When there’s a new baby at home, there will be changes for your dog to adjust to. From new smells and sounds to perhaps differences in routine, things might be different.
But fortunately, dogs can adapt to new babies, and you can help them do so by following some simple steps. You never know, maybe they’ll even be able to help out…
Be Proactive
The more you can do before the baby arrives, the better.
If you’ve been putting off teaching your pup those all-importance obedience skills, there’s no better time to start than while you’re waiting for the new baby. Likewise, begin introducing your dog to the new smells and sounds they’re likely to experience when the baby arrives, associating them with rewards so they’ll learn to view the baby as a positive.
A month or two before the baby arrives, consider the changes you might be likely to make to your dog’s routine, and begin putting the changes in place in advance.
Teach New Skills
If your dog doesn’t know these skills already, it’s worth teaching them as it’ll make things safer when the baby arrives.
Teach your dog to greet people politely, and without jumping. Whereas a jumping dog might have been slightly annoying before, they could be dangerous if you’re holding an infant. At the same time, if any older or more frail relatives visit to meet the baby, you can help keep them safe too.
It’s also worth training your pup to drop and leave things alone, so they don’t get into or ruin the baby’s things. And training your dog to sit, stay, and lie down can help make life easier if you’re holding the baby and they’re sleeping or feeding, for example.
Set Up Baby Equipment Beforehand
Don’t wait until the baby’s here to set up everything for the house. Get your dog used to seeing items like highchairs, playpens and toys around the house.
Then, let them inspect, explore and sniff them at their own pace. And when you bring in something new, try to build positive associations by giving your dog treats or rewards.
Practice Carrying a ‘Baby’
Carry around and interact with a lifelike baby doll so that your dog gets used to seeing you with an infant in the home. So, if your pup jumps up make sure not to give them attention, but do reward them for keeping their paws on the ground.
Consider dropping treats on the ground whenever you pick up the doll so that the dog begins to put their nose to the floor automatically when he sees the doll.
Put Safety First
Common sense and basic safety go a long way to making sure your dog and your new baby can co-exist peacefully. Whenever the dog and baby are together, make sure there’s somebody responsible around, and don’t leave them unsupervised.
It’s best for the dog to have a space in the house where they can go if they don’t want to be around the baby, or otherwise want to be alone.
