Beating Baby Blues
Congratulations: you are proud new parents. The little bundle of joy you’re bringing home has transformed your world. But how will the other family members adjust to the new arrival?
While you are absorbed by your newborn, your dog may feel jealous and resentful of the attention you’re giving a new member of the ‘family pack’. Helping your dog to adjust to this change is vital if you want to maintain a happy household.
Naturally, your baby will demand the majority of your time and affection. However, sooner or later you will have to ensure your dog happily accepts his new position in the family group. This can be done smoothly by following these suggestions:
Prenatal Prep
Build up a routine for walking, feeding and playing with your dog. It’s important not to unsettle him by disrupting this routine after the birth.
Make sure your pet is up to date with his jabs and wormer treatments. You’re unlikely to have too much time for such things when the baby comes home.
Buy an indoor kennel or crate so that your pet has a special refuge if the noise and disturbance gets too much for him.
Dog Meets Baby
If your dog is well trained, ask him to sit and wait. Bring the baby over to him and encourage the dog to sniff around the cot. Dogs are inquisitive and your pet will want to smell the baby. Encourage this but don’t allow him to get too close. Repeat this over a few short sessions until he is no longer curious. Make sure there is another adult present who can take take the dog away if he reacts badly.
Reward calm behavior with praise, treats or toys, but don’t admonish the dog for bad behavior - he mustn’t associate the new baby with punishment.
Adjusting to family life
Once you have brought your baby home, it’s important that you keep to your dog’s routine and praise his good behavior around the infant.
Don’t leave your dog alone with the baby. Putting a screen door on your baby’s room is a good idea, as it allows the dog to hear and smell the newcomer without getting too close.