Bringing home a new baby is a very exciting time in your household. However, what seems like a wonderful blessing to you can look very different from your pet's perspective.
- Because dogs are especially sensitive to new smells, it is very important to introduce your pet to your baby's unique scent before you bring your baby home from the hospital. By bringing an item of clothing or a blanket that has touched your baby into your home, your pet will associate the smell to home and recognize the scent as one that is a friendly scent, not one of a stranger.
- There are two schools of thought on keeping the dog and the baby separated. One thought is to establish a dog-free zone, like the nursery, and train your dogs not to enter that zone. The second philosophy would allow the dog access to the baby's room, since that is where you will be much of the time. How you handle this is something you need to decide based on your tolerance and your dog's personality. Naturally, you should never leave the dog and the baby alone together.
- Generally, you will have adequate time to adjust your pet prior to the baby's arrival. Preparations might include:
- Refreshing the dog's obedience training and commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Lay Down, are all orders that will be invaluable when you are tired and your dog is in the way;
- Gradually spending less time with your dog so he learn self-sufficiency;
- Training nibbling dogs to nibble on the right things (not people, for example);
- Getting your pup used to regular, frequent nail trimming.
- Gradually spending less time with your dog so he learn self-sufficiency;
- There are two schools of thought on keeping the dog and the baby separated. One thought is to establish a dog-free zone, like the nursery, and train your dogs not to enter that zone. The second philosophy would allow the dog access to the baby's room, since that is where you will be much of the time. How you handle this is something you need to decide based on your tolerance and your dog's personality. Naturally, you should never leave the dog and the baby alone together.
Bringing someone new into the household is going to be a challenge for all of you. Your pet needs to know that you still love him or her and that this new little human is just another member of the family pack.
