Are you expecting a bundle of joy but worried about how your other “baby” is going to handle the new addition? It’s fair to be concerned, as dogs and babies don’t always coexist peacefully. Fortunately, there are some ways that can help make the introduction of safer and easier on everyone.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait until the day before baby arrives to start training your dog. If there are behavior issues you are concerned about, get out there and start working on them today. Call in a professional dog trainer if necessary, or check out programs like the ones offered by Family Paws.
Familiarize Your Dog with Babies
If your dog has never seen a stroller or heard an infant’s cry, you’ll want to make those introductions before baby arrives. If you have friends or relatives with babies, make a date to spend some time with them. Some dogs can be tentative around unfamiliar objects, so allow him to sniff and experience the nuances of items such as strollers, baby wipes and noise-making toys.
Train Your Dog to ‘Wait’ on the Stairs
This little trick will prevent the possibility of tripping over your dog while you are carrying the baby up and down the stairs. Also, if you use a flexible leash, get rid of it now and start using a standard six-foot leash. This will give you more control, and more safety, both on walks and in the home.
Make Sure Your Dog Has His Own Bed
You may not want your dog on the bed or sofa with the baby, especially if you are nursing. Get a super comfortable dog bed and start introducing him to it as an alternative.
Remember to spend some time on the floor with your dog, as you want to avoid any potential of him becoming too possessive over his new special spot. Another idea is to give him a dog bed for each highly-used area of the house so he always has somewhere to “go lie down” that’s near his people.
Prepare for Visitors
If your dog has a habit of jumping up or being timid around visitors, address this immediately. Put some treats outside your door and ask pre-baby visitors to offer him a treat if he displays good manners – aim for “four on the floor” and only give attention to him when he has all four paws in contact with the ground.
If your dog isn’t already crate trained, get started on that right away. A crate will give him a place to retreat when things get overwhelming, and it will help you to know that your dog is safe when people are going in and out the front door. You don’t want to add “searching for your lost dog” to your to-do list as a new parent.
Get a Dog Walker
Things can get pretty hectic with a newborn, and it’s in your dog’s best interest to have some fun while you are busy with baby. Additionally, make it a priority to spend quality time with your dog, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
Although dogs are known and revered for their resilience in new situations, remember that your dog has likely been your “baby” for a long time. Do what you can to make sure that your dog doesn’t resent his new housemate, while maintaining the rules and consistency already established.