Introducing Your Pooch to Your New Baby

Your pup will forever be your baby, but he may need to come to terms with an actual baby. It's tough enough to teach human siblings to accept such a major change in their lives; getting your canine to welcome a new baby requires patience and foresight. Taking the time to make your dog feel at ease will ensure a happy home life for you, your pet, and your new baby.

Start Early

As soon as you find out about the baby, start changing how you interact with your current "baby." It will break your heart a little to do this, but try to reduce the acknowledgment you give your dog. Of course you won't neglect him, but you must remind him that you are the pack leader. He can't command your attention by pawing or barking. Breaking him of such habits now means he won't associate the new baby with reduced attention.

If you have a separate room for a nursery and choose to keep your dog from the room, bar him from it early so he'll become used to it as an off-limits place. If you prefer to accustom your dog to the baby's room, make a place for him to lie down and praise him effusively for using it. Teach him which place is his and which is the baby's; otherwise, you may one day find a toddler in the dog bed and a sheepish-looking hound in the crib.

Give Him Exposure

Babies make a fuss sometimes, and dogs who are unused to infants may wonder why you're cuddling a fire alarm. Shouldn't you be barking as he is? Acclimate him to babies. Ask relatives or friends with babies to visit. Take your dog to the park and praise him for behaving well around children. If he acts agitated, calmly remove him from the area rather than give him negative feedback. He should associate children only with positive events.

Babies grow into toddlers, and toddlers invariably grab whatever is at hand. Sometimes that may be your poor pooch. Get him used to toddler behavior by giving him a few childlike pats and pulls as you give him a treat. Step up the treatment slowly. By the time your new baby becomes a toddler, he'll be used to anything.

The Big Day

Dogs experience the world through their noses. Arrange for a piece of the baby's clothing to be brought home from hospital before the baby herself. Let him sniff to his heart's content and praise him for being calm. When the baby comes home, greet your dog normally. The more naturally you behave, the more relaxed he'll stay.

Most dogs recognise the new little person as "pack," but they still need time to adjust to the changed family. Be patient and keep all interactions involving him and the baby positive. If he becomes agitated near the baby, separate them calmly and try again later. He'll reward your patience by becoming a loving friend and protector to your child.