If you’re a die-hard dog lover, you’ve got to be prepared for the fact that bringing home a baby will have a huge impact on the relationship you and your pooch share. Certainly, you’ll have less time to spend walking and playing with your furry friend. Your dog will also have to adjust to the idea of watching you spend time caring for your new baby. Unfortunately, if proper introductions aren’t made, your dog could experience a number of different stress symptoms, including wetting and accidents, destructive behavior and a loss of appetite.
The meet and greet
If you’re about to have your first child, you won’t be able to predict how your dog will respond to a newborn baby. Even the sweetest, mellowest dog can turn aggressive when presented with a challenge for your affections. To combat this possibility, do a little pre-baby training with your dog. Ask a fellow dog-loving friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker to bring their children over to your house to meet your dog. Restrain your dog on a leash and allow him or her to sniff the child without coming any closer. If the dog seems comfortable with the child, ask the child to pet your dog gently. Reward your dog with treats for good behavior.
Watch your words
You’re probably used to praising your dog with phrases like, “That’s a good girl,” or “Mommy’s little boy.” However, if your dog hears you using those phrases with your new baby, it may become confused, leading to stress and aggression. Instead, before the baby arrives, come up with a new set of phrases that will be used exclusively with your dog. For example, you might begin praising your dog by name or incorporating the words “doggie” or “pooch” instead of “good girl” and “little boy”. After your delivery, your dog will already be accustomed to these new phrases and will respond more positively to them.
Set a schedule
Dogs respond well to structure and routine, so try to create a schedule for your dog and stick with it – as much as possible – after you bring home your baby. For example, you might plan to feed Fido at 8:00 am every day and take him for a walk immediately afterwards. Sticking with this schedule will help to reduce stress on your dog, cutting down on the number of wetting or marking incidents you may experience. And, of course, try to make the times you do share positive for your dog – shower it with praises and treats for good behavior around your child, and spend a little extra time grooming and playing.
House rules
If you plan to hold your baby on the couch, you may need to train your dog not to jump up on the sofa. This can be difficult if your dog is used to napping on the sofa, but it can be done. First, identify an alternative to the couch – whether it’s a different chair or a new doggie bed. When your dog begins to jump up on the couch, say “no” firmly and gently push it off. Direct your dog to the new bed and give it a treat or other reward for using the alternative location. It will take some practice, but it is possible to train your dog to sleep in a new location.
