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Step 3
Dad's in charge! As your pregnancy progresses, and especially in the weeks following baby's arrival, you will not physically be able to handle the dog duties. Establish a routine of dad doing the dog duty. Dad should feed the dog in the morning before work, and later when he returns from work. Your dog should be taken for walks with dad. Even if mom is present for these activities, your dog should not rely on her to do them. This will help your dog to not resent mom for taking care of herself and the new baby.
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Step 4
Introduce baby smells! Dogs are very sensitive to new smells. It will minimize the stress on your dog if you prepare him for all these new smells now. Use some baby lotion on yourself before you pet your dog. Sprinkle a few of his toys with a little bit of baby powder. Once the baby arrives, place a receiving blanket in the hospital bassinet. Then, dad should bring this home to your dog before baby's homecoming. This will help your dog to get used to the smell of your new baby. All this will help minimize your dogs incessant sniffing, which will inevitably wake the baby!
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Step 5
Baby's Homecoming! When the baby was born, your dog had to spend a few days away from mom, and he missed her! So, mom should be the first one to greet your dog. Let dad bring the baby in and get her settled. Your dog will be so busy showering mom with wet kisses, that he won't even notice the new baby at first. Once mom and dog have been reunited, it is time to introduce your dog to your new baby. Hold your new baby in your lap, let your dog sniff your new baby. Remember to give your dog plenty of praise for being such a good big brother!
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Step 6
Quality Time! Now your dog is fully prepared to welcome your new baby! Your work is not over yet though! It is very important to make sure your dog still gets plenty of love and quality attention from his people. It is hard work being a good dog all the time! Reward him with lots of new toys, long walks in the park, and plenty of quality time when the baby is sleeping. Remind your dog that you still love him too! Taking the time to make sure your dog is not only prepared, but still knows how much he is loved will prevent him from acting out due to jealousy. Before you know it your dog and your baby will be best friends!
Comments
starlet67 said
on 5/27/2009 Great advice for families with dogs!5*
ljbinkop said
on 5/26/2009 I hope all dog ownerea this if they are expecting! It is really important to prepare ALL family members for a new baby! 5*!
athome said
on 5/22/2009 These are wonderful tips on introducing a dog to a new baby. I love the photos. Never forget about your first baby, the dog. 5*
atrain7 said
on 5/20/2009 I really enjoyed reading this! Dogs are often forgotten with all the excitement of a new baby. Your article gives great advice on how to prepare your dog for a new baby.
irussell said
on 5/20/2009 Very good advice on how to prepare a dog for a new baby. You are right it is only fair to give the dog time to adjust,he/she had all of the attention before the new baby.