Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Before the excitement about the new baby turns into anxiety about how the new baby will be received by your dog (to this point, he has been your baby!), relax. You have nine months to prepare your dog for the new arrival. As long as you establish boundaries, and make training a priority, introducing your dog to your new baby will be a wonderful experience for both dog and baby alike.
Well before your due date, tend to your dog’s medical needs; the last thing you need is a vet visit when you are running baby back and forth to the doctor. Make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations, and consider spaying or neutering an unfixed animal. Fixed animals are calmer and less likely to bite. If your dog has never had formal training, and does not obey commands well, enroll the dog in obedience training. The training will allow you to easily control your pet, and reinforces your position as pack leader. Even if your dog is well-mannered, practice verbal commands like off, sit, and down, while you are sitting on the couch or lying in bed. Establishing dominance from a ‘lower’ position will teach your dog to listen at all times, and may save you from waking baby to get him to obey!
If, to this point, your dog has had free reign throughout the house, it is time to establish boundaries. Invest in a crate, and have the dog spend some time in it. The crate will be the dog’s own safe place, so provide a fun toy or dog bone during crate time. Let the dog be alone, and get him used to having less attention. What can be most upsetting for your dog is going from having all of your attention, to having no attention when baby arrives. By gradually decreasing the amount of attention your dog receives, your pet will have time to adjust, and will not negatively associate the new baby with no attention. You should also establish the baby’s nursery as off-limits to your dog. Allow him to see what happens in the room with the baby, but only allow the dog to enter and investigate upon your command.
Once the basic training and boundaries are set, it is time to prepare your pet for the noises, smells, and changes in activity that the baby will bring. Play a recording of a crying baby. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, and get the dog used to activities like diaper changing and baths. Put the doll in a stroller, and try taking the doll and your dog for a walk together. Praise your dog when he responds well to the new activities. Also, be sure to arrange ahead of time for pet care while you are at the hospital.
Before you actually bring the baby home, have your husband or partner take the baby’s blanket home for the dog to smell. The blanket should be held for the dog to sniff, but he should not be allowed to play with it, as the blanket is yours and should be respected. Lavish your dog with praise when he calmly sits near the blanket. Upon return from the hospital, your dog will be eager to greet you. Have someone else hold the baby so that you can calmly say hello to your dog. If your dog is excited, use a leash for control during the first few dog/baby meetings. When introducing your dog to your new baby for the first time, put the baby in your lap, and let the dog smell from a distance. Take the introduction slowly; if the dog does not want to be near the baby, do not force him to be. Use extra special treats for good behavior. If the dog barks or acts out, immediately put him in his crate, and walk away. He will eventually learn that good behavior means attention and treats!
Introducing your dog to your new baby can be a worrisome task. Most dog owners want the dog to accept the baby, and the baby to accept the dog, so that they can all live in one happy, safe household! When the proper time is taken, and proper training done, the special meeting of dog and baby can be the start of a great, long term friendship.