Baby is coming! Prepare your dog

Before giving birth, prepare your dog

How to prevent rather than react.

You can prepare your dog for the arrival of a child . Fix small things immediately before baby arrives will help reduce your stress when you return home.

Set your limits

It is important to discuss with your spouse what you will allow the dog to do in the presence of the child. Will the dog be allowed to go into the child's room? Will he be able to play near the child? Settle all these questions before the newborn arrives, this way you will be more consistent from the first moments.

baby's objects

Under no circumstances should the dog be able to put the baby's objects in its mouth or play with its paws. If you give him access to the baby's room, he must not lie on his blankets, chairs, etc.

How to proceed for the baby's objects
Make sure you have time and motivation. The dog must have defecated, eaten and exercised for the day, without being exhausted. Your dog will not necessarily succeed the first time, but tell yourself that each new attempt can become a success.

• Take an object from the child and make your dog sit.
• Make him smell the object without him pushing it with his nose, licking it or putting it in his mouth.
• If he succeeds, reward him with a hug followed by "good dog"
• If he fails, growl and back the dog off. Start again.
• Then repeat the same exercise, but drop the object on the ground next to the animal. Keep a close eye on his reaction. You can include a keycode like "don't touch"
• You can correct the animal by growling or imitating the bite at the throat or flank. Do not push the animal, because it will be more of a game for him.
• You can also stand on top of the item, to show your dog that the item belongs to you.
• Always reward the animal when it succeeds
• Repeat the exercise while walking and without watching the object fall.
• Use the same correction or reward as above.

Stroller

If you're planning on going for a walk with your dog and stroller, I recommend introducing the stroller to the dog before baby arrives. You will be able to focus all your attention on your dog during his education. Certainly, if your dog can't walk properly on a leash, you should fix that first.

If your dog is afraid of the stroller, start by letting it hang around the house so that it becomes part of its environment. Let the animal discover it for itself, there is no rush.
You can start the walk with the help of another person. If the dog shows signs of wariness, your partner can walk across the street with the stroller, then slowly move closer.

Once this step is completed, you can walk with your dog and the stroller. The dog must not be in front of the stroller or behind it. Always keep the leash in your hands. I advise you not to attach it to the stroller to avoid an unfortunate accident. If you have a small dog, get a leash that's long enough so there's no strain on his collar. Regularly encourage the dog by saying "good dog", a caress or a treat.

Arrival home

If during the stay at the hospital, the spouse has the possibility of coming home, I advise you to bring the tuque that your child will have worn in his first moments, so that the dog can smell this new little being before His arrival. A blanket that was used to cover the mother and the baby can be interesting to bring back. Use the technique for children's objects when presenting to the animal.

When you get home, it's a good idea that someone has come to feed your pet, relieve it and walk it before you arrive. He will be much calmer when you return and you can take the time to settle your baby before taking care of your pet.

When you are settled and resting and baby is receptive, you can introduce it to him. I recommend that you put his leash on him, controlling your dog will be easier. The spouse can hold the leash and help you give the appropriate corrections. It is very important to make the animal understand that this child belongs to you and that he is higher in the hierarchy.

How to proceed

• Take your child in your arms.
• Ask your dog to keep a safe distance from you. Create a bubble around you and your child.
• When he is really calm you can invite him to enter your bubble. He will be able to smell your child from a distance, then you can lean in.
• If your dog gets excited ask him to adopt a submissive position either sitting or lying down.
• When your dog is calm, approach or invite him to come. Do not try to prevent your dog from touching your baby. The dog will approach your infant's face first. Without letting him lick your baby, do not push him away, otherwise you will create mistrust in your dog.

breastfeeding

Privileged moment between the mother and her child, the dog must respect this moment. He must keep a good distance and never come to intervene during this moment. Dogs tend to be curious or jealous and want to approach. The help of the spouse will be greatly appreciated, since the mother will not be able to correct the animal as needed. The dog should not be on the same chair or bed as the mother and her child.

The risks

Many are the awful stories that have been heard about animals and babies. But be aware that the risks of bites in infants are extremely rare. If your animal has received a good education and you have prepared it for the arrival of the child, the risks are reduced. There are a few basic rules to remember. NEVER leave a child ALONE with a dog . Know that children are not able to understand the language of dogs. So it's up to you to monitor your pet's reactions and intervene. You will still have to show your child that he must respect other species.

The risk of your baby being allergic to animals is very small. If your child develops symptoms, they will appear around 1 to 2 years of age. Sweeping regularly and cleaning baby items will be enough for now. The greatest risk for infants are parasites in dogs. Make sure your pet has received all its vaccines and has been properly dewormed. Pick up excrement as you go on the ground and wash your hands well.

To conclude, take the time to properly prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby. Work closely with your spouse, never leave a dog unattended with a child, and don't be shy about asking knowledgeable people if something worries you.

Good luck and congratulations on expanding your family!