There is a lot to get organised when you have a new baby on the way, but at least you know what's going on! Now imagine you are the family dog... everything is going along as normal and then all of a sudden a small, attention seeking human arrives on the scene. This human makes a lot of noise, smells funny and takes up all your owners time.
Use as much time as you have available to get your dog used to the idea of a new arrival. You are about to embark on the most life changing event and minor adjustments to your dogs life now will pay off in the long term.
Your home
When your baby arrives there will be areas of your home where your dog will not be able to go, such as the babies nursery, the bathroom at bath time, the kitchen at meal times. Such areas are easy to control access to with physical barriers such as doors or baby gates. However, if your dog sleeps in your room on a night you may want to think about moving them into another room to sleep or speaking to your midwife about the risks involved if you would like to keep your dog sleeping in your room.
If you gradually reduce your dogs access to areas in your home by shutting doors and moving your dogs beds into allowed areas of the home this will help them to settle when you bring the baby home.
Your routine
When you go on maternity leave, your dog will get used to having you around more and to have you all to themselves, so be aware that this may develop into a dependence meaning that your dog struggles when they are then left afterwards. Instead, get him used to playing games on his own, treat balls and kongs are great for this as are interactive games. This will help him occupy himself in the future when you are busy with the baby.
Try to keep your dog to their normal exercise routine as much as possible, employing a dog walker can help with this should you struggle to find the time or energy. If your dog pulls on the lead employ a qualified dog trainer to help you to teach the dog to walk on the lead without pulling. Purchasing a no pull harness is also useful, I recommend the halti body harness with the front attachment for the lead.
Your space
If your dog is used to being allowed on the sofa, sitting on your knee or sleeping in your bed you may want to think about how this would be impacted should you be sat with a baby. Gradually teach them that they are no longer allowed on the sofa, and instead encourage them to settle in their bed instead. While you are changing this pattern you need to be firm, consistent and kind, ensure everyone in the house is sticking with the new "rules", this will help the dog understand what is wanted from them much quicker.
New sights, sounds and smells
A dogs hearing is much more sensitive than that of a humans so it is important to get them used to the new sounds a baby will make is important. You can buy a sounds CD or download mp 3 files from the internet, both are easily available. Begin by playing the sounds at a low volume while your dog is engaged in other activities such as eating, playing or training. Gradually increase the volume as your dog no longer reacts to the sounds. If your dog appears unsure proceed much more slowly and increase they quality of the distraction you are offering.
New babies smell so different to anything else your dog will have encountered to let them sniff, and be around, all the new equipment you have bought for your dog such as the pushchair, cot, car seat etc. When you have the baby take extra towels and blankets home with you that have your babies scent on them. Give your dog time to investigate them, but do not allow your dog to "rag" or play tug with them. If your dog does begin to become overexcited with the blanket distract him with a tasty treat and ask your dog to sit. If he sits and calms down give him the treat and then allow him to sniff the blanket again. This will teach your dog to be calm around things that smell like the baby and teach him that calm behaviour gets a reward from you. Once your dog is used to this hold the blanket in your arms as if you were holding the baby (this is really important if you have a dog who is used to jumping up and snatching things out of your hands). Discourage any jumping up and snatching from your hands.
Your new arrival
When you take your baby home for the first time your dog will naturally want to investigate the new arrival. Don't rush this encounter, if your dog is unsure, backs away or barks, allow the dog to move away and try again later with plenty of tasty treats.
If your dog is over excited, distract them with a toy and give them plenty of fuss and praise when they turn away. For added security have someone else around to help you as well as having a houseline on your dog so you can remove them if necessary.
Never leave your dog alone with the baby, no matter how well they have reacted to the new arrival. A safety first approach is always the best way to go!
If in doubt consult a professional to help you prepare your dog for a your new arrival!
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