Try and minimise the amount of
excitement and fuss there is when the baby arrives home.
For many of us, our dogs have been the centre of our universe since we got them, so when a new baby is expected, it is important to handle things correctly so that our canine friend doesn’t suffer jealousy or feelings of being pushed aside.
Bringing a new baby home should be as exciting a time for your dog as it is for the proud new parents.
Preparing your dog for a new baby should start as soon as possible – not just in the couple of weeks before the baby is due. Remember of course, that different dogs will react differently to the new arrival.
Firstly, you should address any behavioural or training issues that your dog may have. You want him to have excellent basic training – sit, stay, down, leave, etc. This is essential for the health and safety of your new baby. If necessary, take your dog to training classes to brush up on the basics or contact a reputable behaviourist if you think this is required. You also want your dog to have good social etiquette and to settle when you want him to. This is especially important in a large or boisterous dog where it might be a danger to the baby.
If there are going to be changes in the ground rules for your dog, then gradually start introducing them now. For example, if he is not to be allowed in certain parts of the house (certainly not the baby’s room), or is to be no longer allowed on the sofa, etc., you should begin this re-training well in advance. If you’re going to be installing baby gates, then get them up early so that he gets used to them. If there are going to be less lead/off lead walks and more garden time, then you should also start preparing your dog for this. You don’t want him associating changes in his routine with the arrival of the baby.
There are going to be lots of new smells and sounds associated with the arrival of a baby – many of which are going to be very unfamiliar to your dog, so introduce him to the likes of prams, cots, baby chairs, etc. Also let him smell baby things, like lotions and powders and equipment so that he is used to them. Try to show him the difference between his toys and baby toys!
If you have a friend or relative with a baby, try to spend some time with them so that your dog gets used to a baby in a controlled environment. If possible, begin teaching him to walk to heel at the side of the pram. Another idea may also be to try and get a recording of baby noises which you can play to your dog, so that he is used to the sounds that a baby makes. Normally, dogs will show some interest in the sounds of a baby, but shouldn’t show agitation. If your dog reacts badly to the sounds of a baby, doing this early will give you plenty opportunity to seek advice from your vet or a behaviourist on the best way forward.
After the baby is born, but while still in hospital, it would be a good idea to send home a couple of items with the baby’s smell on them (even if it’s just a couple of squares of muslin).
On bringing baby home, it is suggested that Dad carries the baby in so that Mum can greet the dog with her full attention – after all, she’s been away for a few days and will have been missed.
Try and minimise the amount of
excitement and fuss there is when the baby arrives home.
Once you’re in and everyone has settled down, let the dog investigate the baby and have a brief sniff.
Make sure you’ve got lots of treats to hand so that you can reward your dog for correct behaviour round the baby. This way, he will associate nice things with the baby.
Use positive training techniques and never reprimand the dog around the baby. You don’t want him associating the baby with a telling off!
Don’t put the baby on the floor with the dog and never leave them unattended. No matter how trustworthy, well-trained and friendly your dog is, there may become a time when he gets frustrated with baby’s cries and react instinctively instead of rationally.
When baby cries, reassure your dog that this is perfectly normal.
Try to spend one to one time with your dog when the baby is sleeping or when you’re out for a walk – much easier if baby is in a carrier or sling.
As a final tip, it is well worth teaching your dog to be quiet on command – especially if he tends to bark when someone comes to the door. He can still do his guarding the house job, but you can quieten him quickly if the baby is sleeping.
