People are often concerned about how a dog will respond to the arrival of a baby to the household. Below are some tips on what to do to make the transition easier for all concerned.
Things to do in the months leading up to the baby's arrival:
- Make sure your dog has a basic understanding of good behaviour. Brush up on his training so that he will lie quietly for short periods, won’t jump up, can walk on the lead without pulling and will come when called. This will make both your lives much easier.
- If your dog has any behavioural problems, make sure that these are resolved before your baby arrives. Ask your vet to refer you to a good local animal behaviourist.
- Make sure your dog is healthy and is up to date with his worming tablets and vaccinations.
- If your dog is an ‘only’ pet, it is quite likely he is used to being the ‘baby’ in your family. Help him get used to being less important, by ignoring him and leaving him alone for short periods of time every day with a tasty long-lasting chew.
- If you are planning to keep your dog out of certain rooms or areas of the house once the baby arrives, then start doing this as soon as possible. Ideally, he should not be allowed in the baby’s bedroom.
- Teach your dog to walk calmly next to the pram.
- Bring new items of furniture such as playpens, carry cots and highchairs into the house, so that your dog can get used to them.
- Try to teach your dog the difference between his toys and those that will belong to the baby.
- Try to get a tape recording of baby noises and play it in areas the baby is going to be most often, so that your dog can get used to these different sounds.
- Develop a routine that you intend to follow when the new baby arrives and stick to it, to help your dog cope with the changes in the home.
- Read on for what to do when the baby arrives