Ten Tips to prepare your dog for a new baby.

As you’re busy preparing to welcome your new baby into your family, don’t forget to consider how your furry family member may react to the new baby and what you can do for the smoothest transition into your new family life.

Before baby arrives

1 Get your dog used to the sounds new babies make.

There are apps of baby sounds (babies crying and laughing) you can download to get your dog used to these sounds. Give your dog heaps of attention and treats while playing these sounds to help condition them to view them positively.

2. Vary your dog’s daily routines

As dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routines, it’s a good idea to start varying their daily routines a couple of months before you’re due. 
Start mixing up the times and who takes them for their daily walks and if you’re feeling really game I’ve heard it even pays to practice taking them for a walk while pushing the (empty) baby pram. This way, you can train them not to pull on the leash and will make getting out of the house for a daily walk way less stressful once your newborn has arrived.

3. Dog Obedience Training

Establishing/re-establishing and reinforcing some basic dog training commands such as “sit” and “stay” will make nursing your baby less stressful. Train them to know they can only sit on the couch if they’re invited; this way you’ll be able to breastfeed/feed in peace.  Commands such as “leave it” or “drop it” will be invaluable in teaching your dog to leave the baby’s toys and things alone.

4. Dog- free zones

If you’re wanting the nursery/your bedroom to be off-limits to your dog while your baby is little establish the dog-free zones within the house prior to the baby’s arrival.  This way, your dog won’t associate being excluded and be jealous of the baby’s arrival.

5. Get your dog used to all the new baby gadgets and things

With a new baby comes a truck load of new things – prams, cots, bouncers, baby baths, gadgets.  Have practice runs using the equipment – fill up the baby bath, nurse a doll, push the pram around and encourage your dog to get up close and personal with all the things and have a good sniff to get used to them.

6. Dog-friendly Zones

Create a ‘safe zone’ for your dog to retreat to when the going gets tough, and they need some time away from the baby.   Set aside a warm area of the house that is just for the dog, somewhere they know they will be able to go to escape the chaos and noise whenever they need to.

7. Build independence

Resist the temptation to lavish your dog with extra attention in the final few weeks before your baby arrives.

Once baby arrives

8. Prepare for the new smells

Your dog is going to be bombarded with a whole realm of new smells (good and bad) when bubs arrives. As smell is a dog’s most sensitive sense, this can be overwhelming, so gradually getting your dog used to all the new baby things is a great help. Start to use baby lotions, powders, creams on yourself in the lead up to your newborn’s arrival, so the dog starts associating them with a familiar person.

9. Introduce your newborn’s scent first

After baby arrives send home a blanket/swaddle/wrap/outfit with your brand new baby’s scent on it for your dog to sniff to allow them to get used to the new smell before you bring baby home from the hospital.

10. Bringing baby home

No doubt your dog will be super excited to see you once you return from a couple of days in the hospital. Go in separately so the dog can ‘express’ their usual excitement (jump all over you) then perhaps put them on a leash to greet the baby for the first time. When you bring in the baby, greet your dog normally, show them bubs and let them have a sniff before plying them with some of their favourite treats.

And lastly bring your dog along to your newborn photoshoot – I love including fur babies in your newborn photos, get in touch to discuss how we can incorporate your precious pup in your photoshoot – its not as stressful as you may think!