Professional Tips For Bringing Your New Baby Home To Your Pets

Almost everyone loves new babies. However, sometimes it can be difficult on the family dog when Junior is introduced into the world. The family pet has been considered the family child for so long, until the baby shows up. So, what you do, as a parent, that will help your dog adjust to having a baby in the house?

First, you will want to start slowly, before the baby arrives. Begin acquiring baby-related items, such as blankets, toys, bottles, rattles, monitors, and even baby gates. Lay a baby blanket out in the middle of the floor and place a real-sized baby doll on it. Then, gently and steadily teach your dog to leave the blanket and the ‘baby’ alone. This will keep Fido from sniffing and licking the new baby when they are enjoying playtime on the floor.

Also, sometimes it helps to display various baby toys around the house. This will get your pup accustomed to toys in the home that are not their own. Be sure to take the time to teach your dog that some toys are the baby’s, and some belong to them. Never throw or toss a baby toy onto the couch or across the room; your dog may mistake it for one of theirs.

It is a good idea to teach your dog to be quiet on command. If your dog enjoys yapping or barking, you will need to start early in training your dog to stop barking when you tell him to be quiet. Take the opportunity to teach your dog to hush each time the doorbell rings, each time the mailperson drives by, and each time a friend or family member walks into the house. This way, by the time the baby comes and it is naptime, your dog will be able to remain quiet and not waken the little one.

Jumping can also sometimes be an issue with dogs. Most dogs are incredibly curious creatures, and they enjoy jumping when they see someone new. If you have a baby in your arms, it may be difficult to try to push the dog away as you keep a firm hold on your child.

When you finally get to arrive home from the hospital, be sure to immediately let your dog look at and sniff the baby. If you pass on by, your pup will feel left out, and it may encourage overly curious or possibly even rebellious behavior. If you immediately appease your dog’s curiosity, it will help your pup cope with the new situation.

Though babies are very demanding and require a lot of care, it is important to simply remember your dog. Take the time to pat them, praise them, give them treats, and take them out on walks. If the weather is nice, try taking your dog for a walk with the baby in stroller. It will be a good bonding experience, and your dog will find that you still care about him even though there is another child in the home.