How to prepare your furry friend for the baby's arrival.
The arrival of a new member of the household can be a wonderful, if stressful, time. Dogs are typically even more sensitive to changes in routine, smells and sounds. There are a few things you can do to make this process easier for everyone.
Health and safety:
Your furry friend's skin and fur are no more harmful to babies than ordinary dust. Babies who live with pets are less likely to develop allergic reactions. Don't panic if your furry friend licks the baby — the bacteria in a dog's saliva are dog-specific and are unlikely to transfer to humans.
Before the baby arrives (desensitisation):
Wrap a doll in a small blanket with baby products (lotions, talcum powder) and carry it around in your arms in your furry friend's presence. Praise them whenever they don't jump up.
Simulate the sounds of a baby crying (e.g. videos), starting quietly and gradually increasing the volume; reward calm behaviour.
Set aside a spot for your furry friend in the baby's room (a blanket or their bed) and reward them when they're there.
Make any changes to the routine in advance so they don't associate them with the baby's arrival.
Let your furry friend inspect the new things in the house, rewarding calm behaviour; then teach them not to touch the baby's things.
Desensitise them to fast, noisy movements (such as the baby swing), praising their tolerance.
While mum is in hospital:
Check that your furry friend's vaccinations are up to date. Bring home an item of clothing worn by the baby and let your furry friend sniff it; place a blanket already used by the baby under their food bowl, creating a positive association with the scent.
Coming home:
Tire your furry friend out as much as possible that day. Mum should come in first on her own to give the pup some fuss, with dad and the baby entering a few minutes later, keeping the dog on the lead.
With mum sitting with the baby in her arms and the dog on the lead, let them see and sniff the baby, correcting any inappropriate behaviour. Keep the first contact brief and stay as calm as possible.
During this period your furry friend will be more sensitive: keep dirty nappies in closed containers; if they growl, it's their way of communicating that they need a break — take them to another room and give them time.
Give your furry friend the same attention, play and exercise as before — it's important they understand that the routines remain the same.
Your furry friend and the baby:
Never leave your furry friend alone with the baby. Teach them to "drop" toys and bones. When the baby grows up, teach them not to pull ears and tails, to play gently, and never to approach the dog while it's eating or sleeping.
