Just like you and I, your dog has a daily routine, sense of familiarity and comfort within the home, and even possibly a sense of ownership, especially over areas that are traditionally his alone. So while big changes are coming for you, it’s important to remember that they’re also coming for your dog.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prepare your dog to accept and welcome your new baby home.
First
onsider neutering or spaying your pet. The Humane Society says that pets that are spayed and neutered are calmer and less likely to bite.
Second
You may also want to enroll your do in obedience classes. Obedience classes can help teach you how to better manage your dog’s behavior and help your dog to be reminded that you are the boss.
Third
You may want to expose your dog to babies before bringing yours home. Babies make lots of different sounds and movements than your dog may be used to. Getting your dog accustomed to these new sounds may help breed familiarity. Some parents even record and play back sounds of babies crying so that their dogs become used to the new sounds.
Fourth
Start enforcing new rules now. If you plan of having the baby’s room off limits, put up a gate at the door long before your baby comes home so that he gets used to not having access.
Fifth
Before you come home with your baby, it’s a good idea to have someone bring home something with your new baby’s scent, perhaps a baby hat or blanket, for example. This will give your dog an opportunity to be introduced to the scent and become familiar with it.
Are you a dog owner who recently brought a new baby home? How did you transition? Share your tips below.
