Know how your dog reacts to babies and
children before bringing your new baby home. Has he (or
she) had a lot of exposure to newborns? How often does
your dog interact with younger children? Observe your
dog with neighborhood children or with visitors. Invite
someone with a new baby so that your dog can be introduced
to the smells and sounds.
During the months before your new baby’s
arrival, record baby sounds and cries and play them periodically
so that your dog can get used to the sudden eruptions.
Set up the room, crib, diaper changing
table, and toys during the weeks before introducing your
new child to your ‘older child.’
If your dogs are used to full attention,
keep in mind that with a new child in the house, you’ll
be concentrating a lot less on your pets. You don’t
want them to grow jealous or feel left out, so start weaning
off early. Take them on fewer walks, and ignore when you
walk through the door, and routinely throughout the day.
Don’t overdo it, make sure they still know they’re
a beloved member of your “pack”!
You might even take your dog on walks
with the baby stroller randomly before the baby comes.
Cuddle teddy bears or dolls and give
them attention when your dog is nearby. Give your dog
praise also while your cuddling the doll in your arms.
You don’t want your dogs to associate anything negative
with your new child, so keep things comfortable!
Once your child is born, allow your dog
to smell a dirty piece of the baby’s clothing or
blanket before bringing the newcomer home.
Once you’re settled at home with
the baby, gently introduce the dog to its new friend.
NEVER leave your baby unattended with
a dog. No dog is completely safe with a small child! Make
sure your child has a safely guarded playpen or crib if
you need to leave the room.
Keep diaper containers tightly closed,
or take them out to the outdoor garbage can. The natural,
maternal canine behavior is to clean up after the pup
has soiled itself. So you’ll need to be careful
not to let your dog get a hold of diapers!
