Dogs often act out after a new baby arrives. It’s unclear why. Is he jealous? Or simply annoyed because he’s deprived of the quantity of affection he’s grown accustomed to? You will want to start reducing the attention that you give your dog two to three months prior to the baby’s arrival. This will help the dog accept that he is no longer the centre of your universe.
Baby on the way!
Dogs thrive on repetitive schedules. If you have gone through the same daily routine for your dog’s feeding, exercise, and play times then you need to realize that your new baby is about to turn that schedule upside down. This sudden shift can be alarming to your dog, especially when the new arrival is getting all the attention.
A few weeks before the baby is due, start mixing up the daily routine so your dog begins to adjust.
– If your dog doesn’t know how to sit, stay, lie down, or come when called, get obedience training before baby arrives. If your dog already knows these commands but is unreliable, practice these exercises with the dog until he is reliable.
When you bring the baby home have a nice quiet introduction. Mom should greet the dog without the baby.
– Gradually let the dog get to know baby. Don’t force the relationship and if he isn’t calm, try again at a later stage.
-Don’t exclude the dog. Whenever possible let him be in the same room and stay with you and baby. Under no circumstances allow the dog to be unsupervised near the baby – not even for one minute. He may be a very placid dog and never shown any aggression, but animals can be unpredictable. Don’t take any chances.
– Encourage your pet to be calm around baby, it’s not time to play fetch!
– Ensure your dog has his space away from the baby, where blankets or toys don’t get grabbed.
– Reward good behaviour and quickly address bad behaviour.
– Involve your dog where practical. If taking baby for a walk, don’t forget to take your dog along.
Most dogs adjust to new babies easily and without incident. If you’re aware of your dog’s behaviour, and take precautions to introduce dog and baby to each other gradually, you should be able to avoid any potential incidents.