Many couples buy a puppy as a way to prepare for parenthood. They get married, buy (or rent) a home, and start to settle down with a young puppy. He or she is their baby, until the moment that they decide that they want one of their own babies.
No matter how much you don’t think that you will treat your dog any differently when you have your own baby, the truth is that there will be a big shift in the family. Your dog will know that something is changing. It can really be hard on a dog who has had all of your attention for his or her whole life.
Because of this, you must take the time to prepare him before bringing your new baby home. You need to get your dog prepared for all the changes coming his or her way. If you want the transition to go as smoothly as possible, you need to find a way to prepare your dog.
Here are a few tips to prepare your dog for a new baby.
Start right away.
You need to start preparing your dog as soon as possible. Involve him or her as much as you feel comfortable. Don’t keep your dog shut out of the nursery. Instead, allow him or her to sniff around and get comfortable with all the changes. Don’t be afraid to let him or her smell things and investigate as you put things away.
Start some extra training now.
No matter how well-behaved your dog is, you will need to continue training in the weeks and months to come. You won’t want your dog to jump on your lap while you’re holding the baby. For that reason, you will need to come up with a signal to let your dog know that he is allowed to get up beside you (or on your lap). You may also need to work on teaching him or her that sitting beside you is just as nice as being in your lap.
You also need to work on how he or she behaves when you are walking. There is no way that you are going to want to trip over your dog when you are carrying the baby. Your dog needs to learn how to walk calmly beside you, rather than in front of you.
If you want a little help with your dog’s training, check out Dogo’s tailored training programs. After taking a survey, you will receive a customized training plan for you and your dog. They also offer courses for your new dog, no biting, potty training, basic obedience, tricks, and more!
Get help.
As you become more pregnant, you won’t be able to do as much with your dog. Long walks and playing ball might be too much for you. For this reason, you may want to get some help. You may want to consider hiring a pet sitter to come in and take your dog for regular walks. This can continue after the baby is born, so that your dog doesn’t feel neglected.
At this time, you also need to think about what you are going to do with your dog when you are in the hospital. Can a relative take him or her for a few days? Can your pet sitter come in a few extra times a day so that your dog can stay at home, even when you are in the hospital?
You should start preparing your dog for a baby as soon as you find out you are pregnant. It is going to be a change for the whole house, not just you and your spouse. Let your dog in the nursery as you prepare.
You will also want to work on some training. Your dog will have to learn when it is all right to sit in your lap. You also don’t want to trip over your dog when the baby is in your arms. Don’t be afraid to get some help with him or her, even during your pregnancy. A dog walker may be able to give him or her extra attention during the pregnancy, while you are in the hospital, and when you are a new parent, preoccupied with your baby.
***
Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
***
It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.