So Fido is going to be a big brother?
You're expecting! How wonderful! Now how about that dog of yours, is he ready for baby?
Having a baby is a wonderful time in your life, but there are worries. One of which is how is your family dog going to adjust to the new addition. No doubt Fido will feel a little left out, but will there be any major issues? Assess the situation now so you have plenty of time to help Fido adjust to his new little brother or sister. The following tips will help you understand how you can prepare your dog for the impending arrival.
- Does Fido currently have any bad habits? Does your precious pooch jump on anyone that walks in the door? Has he ever shown any signs of aggression or unfounded fear? If so, you will want to start obedience classes right away. With a helpless infant in the home it is imperative that your dog be able to follow basic commands. Keep plenty of treats on hand to reward him as he starts to follow your commands.
- How much time do you currently spend with your dog? How much time do you expect the new baby to take away from your dog after the big day? Multiply that by 10 and you will see that there is a good chance Fido will feel very left out after the baby's arrival. Implement a schedule you can stick to now. Be realistic in what you can do after the new baby is here. If Fido knows that he can look forward to spending quality time with you on a consistent basis, it will make the adjustment much easier.
- Who is the boss in your house? If Fido is running the show, you are going to want to spend the next nine months reestablishing that relationship. He will not adjust well to the new addition if he thinks of himself as the Alpha of your home.
This will be a big adjustment for everyone, just make sure Fido doesn´t get left out. Start associating with the baby items now. Spend the next 9 months teaching him that he is not allowed near the baby crib or bouncy and that the stroller will be accompanying him on his evening walks. Make sure he knows the basic commands and that you mean what you say.
Keep plenty of treats around to praise Fido for his good behavior. You will also want to keep plenty of fun toys on hand. He will see you and the new baby get a lot of gifts over the next year, make sure he gets a dog friendly gift when you or the baby receive a present.
