Your dog and a new baby on the way
There are a large percentage of households in this country that own at least one
dog. These households also consider their dog to be a member of the
family. So, what happens when your family starts to grow…in
the form of a new baby?? You may now find yourself full of concerns
– will Fido accept the new child? Will he be jealous? Protective?
Or will he accept your new young one as part of his family easily?
You can make the transition of a new baby in the house much easier
with a bit of preparation. Start early!! It will benefit your whole
family, Fido included!
Start by figuring out what your new schedule may entail and try
to get Fido used to it. This may mean walks at a different time
(or with someone new) or a new feeding schedule. If you crate trained
your dog and then put the crate away, this is a great time to get
it back out!
You also may want to practice walking your dog on a leash. And
then practice doing this with an empty stroller…it will be
much easier to do this now, then when your new baby is with you.
And Fido will be used to walking safely around the stroller. This
is important, as bigger dogs may try to pull you down the street,
and smaller dogs may get caught up under/in front of/behind the
stroller at first. In addition to mom doing this, have everyone
in the family give it a try – including Dad and Grandma!
Let Fido share in getting the baby’s room ready. The more
he can smell all of the new furniture and equipment, the more relaxed
and comfortable he will be. You may also want to place a gate in
front of the door to this room at times, so your pup can also become
accustomed to staying out of this room (which you will appreciate
at nap time and changing time!) while still being able to see all
of the action inside those four walls.
You will want to be sure that your dog knows basic obedience commands
at minimum – sit, stay, down, off and come to name a few.
In addition, be sure your four-legged friend is up to date on all
of his vaccinations.
Ok, so the time has come and you are off to the hospital/birthing
center to welcome your new family member. You will want to introduce
the baby’s scent to Fido before bringing baby home. You can
do this by having Dad bring a bit of clothing or a blanket that
baby has worn home with him. Let Fido smell Dad and all of the hospital
smells first, then let Fido smell your baby’s article of clothing.
You may want to say “Good Dog” as he gently sniffs and
gets used to this new smell. When it’s time for Mom to be
welcomed home, let her greet the dog on her own without baby. Once
Fido has said hello to his mom, and the general level of excitement
has quieted, hold baby down so Fido can see and sniff. You may want
to keep Fido on a leash at this time and keep one parent with baby,
one with dog. (And depending on your dog’s level of excitement,
this process may be best over a few days.) Remember, though, to
stay relaxed and calm, as our dogs generally take their cues from
us on how to act.
The sound of a baby crying is unpleasant to us – as well
as to dogs. Especially to a dog that has never heard that sound
before. If you are sitting with your pup and your newborn starts
to cry, try letting Fido come with you to investigate. As you go
to check on baby, speak to Fido in a lighthearted, quite tone of
voice. The more upset you appear, the more upset your dog will become.
Finally, NEVER leave your baby and your dog alone together. No
matter how well trained Fido is. (This is where that crate will
come in handy!)
Include your dog in your daily activities. Give your dog love and
attention. Let your dog share time with the whole family –
baby included. The sooner your dog knows that baby is here to stay,
and is at the same time still part of the family himself, the better
adjusted you will all be. Ideally, Fido will accept baby as part
of his family, too.
Be sure to check with both your doctor and your vet if you have
any questions or concerns. And your local library or bookstore will
have lots of helpful books on this subject. And congratulations!
|
