| If you are a dog owner and expecting a new baby, it | | | | gentle and friendly nature, having children of family and |
| is understandable if you have concerns about how the | | | | friends visit can help your dog adjust to different |
| two will get along. Many people have a close bond | | | | sounds and activity around the house. You should, of |
| with their dog, and tend to spend a lot of time with | | | | course, supervise this interaction at all times. |
| them. Babies take up a lot of time and energy, so it is | | | | It is natural that even with the best intentions, you will |
| natural that there will be changes. | | | | have less time to spend with your furry friend once |
| Children and dogs tend to get along just fine, often | | | | the baby is brought home. To avoid jealousy and |
| playing together and seeing the other as their best | | | | stress, slowly change the schedule and stick to it as |
| friend. Babies, of course, are far more vulnerable | | | | much as possible. Regular feeding times, regular times |
| compared to older children. | | | | for walks, some dimished time spent with your dog but |
| It is best to start preparing before your baby is born. | | | | quality time together when you do spend time with him, |
| This can help you spot any problems beforehand, and | | | | as well as a good dose of affection, will avoid |
| will allow you to correct these problems. | | | | problems in the future. Because you are changing |
| Training | | | | these patterns beforehand, the dog won't associate it |
| If your dog still has problems obeying simple | | | | with the baby. This again will help avoid any jealousy. |
| commands such as "sit" and "stay", this needs working | | | | Once Your Baby is Born |
| on. Needs be, see about going to a training class. | | | | Babies bring with them some different smells. Whilst |
| Whilst puppies learn easier than older dogs, a class | | | | the mother is in the hospital you could bring home a |
| can still be of benefit. | | | | blanket or baby-outfit that has the newborn's scent. |
| Some dogs get very excitable and bark frequently. | | | | Allow your dog to sniff it and become familiar with it. |
| Try to address this as well. Babies need their rest and | | | | This will help him recognise your baby. |
| so do parents. It would not be pleasant for anyone if | | | | On the day the newborn is brought home, spend some |
| the newborn keeps waking up because of noise. | | | | positive time with your dog. It is important that the |
| Watch out for other undesirable behaviour, such as | | | | mother gives him affection, because she has just been |
| your dog jumping up a lot. Try to work on any habits | | | | away and brought home a new addition to the "pack". |
| that could cause problems after the baby arrives. Use | | | | Showing him love will make him feel reassured. |
| treats and affection as rewards, so that the dog sees | | | | Introduce your baby and your dog one step at the |
| his adjusted behaviour as something positive. | | | | time. At first, have him on a leash and allow him to |
| The Nursery | | | | watch the baby from a distance. He will probably be |
| Once you have decorated the nursery, teach your | | | | curious, wanting to sniff and examine this little bundle, |
| dog that that space is off bounds. It is best to do this | | | | so make sure to reward him for good behaviour and |
| before the baby arrives, to avoid any jealousy issues. | | | | staying where he is. |
| Practice | | | | Repeat this several times, until you feel comfortable |
| Experts recommend purchasing or borrowing a baby | | | | that your dog is at ease with the situation. Allow him |
| doll, and mimicking parent-baby interaction, such as | | | | closer when you feel the time is right, so that he can |
| cradling, talking and rocking. Observe your dog's | | | | sniff his new friend. Do not let the two alone |
| reaction and ask him to sit still whilst you tend to the | | | | unsupervised for a good while, until you are certain it is |
| "baby". This helps the dog practice good behaviour. It is | | | | safe. |
| recommended that if your dog behaves well, to | | | | The vast majority of dogs love babies and some will |
| reward him with affectionate interaction and a treat, to | | | | even feel slightly parental towards your newborn. If |
| again build that positive association. | | | | you have taken preparations, there should be no |
| If you do not have any other children, the noise-level in | | | | reason for the two not to get along. |
| the house will likely change after the baby arrives. This | | | | And over the years, I am sure that they will become |
| can be a cause of anxiety for your dog. If he is of a | | | | the best of friends. |