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TWENTY
TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR A NEW BABY
By Sandra and Harry Choron ~ excerpted from their book Planet Dog: A Doglopedia
Below are several suggestions made by HSUS that will help to make introducing your pet and baby safer and smoother for all. Be sure to carry out these changes months before the baby's arrival to best prepare your pet.
1- Take your dog to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and necessary vaccinations.
2- Spay or neuter your pet. Not only do sterilized pets typically have fewer health problems associated with their reproductive systems, but they are also calmer and less likely to bite.
3- Consult with a veterinarian and pediatrician if the thought of your newborn interacting with your dog makes you uncomfortable. By working with these experts before your baby is born, you can resolve problems early and put your mind at ease.
4- Address any training and behavior problems. If Daisy exhibits fear and anxiety, now is the time to get help from an animal behavior specialist.
5- If your pet's behavior includes gentle nibbling or pouncing at you and others, redirect that behavior to appropriate objects.
6- Get your dog used to nail trims.
7- Train Aiko to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite her onto your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.
8- Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog, and practice training techniques. Training allows you to safely and humanely control your dog's behavior and enhances the bond between you and your pet.
9- Encourage friends with infant to your home to accustom your dog to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.
10- Accustom your dog to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or play time.
11- To discourage Quinn from jumping on the baby's crib and changing table, apply double stick tape to the furniture.
12- If the baby's room will be off-limits to your dog, install a sturdy barrier such as removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your pet to see and hear what's happening in the room, she'll feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.
13- Use a baby doll to help your dog get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.
14- Talk to your dog about the baby, using the baby's name if you've selected one.
15- Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
16- Plan ahead to make sure your dog gets proper care while you're at the birthing center.
17- Before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby's scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate.
18- When you return from the hospital, peanut may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give him a warm but calm welcome. This is a good time for some doggie treats.
19- After the initial greeting, you can bring your dog with you to sit next to the baby; reward her with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want her to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your dog to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.
20- Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your dog adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day - it may help relax you, too. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your dog should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.
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Below stories are reprinted from Reader's comments page of
Babycenter.com:
My husband and I
always playfully wrestled before our first pregnancy. One day my
husband bent over me to wrestle and our female golden retriever,
who is super friendly, latched on to my husband's arm and growled
at him as if to say, "Get off her!". We were both very
shocked at her behavior. We found out the next day we were expecting!
She continued to be very protective the entire pregnancy by guarding
the bedroom door when I slept so nobody could get in at night. Lori
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| My dog is a VERY spoiled mini-poodle. He has always slept in my bed, however, since i became pregnant, he has insisted on sleeping with his head on my stomach! When the baby started to kick, Bear would push back! It is like their own little game! During the day, Bear also wants to be near me at all times. When I sit down, he has to be touching me in some way! I definitely feel that he knows. Stacy |
| I've should have known something was up when my Lab/Rott mix was following me all over the house to the bathroom to my bedroom everywhere and he was even a little whimpery. He just stares at me and sits at my feet. He was the same way with my other 2 pregnancies. He's such a good dog. |
| Our 2 year old Beagle mix, began acting different around the same time I found out I was pregnant. He is more protective now and refuses to leave me when I am at home alone. He doesn't jump as much and he is careful when we go for a walk. I am waiting for the day he puts his head on my belly for a pet and gets a kick by the baby. Holly |
| It's so true. This is my first pregnancy. I think my dog knew before we did. Instead of sleeping at the foot of the bed, like before, she sleeps right next to my belly. Danielle |
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Sandra Choron is a writer, editor, literary agent, book packager,
and designer. She and her husband, Harry Choron, a graphic
designer, are the authors of College in a Can, and The Book of Lists for
Teen among other works. Their new book Planet Dog is
the first-ever-doglopedia featuring everything that matters to dog lovers
- tips, trivia, facts, fun, and more.
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