A New Baby Coming? Time To Get Your Dog Ready!
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After welcoming a baby in to the world you are probably concerned about how your dog is going to react to him or her. Many people surrender their pets to shelters because of exhibited jealousy from their dog after a new baby's arrival and fear of the infant being harmed by the animal. Yet many families have been successful in introducing their dogs to the new baby.
Just as with any other training practice you introduce to your dog, it will take time, patience and care to make sure the welcome is perfect. You must make sure that your dog acts appropriately around the baby which means you have to prepare the dog as much as possible in advance.
Preparing your dog: Preparing your dog for the baby's arrival in advance is one of the best ways to help avoid friction and jealousy between your baby and your dog. Your dog is used to your attention and pampering, some jealousy will naturally surface when your new baby becomes the center of attention. Taking some precautions, a few minutes of quality time and some extra treats can go a long way! Be sure to:
* Take your dog to your local Veterinarian for a complete checkup a few months before the baby arrives. Worms and parasites can be harmful to your baby so be sure to worm your dog before the baby arrives and at the normal intervals to keep on top of this problem. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this is also the time to get it done.
* Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.
* Let your dog become familiar with the babies new surroundings. Introduce him to the babies room and objects in the room. Let him smell things the baby will be using such as powders and lotions. If possible, have someone bring home something the baby wore in the hospital home and introduce it to your dog. As we know,dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell.
* Get your dog used to baby related sounds as well, such as the infant swing, rocking chairs or rattles. Another good idea is to play recordings of baby noises, yes, they actually sell these, or make a recording of a friends baby. When you introduce your dog to these sounds, have him associate them with pleasurable things by giving them love and treats.
* Do not allow your dog to sleep on the baby's furniture or play with the baby's toys. Your dog should know that the furniture is not for him or her and should treat it as such. Provide toys for the dog that do not resemble baby toys. A dog may take the toy from the baby's hand and unintentionally injure the infant.
* If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your dog to see and hear what's happening in the room, your dog will feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.
* Get yourself a pretend baby until the real one comes. Carry the doll around like you would a baby, go for walks with the dog and stroller, and pretend to change and bathe the dog. This will get him used to the daily baby routines.
* Both you and your dog need to always know who is boss. Remember you are the alpha dog and never let your pup think otherwise. Always be vigilant around the baby and dog and always reprimand the dog when he shows any form of jealousy.
The next thing you have to prepare for is the actual first meeting of pup and baby which I'll cover in another article. Stay tuned or sign up for my pet tips and tricks e-newsletter found on my website.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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