Getting ready for the baby is important. Here’s how to prepare your dog for the new arrival…..
The following written content by Teoti Anderson
Getting Ready for Baby
You’re expecting a baby! Congratulations, that’s wonderful news! Call your dog trainer. Right now. Ok, you can call your family and friends first. But then, call your dog trainer. Too many expectant parents wait until the baby has almost arrived only to find out that Fido may not be the best four-legged brother or sister. Once the baby arrives you won’t have time to start from scratch. So, start the clock now on preparing your dog for a new family member. (If you’re about to become a grandparent this advice applies to you, too.)
Building Blocks
Start by assessing what you have. Yes, you have a wonderful dog. He’s been your loyal companion. If he’s perfect, no need to read further. But is he? Look at him through a new parent’s eyes. That 50-pound bundle of love jumping all over you when you get home may make you feel warm and fuzzy, but how will that go over when you’re carrying a newborn? Sure, it’s a little annoying when Fido snatches food off the table or out of your hands, but how will that work with a toddler in a highchair?
Does your dog listen to you? If you told him to leave something alone, would he do it right away? If you take the baby for a stroll with your dog by your side, will he drag you both down the street?
If this now has you worried, your dog may need a review of basic manners. Some helpful basics are to come when called, leave tempting things alone, walk nicely on a leash, hold a “Sit” or “Down Stay,” and not jump up on you or others.
“Set up the baby stuff now and use it so your dog isn’t overwhelmed/overstimulated by the baby gadgets once they’re actually in use.”
The important thing is to start now, well before your baby arrives. This isn’t just for your convenience, it’s also for your dog’s peace of mind. For example, right now you may not care if your four-legged buddy jumps up on the couch with no warning. For years even, this may have been ok. But what if your baby is on the couch? Your dog leaping on top of Junior may not be ok, and you may get angry and yell at him. This won’t be fair. For years, it’s been ok for him to just jump on the couch whenever he wants, and now the rules have changed. This can be stressful for your dog. By teaching him your new rules well ahead of baby’s arrival, you’re doing him a service and preparing him for the changes to come.
Helping your dog accept your baby takes effort. This will be a new adventure for all of you, so work together to ensure a smooth transition. Help your dog understand the new little person in his life is a wonderful addition, and you’ll set the framework for the unbeatable “best friend” combo of dog + kid. Read more from Modern Dog.
