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Tips To Get The Family Dog Ready For A New Arrival

There’s so much to do to get ready for a new baby, making sure the family dog is well prepared might seem like an item to go on the bottom of the list. Between getting the nursery well stocked and picking out the right clothes to bring the little one home in, a dog can get lost in the shuffle. That can be a very big mistake.

While you see the new arrival as a bundle of joy, your dog might view the baby as competition for affection, a distraction and perhaps even an annoyance. There are things expectant parents can do, however, to help ease the transition and ensure the first baby, the furry one, is ready for some company at home. They include:

Before the baby is even born, try to get your dog used to the sounds of crying, the loud screams that might result and so on. Tapes can be made or even purchased to achieve this. The more used to the sounds a dog is, the less likely it is they will become annoyed, agitated or even scared.
Bring your dog around kids. If your dog has never been around children before, remedy that. It doesn’t hurt to invite friends with children over to see how the animal will react.
Consider obedience training if the first baby happens to be a little exuberant with jumping, pawing or other behaviors that will be undesirable once the baby arrives. Jumping behavior might be cute now, but it won’t be with a newborn in your arms.
Try to set a schedule for you dog that can be kept once the baby arrives. Even though your attention will be pulled in a new, and very important direction, it’s important to make sure there’s still a little time left for the dog. Take a walk every day with him or her, sit out on the back porch and throw a ball or just enjoy a little scratching behind the ear each time every night. Continue this routine once the baby arrives.

After the baby arrives, things will be even more hectic. It is now even more important that you take steps to make sure baby and the family dog get along well. When you bring the newborn home:

Don’t force the dog “meet” the baby unless he or she is ready. When it’s time, your dog will let you know by wanting to sniff the little one and see what she’s all about. Most dogs are very gentle about this. If yours isn’t, consider more training.
Keep that routine going. This is one of the best ways to make sure a dog still feels secure and at home. Try to keep feedings, play time and other normal activities on schedule when at all possible.
Keep the baby’s door closed. Even if you have the best dog in the world, it’s never a good idea to leave a newborn and dog in the same room alone. To avoid this, don’t forget to close the nursery door at naptime and bedtime.

Most family dogs respond very well to the introduction of a new baby into a home. With time, patience and perhaps a little training, a smooth transition can take place.

By Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - The top source for orthopedic dog beds and treat jars