photo: Freebird_71
Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby! Having a pet already is your first priority in helping your first “baby” adjust to your new one on the way. Helping your pet adjust to this big change is just like helping children understand that a new brother or sister will be joining the family. With any luck, and with proper preparation – your dog and baby will become great companions – with each teaching the other new things.
First, your pet needs training before the baby arrives, as your pets behavior will need to be on top form before the baby comes home from the hospital. I have listed some great ways to help prepare for your addition to the family!
- Begin to decrease attention towards your pet ever so slightly, and start to react slower to his demands, although without completely ignoring them. This will prepare your pet for the lack of attention from the new baby in the house, and how the pace will change when the baby arrives. Even formulating a new bond between someone else and your pet is always helpful to prevent jealousy when the baby arrives.
- Spaying or Neutering your pet tames your animal which makes them less likely to bite.
- Address any pet training and behavioral problems that need work on. This will prevent any problems later on that could potentially harm your baby and will make your life easier as you certainly won’t have time to train the dog when the baby is here!
- Get your pet use to nail trims, the vet can do this for you quite easily.
- Invite your fellow friends who have children and babies to your house to break your dog into getting used to a baby being around.
- Create a barrier from your baby’s room so your animal knows that it is not a place to enter.
- Train your pet on not to jump and to obey commands to sit when needed.
- Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
- Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. This includes carrying around the doll as if it were your new baby. This will prepare your pet for what behavior is to come.
When your baby arrives!
Bringing home a new baby is a wonderful time in your life. In breaking in your pet’s obedience have your loved one bring home a piece of cloth or clothing from the hospital before you arrive to let them get used to the new baby’s scent.
When you first arrive to greet your pet make sure to separate him into another room where you can give him a warm and loving greeting to let him know he has your attention. Following this greeting you can bring your pet into the room with the infant and give him a treat when he shows appropriate behavior. You want your pet to associate the baby as a positive experience! Just remember to continue your daily routines and spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day to keep him relaxed. With proper care your two babies should live safely and happily as one family!
Kate works for Pet365 as a pet writer and pet lover! Pet365 are the perfect place for pet accessories and pet info!
June 12, 2012 at 5:00 am
Great article – and cute photo!! When I was pregnant with my first child, Sara I used a book called Tell Your Dog You’re Pregnant: An essential guide for dog owners who are expecting a baby. It was really helpful and came with a CD of sounds. Charlie (my fur child!) took some time to get used to the sounds but the book helped on how to do it. Maybe that will help someone else!
June 12, 2012 at 6:26 am
Thanks or sharing that Tamara. I’ll add the book/CD to the post today for anyone who is researching this topic. I really appreciate this!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
June 19, 2012 at 3:28 am
No worries Kimberly – if it helps someone else I am happy. It was one of the best baby shower presents I got!
November 13, 2012 at 11:48 am
Excellent read.
My girlfriend and I are thinking of trying for a baby early next year and are already worried about our Welsh Terrier as he’s a nightmare around small children when we are out!
Cheers
November 15, 2012 at 7:47 am
Thanks for stopping by, David
Our dogs have different reactions to children. Sydney doesn’t understand them and shies away. Rodrigo loves everyone. Blue needs to get a few barks in before approaching. I really would love to know what he’s saying.
Best of luck toyou!!!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom