How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

How to Prepare Your Dog for the New Baby

So you're going to have a baby! You just received this exciting news, and now you're venturing into major 'mom mode.'

You find yourself grinding your brain to figure out exactly how much you have to prepare for, and what the next steps will be in your life. It was so simple… you, your husband/boyfriend, your house, your job and of course, yourbeloved dog. Things are about to go up a notch, as you introduce a beautiful new baby into your world. But of all the things you need to prepare forhow do you prepare your dog for the new baby?

Amidst everything, it is so important toremember your dog, and how the new baby will affect him.

How do you think he will handle it?

Has he been around children before?

So many things come into play whenintroducing a baby into the world. The decisions you make right now with your dog, will have a huge impact when the baby does come.

You may be wondering what the big deal is, and how exactly having a baby has anything to do with your dog. In reality,it has EVERYTHING to do with your dog. I mean, think about it,right now, your dog has 100% of the attention. Give or take a few for the hubby, the job, etc… but you get the idea. When the baby comes, your dogs whole world will be changing, it may even crash. If the proper steps are not taken, your dog could end upsuffering from anxiety, and jealousy.

How to Prepare Your Dog for the New Baby:

1. First Things First – Training

If you have a few months before the baby is due, that's a great start! Now is a great time, tostart some obedience training with your dog. Basic training commands will simply make your job easier when your dog gets overly excited etc…

2. Take Time to Socialize Your Dog

He needs to know what it's like to experience new smells, new surroundings, new people. Basically,he needs to experience change, and know that it is a positive thing.

3. Has Your Dog Had Experience With Children?

If not, agood place to start may be a playground. Take your dog to a park, sit down on a bench, and let your dog see how children behave. If you have a friend with a child, now would be a good time to introduce the two of them. Monitor them closely, andwatch how your dog reacts to the child.Was he nervous? Was he comfortable?

4. When the Baby Comes, Your Whole Routine Will Change

That means thedogs routine changes as well. Start making those changing before the baby arrives. Consider things like different sleep schedules, waking up through the night, and if dog walking times will be changing, change them now, and help your dog get used to these subtle differences that will soon be a part of his life.

5. Touch Is Super Important

Is your dog used to your touch?

How about when other people touch him?

Help your dog get used to his paws being touched, rub his ears, find out if there are any areas on his body where he is uncomfortable with you touching. When (and if) you discover them, work very slowly with your dog tohelp him feel comfortable with the areas he is currently nervous with.

6. Household Rules Need to Be Taken Into Consideration as Well

Is your dog allowed on your bed? Or your furniture?

Will he still be allowed on the furniture when the baby arrives?

If not, now is the time tostart enforcing those rules, do not wait until the baby arrives.

Among all of these things you are preparing for, one key thing to remember, is that your dog has feelings, and a 'whole lotta' love for you. It is absolutely normal for a new baby to get most of your attention, but you simply cannot forget about your dog. Try your best to keep walking him daily,set aside some time to spend with him - just you and him. If you have a certain time in the day which you play with the dog, try and keep that time. Andas your baby grows, include him in spending time with the dog.Let your child help with small training exercises, and other things like that.It would mean the world to your 4 legged friend.

By taking these steps, and preparing your dog, you are already well on your way to making sure your baby, and your fur-baby will have a wonderful relationship together –a pack, a family.

It is my belief that every child should grow up with pets.What are your thoughts on that? Share with us in the comments!

Jenna Drady

Hi, I'm Jenna Drady AKA HuskyCrazed - author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and of course my 3 huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of my life, I was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, I started doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. I am inspired every day by my family, and love to bring my readers valuable information as well as a little laugh while I'm at it. I created my own business partnered with my lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things.

We currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, we donate a portion of our sales to local shelters throughout Canada.

How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

Source: https://4knines.com/blogs/4knines-blog-home-page/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-the-new-baby

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