1. The Safety Of Your Newborn
As new parents, we try to do everything right. From researching the best car seats, strollers, and even baby shampoo! Training your dog for the upcoming changes that are about to occur should also be on the checklist. Recently, the number of child dog bites has risen, but you can keep your baby safe by learning the warning signs to watch for when your dog is around your baby.
2. To help reduce as much stress as possible.
Until your baby arrives, your dog is probably used to being your “fur baby!” You don’t want them to have unnecessary stress once your baby arrives. Including your pup and giving them new “jobs” will help them to adjust to the new routine. Ensure they are around while you bring in the new baby equipment; show them that they swing, vibrate, and sing! We don’t want the dog to associate the baby with all the changes, so start this right away.
3. Dogs are creatures of habit!
Dogs are used to routines, and their typical day-to-day routines will change drastically once your baby arrives. Start preparing your dog for these changes by setting up who will board your dog during labor. Assign who will walk/exercise your dog the first month after the baby arrives. Create a quiet place your dog can go during the day if you or they need space. If you are free-feeding your dog, switch to schedule feeding. Start limiting their time with you because once the baby is here, they will need to give you some space. Have interactive toys you can give them and use baby gates so they can still see you, but know that quiet alone time is okay.
4. Newborn screams can trigger your dog’s prey drive
Most expecting parents have yet to expose their dog to the cries of a newborn. These cries can be very unsettling to your pup! Newborn cries are supposed to be alarming, so the mom attends to the baby’s needs, but this can be very stressful for your dog. Sometimes, a dog can become stimulated by an infant screaming and moving. Start desensitizing your dog with newborn cries by downloading them to your tablet and playing them randomly throughout the day.
5. We didn’t prepare for this, and now we can’t handle the dog around the baby.
The number 2 reason dogs are surrendered to the shelter is because of a lifestyle change, including having a baby. Rehoming your dog can be prevented with proper training and preparation. These dogs had been part of our families before the baby came. If you don’t properly prepare them, we start isolating the dog from the baby and the family. Separating your dog creates more excitement and frustration for your dog and makes them even more challenging to handle. The best scenario is having your dog experience and adapt to the newborn, crawling, and walking stages. Teach them what their job is throughout these transitions.
Training your dog through the methods in my Dogs to Diapers online video course will strengthen the family bond with the dog.
