Preparing your dog for the new baby: Begin Early (Prenatal)

Jennifer Shryock, dog behavior consultant and mother of four, offers practical tips and clearly explains how and why preparing before your baby arrives helps everyone make a smoother transition.  Here are a few things that you can do with your dog before your baby arrives.

• Start as early as possible.  Waiting until the third trimester won’t give you and your dog the time needed to make a smooth and safe transition.
• Firm up obedience.  Your dog will experience stress while adjusting to the baby.  Teaching and/or reminding your dog how to behave will help him know what to do when feeling stress and help to keep him calm. 
• Create a list of your dog’s preferred locations during new routines.  Diapers peak a dogs interest, so be sure to establish a routine in which your dog sits or lies down while you are diapering.  Also think ahead about what you want your dog to be doing while you are feeding; when the baby is sleeping, crying, or playing on the floor; or when guests come to visit.  Remember to share this list with anyone else who will be caring for your baby when the dog is present.

Shryock also has several great suggestions for preparing your dog for the many sensory changes that will occur while you are expecting and when your baby comes home.

• Hold a doll while practicing commands.  Keep in mind that you are not tricking your dog into thinking that you already have a baby.  Rather by holding a doll, you are getting your dog accustom to the change that will occur in your posture (both moms and dads).  While you are holding the doll, train your dog how to act while you are both standing and sitting.  (A stuffed animal works too.) This will also help you to learn how your dog responds to your commands when your hands are occupied.
• Introduce baby sounds.  You can purchase an excellent sound recording of newborn sounds for the purpose of training your dog. Try Sounds Good CD - Babies by Terry Ryan at www.dogwise.com. Dogs can react to the crying in different ways, such as showing interest, barking, or hiding, so think about what you want your dog to be doing when your baby cries and train him to do so.  Again, your dog will want to know what to do when feeling stressed.
• Pair scents.  To create a positive association to your baby using scent, pick a scent like baby lotion or almond oil and put a dab on all the baby items as they come into your home.  Then when you bring your baby home, put some of the same scent on your newborn’s clothing.

For a more detailed discussion of how to prepare your dog for your baby’s arrival, go to Jen Shryock’s website www.dogsandstorks.com.  The site will also help you locate a Dogs & Storks face-to-face course in your area.

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