Our dogs can be our babies, especially if this pregnancy will be your first human baby. Like any other sibling, your dog will need time to adjust to the new addition to your family. There are things you can do to prepare your pet for the newborn’s arrival. Start preparing him about a month before your due date to give him time to adjust.
If you have friends or family members with babies, invite them over. This gives your dog a chance to interact with other babies that won’t be staying. It also gives you a chance to see how your pet will react to an infant. If you don’t know anyone with a baby, get a recording of a baby crying. Play the tape or CD at varying levels of volume to get the dog acclimated to the sound of a baby’s cries.
Go out and buy a life size baby doll. Dress the doll in the diapers your baby will wear. Wrap the doll in a receiving blanket. Hold the baby and rock it. Wear the baby doll in the sling or infant carrier you plan to use. Carry it around the house with you. Put the doll in the baby swing and turn it on. This will give your dog a chance to get used to the motion of the swing and seeing you carry a baby.
Spend some time teaching your dog not to jump up on the baby. Reward and praise your pet when he doesn’t jump up. Give the dog the chance to smell and look at the baby without jumping or pawing the baby. This helps him learn the behaviors you want to see when the baby arrives. When he displays the appropriate behavior, reward him with a treat.
If the dog will be banished from your bedroom when the baby arrives, it’s best to do this a few months before your due date. You don’t want the dog to relate his reduced status to the new baby. This can cause resentment and behavior problems later. Start your pet’s new sleeping arrangements in your seventh month. By the time the baby comes, he will be accustomed to the change and the baby won’t be blamed.
When you pet your dog, spend some time touching him the way a baby will eventually touch him. Very gently tug at his tail and ears. Put your finger in his mouth. These are all things a baby will do. It’s better if your dog has felt this before, so he won’t get nervous and react badly. When he stays calm and relaxed during these sessions, reward him with praise and treats.
When you get home from the hospital, greet your pet. Hand the baby to your husband or another family member. Spend some time hugging and petting your dog. Spend some time with him, just as you would with another child.
If your dog becomes closer to your husband or other family member after the birth of your baby, try not to get upset. My husband and I tried for a baby for six years before our daughter was born. During this time, our Black Lab was our baby. She was closest to me. After the baby arrived, she was upset with me and felt replaced, although we did our best to prepare her. Eventually, she got over it, but from that point on, my husband was her favorite.
As much as you trust your pet, never leave him alone with your baby. Dogs get curious and he could jump up or paw and accidentally hurt the baby. With good preparation and forethought, both your human and canine babies will soon become best friends.